FAQs
Am I Pro Development?
1
I support growth and development but I believe it must be done correctly, with careful thought and consideration. The word ‘development’ can evoke images of high rise, modern buildings completely void of charm and character and that is a stigma I would like to change. Development and growth can be accomplished in ways that align with our Town’s values and will provide so much to our current residents and future neighbors. New development should mean creating not only more housing, but diverse housing for people in all stages of life, whether just starting out or just settling into retirement, across market rate, workforce and affordable units. New development will attract new business coming to Town to enhance the everyday lives of the residents and visitors. New development also generates tax dollars, both in residential and commercial bases, that help fund programs that are essential to Winchester’s schools, Public Safety and Services, Infrastructure, Historical Preservation and Green Spaces. I am ‘pro development’ because I believe that when done correctly, it enhances the community as a whole.
Will I Protect the Historic Character of our Town?
2
Absolutely! I personally have always loved historic homes, the quirky details and the process of restoring not just rebuilding. My husband and I renovated our 1800s Winchester home prior to our arrival to Town and more recently restored the Howe Mansion in Nahant.
The charm of Winchester’s downtown is one of the reasons I have always been so fond of Winchester. I believe that feeling of quintessential New England should be preserved and honored, not only in the downtown area but also in the aesthetic of the neighborhoods throughout Town. I do believe that historical preservation and growth can be accomplished together and that protecting one does not need to be at the expense of the other. I believe the design of any building, whether single family homes, mixed used commercial and residential buildings, or even industrial, is what is essential to maintaining the charm of Winchester.
How Do You Achieve Balance between Development, Quality and Design?
3
One key way to help achieve balance is to make sure that our bylaws are clear to both residents and future developers. Clear, stable and consistent rules communicate what the Town wants and allow developers to feel confident in bringing forth proposals that align with the our goals. A revision to our Zoning Bylaw will make Winchester more of a magnet for the type of quality development that aligns with our goals.
We need to remove ambiguity from the zoning bylaws as a whole, but especially as it pertains to design to ensure the projects that are coming across the Planning Board table are in line with the overall aesthetic and architectural character the Town wants to maintain.
We also need to implement a robust design review process. I believe this should include professional guidance from a preservation and architectural standpoint to complement the advice provided by the Design Review Committee and Historical Commission.