Justin S.

Justin S.

@jsaif.bsky.social

Indie rock, #CambMA and national politics, occasional humor, law. Pro-housing, pro-transit. A Better Cambridge co-chair, “chatty and zealous”

1K followers578 following207 posts

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Just when you think you’ve seen exclusionary #CambridgeMA NIMBYs pull every trick in the book to block housing…

John Hawkinson@johnhawkinson.bsky.social

Remember this sidebar as to 90 Lexington in #cambma, appeal of the building permit by abutters (a very rare event!)? Set for hearing tomorrow night.

Justin S. reposted

Emma the Sewer Socialist
@mayorseidel.bsky.social

This is extremely funny because left-NIMBYs have been spending a decade doing cope about being on the same side as people like this guy on housing. It’s about boomers pulling up the ladder and it always has been.

Sam@samd.bsky.social

update: wild moment in the NY governor debate where Hochul says she wishes she pushed even harder on YIMBY policies… meanwhile, Blakeman literally *brags* about how his NIMBY policies have made housing so expensive

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

#CambridgeMA

Sam@samd.bsky.social

average socialist mayor: parking mandates are an unfair burden on homebuilders that prevents private market housing construction average urban conservative: I want as much red tape blocking housing as possible because tall buildings hurt my feelings

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

This is why the housing shortage in MA matters so much! Tell your state rep and senator to pass duplexes in the Econ Dev bill! drive.google.com/file/d/1-XQK...

drive.google.comMake The Call Script & More (1).pdf
Metropolitan Abundance Project@metroabundance.bsky.social

New research from @pewresearch.org: a 20% rent drop (what Austin and Minneapolis achieved through zoning reform) would reduce poverty by up to 26% and child poverty by up to 38%. Housing supply is an anti-poverty policy. www.pew.org/en/research-...

pew.orgThe Housing Shortage Is a Major Driver of PovertyHousing costs are usually the largest item in a household’s budget and can determine a family’s financial stability.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Sounds just like Cambridge, MA NextDoor! Although many are happy to publicly tell renters (referred to derogatorily as “transients”) exactly what they think of them.

Alessandro Rigolon@alerigolon.bsky.social

I made the mistake of checking Salt Lake City’s housing debates on NextDoor. Instantly regretted it. I wish these people had the courage to say the same stuff to the planning commission or city council

Justin S. reposted

Laura
@3deckerlaura.bsky.social

Counterargument: tying housing to particular employment is bad on both a logistical level (what if someone wants to quit their job?) and a moral one (who gets to decide that cops and teachers are the most favored professions?)

Cambridge Somerville Independent@csindie.bsky.social

Alexandria’s land swap should come with teacher and public safety homes, a bus stop and open space

dlvr.itAlexandria’s land swap should come with teacher and public safety homes, a bus stop and open spaceFrom the East Cambridge Planning Team The East Cambridge Planning Team, Linden Park Association and the Trustees of the East Cambridge Open Space Trust have reviewed with representatives of the Alexandria Real Estate Investment Trust their petition to donate property at 161 First St. to the Beacon... The post Alexandria’s land swap should come with teacher and public safety homes, a bus stop and open space appeared first on Cambridge | Somerville Independent.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Ah yes, I’m sure billionaires will be fighting each other tooth and nail to rent these “luxury” apartments in Lancaster, PA. I can’t stand the constant misuse of the term luxury to refer to normal new apartments.

Harrisburg & Central PA Local News@hbgpalocalnews.bsky.social

Rapho Township began conditional-use hearings for Chiques Crossing, a proposed 343-unit luxury apartment complex. The developer seeks zoning modifications for building size, while local officials and residents raise concerns over density and environmental standards.

