ICYMI: Letter-To-The-Editor: 'We Have a Real Affordable Housing Problem in Winchester'

Dear Editor:

We have a real Chapter 40B - affordable housing - problem in Winchester. Developers are overriding the wishes of neighborhoods and town zoning by-laws because of this outdated state law that requires review and amendment. While there is a need to provide affordable housing for families in Massachusetts, the impact on services, such as sewers, water quality, schools and traffic patterns could have a significant impact on the community and its already stressed budget. If we are to preserve our community, this law needs to be fixed ASAP. Unfortunately, our incumbent State Rep. Michael Day has done nothing to address this situation. In fact, he has not spoken on the House floor on any issue during his 18 month tenure.

We need a proactive legislator. Caroline Colarusso, a member of the Stoneham Board of Selectmen, has been acting on the 40B situation. She understands the issue and supports amending the law to reduce the burden it places on cities and towns. She has been proactively fighting to help save Stoneham from inappropriate development. This is the kind of leadership we need representing Winchester as State Representative in the State House.

Kathryn O. Valone
Olde Lyme Rd.
Winchester