On January 14, 2021, some of the most sweeping zoning reforms in forty years in Massachusetts were signed into law as part of house bill H.5250, “An Act enabling partnerships for growth.”   Please join the League of Women Voters First Friday Forum, March 5, 2021 at 9:30 AM (a virtual presentation) for our program, “What does it mean that Lexington is called an ‘MBTA Community’ as we try to understand the implications of this wide-ranging legislation.

The program will begin with a presentation by Eric Shupin, Director of Public Policy, CHAPA (Citizens Housing and Planning Association). Eric is responsible for directing CHAPA’s affordable housing advocacy agenda and policy team.  He will be followed by Chris Kluchman, FAICP, Deputy Director, Community Services Division, Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  A former Lexington resident, Chris and her family now live in Acton. Elizabeth Valenta, Housing Specialist, RHSO (Regional Housing Services Office) and Amanda Loomis, Planning Director, Lexington, will discuss the local impacts of the legislation.

 With their broad base of experience, the panelists will help us understand the underpinnings of the advocacy for these zoning changes, how the Town and the State can work together to achieve housing goals, and how we can use these tools in planning for the future of our community.