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Housing for All: For-profit and Nonprofit Developer Perspectives

Real Estate developers play a key role in determining how our land is used and what gets built in Brookline. Whether driven by profit motives, a mission, or some combination of the two, developers understand the economic factors that make development possible and the roadblocks that increase costs and limit housing production. Their success depends on aligning their own goals with the values of the communities that they serve.

In this forum, two accomplished developers, Zeina Talje and Amy Schectman, describe the hurdles they face as they plan and build multifamily homes, from project conception, permitting, and financing, to welcoming new neighbors.

Moderated by Cathleen Cavell and brought to you by Yes in Brookline and Brookline Interactive Group.

The Safety Net – William P. O’Donnell

Host Susan Howards interviews State Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell in a special episode of The Safety Net. William explains what the registry of deeds does, beyond keeping reliable records of titles, appeals, and other important documents since 1793. He goes through some of the laws protecting people and their homes and gives steps you can take to make sure you’re protected from fraud when, for example, selling your home. For help with your own titles, you can explore the website at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/ or contact the customer service center at 781-461-6101.

Brookline Library’s Automated Materials Handling System Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Automated Materials Handling System took place on August 23rd 2024 at the Brookline Village Public Library. It’s a super cool machine that sorts books and media items based on RFID tags and slots them correctly into carts and bins based on their type. This allows the library to more efficiently check-in and shelve materials so that their patrons receive better service and their staff members have more time to focus on completing other priority tasks, directly serving patrons, and providing excellent programming.

SPOA Housing Policy Series, Episode 9: Candidate Interview with Mark Tashjian

From the Small Property Owners Association, check out this candidate interview featuring Mark Tashjian.
Mr. Mark Tashjian is an entrepreneur and housing provider running for state representative in the 2nd Essex District of Massachusetts. He shares his views about housing policy, including the proposals that passed and failed this legislative session.

Topics include rent control, tenant right of first refusal (also known as Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, or TOPA), tenant credit check restrictions, eviction sealing, transfer taxes, Mayor Wu’s commercial tax hike proposal, and the approval for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.

(As an organization, the Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) does not endorse political candidates. Therefore, this conversation is not an endorsement of Mr. Tashjian’s candidacy by SPOA. However, SPOA extends an open invitation to all candidates to share their views about housing. We bring this information to you for educational purposes, but it is up to you, the voters, to decide the merits of the candidates’ positions.)