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SPOA Housing Policy, Episode 14 – Broker Fees in the Balance

The discussion centers on the latest push in government to exempt tenants from paying mandatory broker fees, in order to offset too many upfront costs when renting an apartment. However, what negative impact could this have on property owners, especially small business owners, who pay either all or part of these broker fees already at least 30 percent of the time? Is there a better way to solve this issue through cooperative cost sharing and flexible payment plans without government intervention?

Furthermore, how could this negatively impact the hard-working people in the brokerage industry, and why are brokers inexplicably absent in presenting solutions and advocating for themselves?

A panel of real estate experts weigh in on this and other threats to the real estate industry and the construction of much needed housing, including affordable housing, in Massachusetts.

We hear from Demetrios Salpoglou (CEO, Boston Pads), Joe DiGangi (Owner, D2 Development LLC), and Phillip Bakalchuk (Owner, COPA Real Estate Investments).

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 – Felina Silver

Representative Tommy Vitolo continues the 2025 election series with Felina Silver, candidate for Library Trustee.

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Elect… for more election information.

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 – Batia Bloomenthal

Representative Tommy Vitolo continues the 2025 election series with Batia Bloomenthal, candidate for Library Trustee.

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Elect… for more election information.

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 – Judith Vanderkay

Representative Tommy Vitolo continues the 2025 election series with Judith Vanderkay, candidate for Library Trustee.

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Elect… for more election information.

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 -Joey Elasmar

Representative Tommy Vitolo continues the 2025 election series with Joey Elasmar, candidate for Library Trustee.

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Elect… for more election information.

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 – Michael Burstein

Representative Tommy Vitolo continues the 2025 election series with Michael Burstein, candidate for Library Trustee.

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Elect… for more election information.

Kids These Days

Brookline’s only middle school late night variety show, brought to you by Brookline Interactive Group! To sign up for digital media classes at BIG, visit https://brooklineinteractive.org/classes/

TV on TV Candidates Series 2025 – Liz Linder

Representative Tommy Vitolo closes his 2025 Select Board Candidate interviews with Liz Linder, Town Meeting member, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee member, and local business owner. Liz Linder has a passion for photography and via her business has worked locally with Brookline’s Housing Authority, Community Foundation, parks and forestry and, nationally and internationally, with health, education, and other sectors. Tommy and Liz discuss her plans for Brookline, including how she would approach managing its growing business and mixed use districts.

To learn more about Liz Linder’s campaign, visit https://www.lizlinder4brookline.org/

Brookline residents must register to vote by April 26th 2025, ahead of election day on May 6th. Visit https://www.brooklinema.gov/138/Election-Information for more election information.