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Image capture Sep 2023 from Google Maps. The area of Westwood with addresses 911 to 929 High Street (Diamond Nails to Dunkin') are included in Article 21 proposed locations for multi-use and multi-family residential zoning.
5-02-2024 12:37pm
OPINION: Article 21 Represents an Opportunity for Westwood to be a Constructive Part of Change
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Editor's note: The following opinion piece by David Atkins was initially appended as a comment refuting Professor Peter Ittig's opinion article of April 27, 2024, in which the professor argued against passage of Article 21 at the upcoming May 6th Town Meeting. If approved, Article 21 would establish zoning for multi-use and multi-family residential housing in a few select areas around Westwood. Westwood Minute generally avoids re-posting items, verbatim, that already appear elsewhere on this platform. However, given the lack of an opposing view in article form, and upon request, Westwood Minute is assisting Mr. Atkins by reposting his comment here.
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The following opinion article represents the views and opinions of the author, and not necessarily those of Westwood Minute.
By David Atkins
Article 21, is not premature, but long overdue. Westwood's failure to change its almost exclusively single-family zoning of residential neighborhoods is already fundamentally altering the character of the town. When my family and I moved to Westwood almost 20 years ago, I found a welcoming community of down-to-earth residents who seemed unconcerned with their status compared to other towns. I don't think that has changed for long-time residents or friends I made when I moved here, but I wonder what happens when the only people who can afford to live in this town have to figure out how to swing a million-dollar mortgage? I wonder how the character changes as long-time residents "cash out" and move to condos in Dedham, Norwood, West Roxbury, Needham or other towns because they literally have so few options to stay in town. I wonder about a generation of kids growing up whose only hope to stay in town is to live with their parents or inherit.
Article 21 does not magically solve any of those problems, but it recognizes that failure to change is also a choice, and it attempts to creatively implement the housing goals adopted by the legislature. It makes certain locations in town, many of which are already developed--some with higher density than required by this zoning--eligible for future multi-family development. No one will be rushing to tear down anything, especially since some of the properties at University Station are already built and new housing to replace an industrial area on Everett Street is underway. As I scour the proposed zoning map, I see many small, carefully chosen parcels designed not to disrupt existing neighborhoods. If the goal were to revolutionize residential zoning, this article is nowhere near even attempting that goal. But it does tweak the existing map of what is possible in way that, over the coming decades, could allow for carefully managed growth that houses people, instead of leaving potential industrial and commercial areas to lie fallow for years.
It is possible that the housing law that spurred this zoning change will end up in court and maybe even ruled unconstitutional. Maybe it will turn out that Westwood didn't "have" to do anything. But I think we should do something and not simply pretend that we can keep things "the way they were" forever. Who longs for the vacant streets and empty storefronts of Islington now? Who misses the periodic truck crashing into the East Street bridge? Is anyone upset that the Tumblebus had to move? And where are those methadone clinics that were going to be opening after we zoned for substance abuse rehab centers? The alternative to being a constructive part of change is to let things happen on their own. Westwood, through its elected and volunteer boards and thoughtful considered action at town meeting, does not just let things happen, and we remain a town of strong character because of it.
Thanks to David Atkins, Westwood resident and past member of Westwood Planning Board, for contributing this opinion piece to Westwood Minute.
Westwood Minute takes no position on the opinion articles that it publishes, but seeks accurate and thoughtful commentary on topics that matter to our community, from a variety of differing viewpoints. Feel free to reply with your reaction below, or submit another perspective to WestwoodInAMinute@gmail.com.
