Making the connection between sustainable transportation & land use

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Lydia Hausle

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Oct 27, 2023, 10:35:29 AM10/27/23
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Hi all-

So nice to see some of you this morning! Several years ago, one of the topics we discussed at a meeting was how Dot Bike as an organization can focus not only on biking, but also tackling the relationship between sustainable modes of transportation and land use. In this spirit and since there has been a bit of activity on the listserv as of late, I wanted to share info about an upcoming meeting on monday 10/30 at 6PM (virtual) about citywide rezoning, which is an important tool for addressing our housing crisis. Full disclosure, I also work for the city department putting on this meeting.

At its core, zoning is a set of laws that dictates what land uses (for example, a barber shop or a house or a car repair shop) and how many square feet can be built on any given parcel. Because Boston is a centuries-old city and zoning was only adopted as a tool in the 1900s, the existing zoning code does not reflect Boston’s built environment. In fact, the existing zoning code has made it illegal to build the types of buildings that are already found throughout much of Boston. Not only does this make it difficult and costly to build new buildings that match what already exists, it makes it similarly difficult and costly to complete repairs, renovations, or expansions on existing buildings that do not conform with the existing zoning code. 

Boston is starting to tackle this issue, and is starting by focusing on transit-accessible squares and main streets of which Dorchester has many. If you're interested and able to attend, the details of the meeting can be found below. 


Hope everyone has a great friday,
Lydia

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Vivian Ortiz

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Oct 27, 2023, 1:23:56 PM10/27/23
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Thank you so much for this message. I have Monday's meeting on my calendar and hope I'll be able to make it!

Wonderful to see you were on the ride this morning.

vivian

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Vivian Ortiz (she/ella)
That Bike Lady
People's Bike Mayor of Boston: https://bycs.org/vivian-ortiz/
Mattapan, MA

Michael Prokosch

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Oct 27, 2023, 1:32:32 PM10/27/23
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Yes, thank you, Lydia!
Mike

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