How To Make 'Brookline For Everyone'? New Nonprofit Asks

BROOKLINE, MA — In an effort to begin to tackle the question of how to better advocate for affordable housing policies, a new grassroots organization called "Brookline for Everyone" has popped up in Brookline. Dozens gathered at Hops N' Scotch in Coolidge Corner for the launch recently.

"The greatest challenge ahead isn’t the policy side, but building the political will to implement changes in our town," said the new nonprofit organization's founder Amanda Zimmerman.

Increasing rents and cost of housing isn’t unique to Brookline or the Boston area, but rising rents and home prices are forcing neighbors and town employees to move outside of Brookline. In turn, it puts more cars on roads, exacerbating environmental issues.

With that in mind, eight Brookline activists formed the nonprofit to advocate for housing policies that promote economic diversity, racial inclusion and environmental sustainability, according to a release.

"For Brookline to succeed in the future and to live up to the progressive identity we claim, we must ensure a socially just, environmentally sustainable, vibrant, and accessible community for everyone," reads the group's website.

Dozens of activists and neighbors, including several local politicians, gathered last week at Hops N’ Scotch in Coolidge Corner for the launch of the nonprofit.

"For those of us who define ‘neighborhood character’ by the people who live in it, our housing problems are destroying our neighborhoods," said Zimmerman, who is also Brookline for Everyone’s president.

The nonprofit had those gathered consider the viability of re-legalizing multi-family zoning, eliminating parking minimums for new residential construction, and incentivizing affordable housing in Brookline at the event.

"It was great to see so many neighbors excited to dig into the details of these policies. We got a lot of great feedback," Board Member of Brookline for Everyone and transportation expert Lee Biernbaum said in a statement.

The organization's next meeting is open to the public and will be at 7:30 p.m. in the community room at the Brookline Police Station on February 11.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).