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Laurie Radwin's avatar

Good morning. I believe that the comment you ascribe to me, Laurie Radwin, was my husband, Gene. While I have your eye on the page, the excitement over YIMBYism and the Roslindale Plan denies one fact: the spirit of the equity is not being upheld. That is, there has been insufficent and unproportional representation of communities of color in Roslindale in the Squares and Streets endeavor. Meeting people where they are at has simplied not worked. The most recent demographics tell us that community participation in Roslindale Squares and Streets planning activities has been around 6% Latino/a (although Roslindale is 27% Latino/a), 4% African-American/Black ( Roslindale is 20 % AA/Black) and 82% white (Roslindale is around 50% white). Clearly the laudable pop-ups and other non-traditional events were not as successful as hoped. As a recipient of HUD $$$, Boston has an obligation to correct this before putting any plan before the BPDA Board. In a similar fashion, the residents most affected by the extension of the original 1/3 mi radius plan area pulls in rezoning for low-income residents who are in protected classes. For example, residents living in the newly included area of Washington Street between Bexley and Archdale are 48% Latino/a, 28% Black, 17.5% multiracial, and 2.5% Asian. Only 20% are white. The average income is $47,324 +/-$18,535. There was no discernable outreach to this group. As we all heard at the hearing, there is a real threat of displacement of residents and small businesses and the COB has to prepare protections before implementing this rezoning. Building more units is important - and affordable units are very important. However, our current residents will need a place to live while these units are being built. Let's get it right and do a bit more planning, please.

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