About Pollock for Planning
Letter to the Editor
Dear Wellesley Residents,
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Wellesley Planning Board, driven by a deep commitment to shaping our community's future in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. My personal journey of rebuilding after a devastating fire has underscored the importance of resilient and considerate planning, making this endeavor deeply personal.
One of my top priorities as a candidate for the Planning Board is to actively support and champion the MBTA zoning bylaw initiative, Article 40. This initiative plays a pivotal role in addressing Massachusetts' housing shortage. By embracing transit-oriented development, we not only contribute to solving our housing crisis but also foster a more connected and sustainable Wellesley.
I am equally dedicated to addressing the housing needs within our community, emphasizing the importance of affordable and senior housing options. Through collaborative and innovative planning, we can create a Wellesley that is welcoming, diverse, and accommodating for all residents, ensuring that housing solutions align with the broader goals of Article 40.
My commitment to inclusivity extends to promoting sustainable practices in our town planning. By advocating for environmentally conscious policies and responsible land use, we can ensure a harmonious balance between growth and preservation of our natural surroundings.
Furthermore, I actively contribute to the vibrancy of Wellesley by coaching youth hockey and lacrosse. Beyond fostering healthy and active lifestyles among our youth, my involvement reflects a deep commitment to community engagement.
In addition to coaching, I have dedicated time to volunteering in various local initiatives, recognizing the importance of giving back to the community that has been a cornerstone for my family. This direct involvement in community service has provided valuable insights into the diverse needs and aspirations of our residents.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my personal experiences, community engagement, and professional insights to the Wellesley Planning Board. Together, let's shape a future that addresses the larger housing challenges faced by Massachusetts, embraces connectivity, inclusivity, sustainability, and fosters a thriving and engaged community. I humbly seek your support in realizing these goals and working towards the betterment of our beloved town.
Sincerely,
Grant Pollock
Wellesley Resident since 2007
Q&A with Sustainable Wellesley
Q1. Emissions from the building sector in Wellesley represent more than 59% of total greenhouse gas emissions. As you know, Town Meeting passed the Select Board’s Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020. How do you envision this resolution being carried out by the Planning Board in the months and years ahead?
The planning board has an opportunity to encourage the development projects that fall under the oversight of the board to incorporate GHG emission reduction initiatives. Electrification of developments and the use of heat source pumps for heating and cooling, installation of solar panel arrays as well as battery back systems are all areas where the planning board needs to focus our attention. As a member of the board I will look to prioritize these initiatives in constructive ways to help in the reduction of the towns GHG emissions. The input that the planning board had in the construction of the Hunnewell and Hardy Schools led to key elements aimed at addressing this issue. I look forward to participating in issue on day one of my term.
Q2. As the Town seeks to build a more economically sustainable future by creating more housing options and by meeting state mandates, how would you balance development with preserving the character of town and GHG emissions reductions? Specifically, what are your priorities: greater housing density, affordability, GHG emission reduction and other climate considerations, town character, etc?
In Massachusetts we are currently facing a housing crisis that plays a major role in our ability to supply all members of our community with adequate housing options. Wellesley has a tremendous opportunity to assist the statewide needs as well as the needs of our residents. House density allows us to maximize the land that we allocate for housing while providing more open space where we can protect and preserve our natural tree canopy. Providing more affordable housing that is located near our public transit stations and commercial centers go hand in hand to ensure that we are reducing our GHG emissions. Town character is an important part of what makes Wellesley such a special place and supporting our Historic commission allows our residents to engage in a constructive dialogue to ensure that we manage the changes within our town.
Q3. Transportation accounts for 32% of GHG emissions in town. What should the Planning Board do to encourage more sustainable transportation in Wellesley?
The planning board has a unique opportunity to be a part of the solution of our townwide goal of reducing our GHG emissions. Project of Significant Impact (PSI) falls under the review of the Planning Board and it specifically allows for constructive discussion about the impact automotive traffic has on the community. I fully support the need to reduce the GHG emissions and would push to strength the PSI process to ensure we are able to mandate the installation of more EV car charging stations in these projects. I would also like to see all new development projects needing review from the Planning Board incorporate stronger measures to support the use of public transportation and ride sharing options. A key planning initiative that is currently on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting agenda is the MBTA communities Zoning bylaw (article 40). By enacting article 40 the town will be supporting efforts to create multifamily housing developments around our commuter rail stations – I support article 40 and I see this a direct path toward more sustainable transportation in Wellesley.
Q4. There has been a great deal of concern by some in the community about loss of tree canopy. Do you share this concern and if so, how do you plan to address it? Should the tree bylaw be further strengthened and what suggestions do you have?
The Tree canopy in Wellesley is an important issue and I strongly believe that the Planning Board needs to make a strong effort to review the current tree by-law to address areas where changes can be made to ensure we address potential tree canopy loss. One example I see as needing additional attention is how our recently adopted “stretch plus” building code interacts with our resident’s commitment to the installation of solar on their homes. As a member of the planning department I will work with Sustainable Wellesley, the NRC and other stakeholders to address the delicate balance of protecting our tree canopy while also helping to promote more use of solar throughout the town. There is a real opportunity to make smart changes to the tree bylaw that will accomplish several goals the town is facing.
League of Women Voters
One of the Planning Board’s goals is to foster diversity in housing stock. In view of the state’s recently enacted zoning legislation requiring multi-family housing in MBTA communities within ½ mile of commuter rail and light rail stations, what do you see as the Planning Board’s role in furthering its goals and meeting state standards?
In Massachusetts we are currently facing a housing crisis that plays a major role in our ability to supply all members of our community with adequate housing options. Wellesley has a tremendous opportunity to assist the statewide needs as well as the needs of our residents.
Providing more affordable housing that is located near our public transit stations and commercial centers go hand in hand to ensure that we are reducing our GHG emissions. Town character is an important part of what makes Wellesley such a special place and supporting our Historic commission allows our residents to engage in a constructive dialogue to ensure that we manage the changes within our town. As a member of the board I will look to prioritize these initiatives in constructive ways.
Online Donations
Please consider a donation to my campaign and help make a brighter future for Wellesley
Contact Pollock for Planning
Meet the Candidates Night
Meet the Candidates Night to be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the Wakelin Room at the Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington Street.
pollockforplanning24@gmail.com