lancasteronline.comRapho Township opens conditional-use hearing for Chiques Crossing multi-family luxury apartmentsWhen: Rapho Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Aug. 6. What happened: Over two dozen residents of Rapho Township and Mount Joy Borough attended the first of several meetings for the conditional use hearing of a 343-unit luxury apartment complex known as Chiques Crossing proposed by Lancaster-based Vistablock LLC. No community members individually addressed the board, though attorneys spoke on behalf of a group of Rapho residents and Mount Joy Borough Council. Location: The 25.31-acre property, zoned for residential use, is along Mount Joy Road (Route 772). Most of the acreage is in Rapho Township, with 1.5 acres in the borough and nearly an acre in Mount Joy Township. The property borders the Little Chiques Creek, and its southern end adjoins a portion of Little Chiques Park in the borough. Why it matters: A hearing before the board of supervisors is required because the development would utilize the open space design overlay — a zoning designation where multi-family residential developments are allowed while natural resources are protected. Quotable: “What attracted me to this property was its zoning and location,” Brandon Conrad, Vistablock CEO said. Concerns: Josele Cleary, an attorney representing Mount Joy Borough, and Mel Newcomer, an attorney representing a group of residents, questioned Vistablock’s rationale for the modification requests, the standards used to calculate density, and whether the proposal meets the township’s standards for the open space design overlay. Nonprofit local news isn't free! It takes reporters, editors, and resources to do this work right. Your donation keeps that work alive. MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY Background: Vistablock first proposed developing the property in January of 2024 but withdrew the plan with the intent of revising it after facing opposition from township and borough residents. At that time, the developer proposed 378 luxury apartments in six-three story buildings and a traffic roundabout at the entrance to the complex. Increased traffic was the community’s main concern. But neighboring property owners said they were concerned about the development’s impact on the Little Chiques Creek and its floodplain. New proposal: Vistablock is now proposing to construct four buildings with fewer units and a traffic roundabout at Mount Joy Road. The first two buildings would be located off the main access at the roundabout — one on each side of the access. These buildings would meet the maximum building height requirement of 45 feet; one of the buildings would contain 77 apartments, while the other would contain 68. Also: Vistablock is requesting a modification of the height requirement for the remaining two buildings. The third building has a proposed height of 46 feet containing 62 apartments. The fourth building, U-shaped to the rear of the property, would contain 136 units with a proposed height of 56 feet and 715 feet wide, exceeding the 160-foot maximum width requirement. Development phases: The first phase would include the two apartment buildings adjacent to the Mount Joy Road entrance. The second phase would include construction of the third apartment building parallel to Mount Joy Road and behind a commercial property. The third phase would include construction of the U-shaped building. Parking: The plan shows more than 596 parking spaces, including 72 in the first building adjacent to the entrance, 52 in the second building, 59 in the third building and 413 garage and surface spaces in the U-shaped building. What’s next: The hearing will continue at 7 p.m. Sept. 3. Supervisors will hold a special meeting 7 p.m. Aug. 11 to conduct a conditional use hearing of Mount Joy Partners LP’s request to expand Donegal Square, 2100 Strickler Road and 2256 Huber Drive, by constructing two mixed-use buildings.

Justin S. reposted

Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem
@burhanazeem.bsky.social

Over the past ten years, the housing movement has grown from a small number of people into a national collective pushing change across the country: Maryland, Arizona, Cambridge, California, and now the halls of Congress. On August 4, the people behind those wins are coming together on one call.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Another MA state legislative session, another abject failure to do anything about MA’s housing shortage. Down to the smallest of small ball—municipal opt-in for allowing housing on religious properties (Yes In God’s Backyard) and commercial to residential conversions.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Remember when Councillor Zusy claims to support Just-A-Start and this project on Mass Ave that she supports Doug Brown’s zoning petition that would have a huge negative impact on this and all other proposals under the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay!

Cambridge Somerville Independent@csindie.bsky.social

Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire

dlvr.itAmid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fireAlong with 100 affordable homes in a pair of buildings, there could be a park, community room and retail center to replace two underused parking lots near Porter Square, the nonprofit developer Just A Start told residents in a Tuesday meeting. The proposals for 1826 and 1840... The post Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire appeared first on Cambridge | Somerville Independent.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

This article omits the part where the affordable housing opponents acted like complete spoiled toddlers and threw a fit, yelling like entitled jerks to try to get their way.

Cambridge Somerville Independent@csindie.bsky.social

Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire

dlvr.itAmid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fireAlong with 100 affordable homes in a pair of buildings, there could be a park, community room and retail center to replace two underused parking lots near Porter Square, the nonprofit developer Just A Start told residents in a Tuesday meeting. The proposals for 1826 and 1840... The post Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire appeared first on Cambridge | Somerville Independent.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

“Boston has been named the best US city for foreign multinationals to do business, topping the fourth annual FT-Nikkei Investing in America ranking as companies prioritise skilled workers and research networks despite the city’s higher costs.” www.ft.com/content/ced9...

ft.comBoston tops FT-Nikkei ranking as global companies seek skilled workersInternational groups pick Massachusetts capital for intellectual wealth and quality of life, despite higher costs
Justin S.@jsaif.bsky.social

FT nails the part about housing costs, where Boston has repeatedly failed to lead: “Boston’s immediate challenge, then, is not whether it can attract ambitious outsiders. Its harder task is making sure they can stay.”

