What we can learn from each other (and maybe some "experts" too)?

[Todd Kaplan]

All,

I’ve been following the exchanges on this list and appreciate the many thoughtful opinions being shared. However, many of us are not experts, and much of what we express reflects personal preferences rather than research-based analysis.

What’s missing—often even at the City Council level—is objective research and informed scholarship. This is surprising given that we live in one of the most resource-rich areas in the world when it comes to planning and development expertise.

Currently, developers present projects, and we (along with City Council and the Planning Board) tend to react without the benefit of deep analysis. This is not a criticism of Planning staff, but the reality is that they are often outmatched by developers who provide detailed reports supporting their own perspective.

I’d like to propose that we organize a forum featuring experts from the nonprofit development sector (e.g., SCC, Just-A-Start), academic planners, and even pro-development voices (or an academic aligned with the YIMBY perspective). The goal would be a moderated discussion on how a large development in Davis Square might impact the neighborhood’s fabric, culture, demographics, and long-term economic health—both for the Square and the City.

For once, let’s have an informed conversation rather than just opinions. Any interest?

I’m not an expert, but I’m happy to work with others to make this happen. As Mayor Jake recently said (paraphrasing), he wants to hear from the community on Davis Square—but let’s make sure that voice is informed, not just reactive.

Todd Kaplan

todds...@gmail.com

[Emma Stellman]

Thank you, Todd - a call for objective research, informed scholarship, and hearing directly from experts in these fields is greatly needed. 

Todd makes an important point that the information we receive from developers is influenced by the nature of the prospective partnerships. Hopefully we can corroborate their information, but before we take the information presented as fact or that there are no alternatives, it is incumbent on us to do our due diligence. 

I would be happy to participate in identifying experts who can help us become more informed.

Best,

Emma Stellman

Wallace Street

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[David]

I think that's a great idea! It would be good to hear from objective third parties about some of the things we hear from developers. Eg: building costs, minimum size for financial viability, etc. It would be a chance to ask questions of someone who knows what they're talking about but doesn't have a vested interest in the answers going a certain way.

Best

David Tatarakis

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[Jeff Byrnes]

Love this, Todd.

I’d be happy to connect to various folks who can elaborate on the academic research around development, housing, and increased density. We’ve a number of experts locally we can tap into, some of whom I know personally, others I can reach out to via Abundant Housing MA.

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Jeff Byrnes
he/him

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[Zoe Fahy]

Hello Todd, 

I'm reaching out to express interest in helping to organize this panel discussion; I think it's a great idea. I'm in the first year of my Masters in City Planning at MIT and would be happy to reach out to faculty and staff here to gauge their interest in participating. 

Let me know if you'd like to connect some time this week. My schedule is relatively flexible for the next two weeks before the Spring semester begins.

Best, 

Zoë 

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