Vote Medford 2005

Q4: On Low- and Moderate-income Families

What is the city doing to ensure that low and moderate-income families and individuals can move to and continue to live in Medford?

Are there additional measures that could be taken and what can you, as a city councilor, do to address this issue?

Burke: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

I have offered an amendment to our zoning to allow for "In Law" type apartments in our single family zone. Not only does this provide an opportunity for blood relatives to have affordable quarters, but also, to bring current illegal units up to building code and thus, safer neighborhoods. Also, as a commissioner of the Mystic Valley Development Corporation, overseers of the Rivers Edge project, we have mandated an affordability component to the project.

Camuso: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

We need to ensure that builders include low income housing in the mix of all city-based developments. While selling the old schools to developers I pushed to make sure that they sold several units as affordable housing to residents of Medford. As a councilor and the chair of the Zoning committee, I can make sure that our concern is well known and that developers will get encouragement from the city to promote affordable units. We can also encourage the rehab of our current housing stock with tax incentives.

Carr: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

One of the methods that the city is using to increase affordable housing is to insist that plan for the reuse of the schools include units put aside for a lottery for families who cannot afford to buy in Medford otherwise. Several units have already been built and sold; more are to come. We also encourage all builders of new construction to consider incorporating a percentage of affordable units.

Dello Russo: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

If one takes a look through our neighborhoods, it is easy to conclude that Medford is a place where many working class families make their home. The period of the 1940's and 50's saw a great influx of moderate-income families populate our neighborhoods, contribute to our community and thrive as families up to this day. Social, political, cultural and economic diversity are as much a distinguishing trait of Medford as is the Royal House and the Riverbend Victory Garden. As a councilor I will work to see that future development always include opportunities for low and moderate priced housing and incentives for first-time homeowners. A strong public school system is priceless.

Doherty: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

Medford has always taken care of its older residents who need senior housing. At the moment, my more immediate concern is for the senior citizens who want to continue to live in the homes where they raised their families. Many, with limited pensions, are facing a hard winter with the escalating energy costs. Some seniors are now paying property taxes that equal what they paid for their Medford home fifty or sixty years ago. It may be that a property tax credit could help them; with federal and state tax assistance, to install solar hot water systems, install energy saving windows, or, more likely, buy and install programmable thermostats.

In recent years, due to excellent location and good housing stock, the price of an average Medford home has skyrocketed. Consequently, many people, including people who grew up here, cannot afford to live in the city. The city needs to continue to work with developers to meet the 10% goal for affordable units. A good example of this partnership is the recent sale of school buildings with set asides for affordable units.

Lungo: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

Throughout my four years as a City Councilor, I cannot remember a time that we met with a developer and did not encourage, if not require, affordable housing to be a component of their proposed plan. Affordable housing is so important today. Living costs have increased within the last number of years and it is so hard for a low to moderate income family to continue to live in Medford. I know first hand, being at the age where a number of friends have had to move out of Medford because they cannot afford to reside here. It is unfortunate to see someone who has lived here for thirty years have to leave because they cannot afford to stay. I will continue to push for affordable housing units, like those that are going in on Brainard Street.

I have also been talking to residents about finding a way for homes to be allowed to have a legal in-law apartment. It is something that needs to be looked into, not only for young adults who want to stay in Medford, but also for the senior population who need to be cared for and live close to their families. Many of our Senior citizens are on fixed incomes and need help with living costs, which are only going to get worse with the skyrocketing energy costs.

Maher: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

Mr. Maher declined to take part in this questionnaire.

Maiocco: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

Insure that new housing complexes include provisions for affordable housing. Seek whatever federal and state assistance may be available to local communities that are eager for more low and moderate housing units.

Marks: Q4 - On Low- and Moderate-income Families

I believe the city has done little to create affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. Any new development proposal should contain an affordable housing component for Medford residents which meets the state and Federal housing guidelines.