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Tell Cambridge City Council not to turn back the clock and reinstate anachronistic parking mandates tonight! www.abettercambridge.org/multifamily_...

abettercambridge.org🚨 Action Alert: Tell City Council to Support Housing Affordability and Reject Attacks on Housing!
Jonathan Berk 🏠@berkie1.bsky.social

Montreal, Edmonton, Cambridge, Portland, Missoula, Buffalo, Denver, Minneapolis, Austin, Kansas City, Vancouver and Toronto are just some of the hundreds of North American cities that have eliminated arbitrary, minimum parking requirements.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

A recent proposal under the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay found parking would cost it $300,000 per spot! csindie.com/concerns-abo...

csindie.comConcerns about parking and traffic dominate meeting on adding 92 affordable homes in Cambridge - Cambridge | Somerville IndependentA 92-apartment building proposed for 350 Rindge Ave. is bringing its developers a familiar kind of Cambridge whiplash: If they expected community excitement about new homes built using Affordable Hous...

Justin S. reposted

Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem
@burhanazeem.bsky.social

For a generation, special permits were the way that both inclusionary and 100% affordable projects were struck down. Now that we have our first new housing proposed in West Cambridge, 3 of my colleagues have decided to bring back special permits under the guise of tree protection.

Justin S. reposted

Jonathan Berk 🏠
@berkie1.bsky.social

“The plaque says Fort Seawall built in 1644, ‘the structure has been modified to accommodate the town’s changing needs...’ Maybe history does have lessons for us after all.” - Marblehead’s David Modica rallying over 100 housing advocates ahead of @abundanthousingma.org Lobby Day

Justin S. reposted

Sam
@samd.bsky.social

A tale of two cities: as bad as Eric Adams was, one area where he and Zohran are aligned is the importance of building more housing meanwhile Michelle Wu’s NIMBY policies are wrecking Boston’s homebuilding

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Some go as high as several acres—87,000 square feet! The Starter Home ballot initiative seeks address this very issue—sign up to gather signatures! www.abundanthousingma.org/weekend-of-a...

abundanthousingma.orgWeekend of Action: Legalize Starter Homes
Jeff Byrnes 🚰 🏙️@thejeffbyrnes.com

Huge issue in suburban greater Boston! We've got exclusionary suburbs that have min lot sizes of 10k sq ft, 20k sq ft, it's ridiculous. Meanwhile you can build a 3 decker on 2500 sq ft no problem, & 4–6 storey apartment bldg on 5k sq ft (20ish homes!)

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Mid-Cambridge has successfully used their exclusionary Neighborhood (Historic) Conservation District to block multifamily infill and affordable housing for decades, so no surprise really. www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/File...

cambridgema.govcambridgema.gov
Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem@burhanazeem.bsky.social

Skeptics said the new zoning wouldn’t pencil. Or that developers would only build to the inclusionary floor. Good news / bad news is that it’s working well enough that there’s now a petition to pause it. www.change.org/p/pause-new-...

Justin S. reposted

Roosevelt Institute
@rooseveltinstitute.org

NEW 📣: Applications are open for our #GoodLife Residents Program on housing policy! Led by @resnikoff.bsky.social, the cohort will develop bold policy ideas to expand housing supply and address the real constraints on building, from costs to materials to financing. Learn more and apply by June 1 ⬇️

rooseveltinstitute.orgRoosevelt Institute Expands Housing Policy Work with ResidencyThe Roosevelt Institute announces a new application period for its Good Life Residents Program, soliciting applications for emerging policy leaders to write on housing policy.

Justin S. reposted

Jonathan Berk 🏠
@berkie1.bsky.social

20-years after the Keystone Building collapsed into Union Street, New Bedford is finally repairing the gap left in its urban fabric. A new mixed-use development with 45 homes & retail is rising in its place, part of a broader housing renaissance driven by pro-housing leadership.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

“The plan is a sham. And it represents a bigger problem in Massachusetts: Housing prices are sky-high in large part because municipalities are effectively blocking new construction.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/07/b...

bostonglobe.comMarblehead’s housing ‘plan’ is a sham. It should be ashamed of itself. - The Boston GlobeResident David Modica's viral criticism was right. The zoning proposal approved by Town Meeting on Monday will likely result in few new units.
Justin S.@jsaif.bsky.social

@massago.bsky.social should consider whether egregious examples like this one can constitute compliance even on paper, and the legislature needs to act to forbid towns from engaging in this sort of nonsense.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

“We shouldn’t be signing our name to a lie and the state shouldn’t let us get away with it.” On state funding tied to compliance, he added: “We don’t f—ing deserve it. It’s just not the right thing to do.” marbleheadcurrent.org/2026/05/06/m...

marbleheadcurrent.orgMan whose housing comment at Town Meeting went viral: ‘We should all be vocal’ - Marblehead CurrentDavid Modica didn’t realize his remarks at Town Meeting had gone viral until his phone started blowing up the next morning. His comments — questioning Marblehead’s plan to comply with the MBTA Communi...
Justin S.@jsaif.bsky.social

David Modica, truly the hero we need in Massachusetts! www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/06/b...

bostonglobe.comMarblehead man goes viral for comments on town housing plan: ‘Are we kind of being pricks?’ - The Boston GlobeDavid Modica’s remarks at Town Meeting on Marblehead’s plan to comply with the controversial MBTA Communities Act have exploded online.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

You cannot claim to be a progressive and vote against multifamily housing. You cannot claim to be a progressive and support only fake “paper compliance” with the law, pretending your private, members-only country club is a viable site for multifamily housing.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

From the article: The resistance to building more housing flies in the face of the Marblehead’s purported values, he added. Modica said he knows many people who cannot afford to buy a house in the coastal community. “We’re signaling our selfishness. We’re being so brazen about it,” Modica said.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

@massgovernor.bsky.social and @kimdriscollma.bsky.social must address this problem of fake paper compliance—towns acting like “selfish pricks” by designating a golf course that’s never going to change as the town’s multifamily housing district.

Jonathan Berk 🏠@berkie1.bsky.social

On its third attempt tonight, Marblehead Town Meeting approved an “MBTA Communities–compliant” district largely centered on the 125-year-old Tedesco Country Club, meeting 3A requirements on paper while all but assuring no new housing would be built. This comment says it all.

Justin S. reposted

Jonathan Berk 🏠
@berkie1.bsky.social

On its third attempt tonight, Marblehead Town Meeting approved an “MBTA Communities–compliant” district largely centered on the 125-year-old Tedesco Country Club, meeting 3A requirements on paper while all but assuring no new housing would be built. This comment says it all.

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

@massgovernor.bsky.social @kimdriscollma.bsky.social If we are truly serious about addressing MA’s severe housing shortage, we can’t base these decisions for a proposal a block from the red line on 15-year-old, car-oriented, suburban design guidelines.

Cambridge Day@cambridgeday.com

Copper Mill back to drawing board after state presses pause on project Developer on Monday will present new designs that reflect feedback for lower height, other changes.

cambridgeday.comCopper Mill back to drawing board after state presses pause on projectDeveloper on Monday will present new designs that reflect feedback for lower height, other changes.
Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

The 40B Design Handbook itself cautions against focusing on density! “The Handbook intentionally does not provide specific guidance on density, typically represented as units per acre, because the acceptable density of a given housing development is site- and context-specific.”

Justin S.
@jsaif.bsky.social

Brookline and other municipalities could plan for steady new growth that offsets Prop 2.5 via zoning reform but choose not to do so.

brooklinenews.bsky.social@brooklinenews.bsky.social

Finance experts say a 1980 state law limiting municipal tax increases is behind the budget pressure facing Brookline and many other places in Massachusetts. Neither of the state legislators representing most of Brookline appear to be enthusiastic about changing it. brookline.news/a-decades-ol...

brookline.newsA decades-old state law is squeezing budgets in Brookline and beyond. Local legislators aren't eager to change it. - Brookline.NewsAs Brookline faces a record override, two of its representatives in the State House declined to support reforming or repealing Proposition 2 1/2, the state law squeezing budgets across Massachusetts.