3 seats out of 5 (2 are 5 year terms and 1 is a 1 year term)
The Wellesley Housing Authority is a State and Federally funded public housing authority located in the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts. The WHA’s property portfolio consists of four State-funded Elderly properties; Two State-funded Family properties; One State subsidized rental voucher; and Eleven Federal Section 8 rental vouchers. The WHA manages a total of 246 rental units or housing opportunities.
Q1. What is your track record on environmental sustainability, including any related interests, experience, or initiatives?
A1
Micah O'Neil-
I have held a wide range of positions within the commercial construction industry over my 30 years of professional experience and worked on a wide range of construction product types (Office, Residential, Pharmaceutical, Retail, Hospitality, etc.). I have experienced firsthand the paradigm shift within the construction industry from build it as efficient/fast as possible to build as efficient/fast as possible, but energy cost and long and short term environmental considerations are at the forefront of the design/construction/operation of the development. I have led LEED Platinum, Gold, Silver and Certified projects. My projects have included sustainability technologies such as geothermal, PV/solar panels, tight and highly insulated exterior wall systems, Co-gen plants, energy recovery HVAC systems, etc. I have worked on Green Communities projects and have had to conduct unit blower door testing to prove the envelope and unit construction meets the preconstruction design leak criteria on my projects. I developed a facilities management business plan initiative early in my career for one of the largest commercial builders in the United States. This facilities management experience allowed me to understand the importance of analyzing first cost vs. operational costs and general life cycle costing. I also served on a Wellesley Facilities Management Committee ten years ago, with Tom Goemaat as the Chair. This opportunity gave me a good sense of the innerworkings of the town facilities structure, operations, and culture.
Odessa Sanchez-
I was a proud Camp Fire girl growing up in Newton Massachusetts. Camp Fire USA was founded in 1910, believing girls deserved the outdoor learning experiences that boys had. My mother was my group's leader and I earned the highest award ( WOHELO Medallion) and got a lot out of the program. I still live by the CAMP FIRE LAW: Worship God, Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be trustworthy, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy! Today as a mother and wife, I take private actions like reusing, recycling, and repurposing. I also cultivate my own garden and join community sustainable groups to share more ideas and activities towards this goal. I take walks and utilize the MWRTA bus and MBTA services to get in and around Wellesley. I enjoy the beauty of our bountiful landscapes and walking paths.
My record on environmental issues stands on the fact that I have met with Wellesley MLP Board members to discuss ways that Wellesley Housing residents can be encouraged to improve their energy efficiency.
I've attended MBTA Services Public meetings to advocate for increased transportation services for Wellesley. I want to point out that for some families forced to live modestly- certain sustainable lifestyle methods are not a matter of choice. I am most proud of an initiative that I spearheaded in my community called " Barton Rd Community Fridge Project ". We are committed to have the Fridge fully running this Spring 2021. Currently,I am distributing donations as an individual, with the help of generous contributors, who drop off food. Volunteers are welcome to contact me for sign up opportunities.
Q2. What do you suggest the Housing Authority can do to further advocate for the residents of the Housing Authority in terms of environmental justice?
A2
Micah O'Neil-
I will advocate for:
1) Implementation of the 2018 Wellesley Housing Production Plan; and meet/exceed the .05%/45 units per year and exceed the 10% minimum affordable units.
2) Protect the single-family neighborhoods, while strategically locating higher density public housing and introducing modestly scalable affordable units. 3) Improve the environmental sustainability of existing and new WHA units. 4) Develop a Town of Wellesley Community Land Trust Strategy
Odessa Sanchez-
As a renter, there are some things that we can control regarding our ecological footprint. In terms of environmental justice advocacy, we are talking about what the Wellesley Housing Authority should do to advocate in the best interest of residents regarding environmental hazards that are not under their control. As a Housing Authority we should help protect our residents from harmful agents and pollutants in their living areas. It is necessary to acknowledge that there is an unequaled balance of environmental burdens on communities of color and lower income households.
Low to moderate income residents don't always have the ability to choose where they live so it's even more important for the Housing Authority to advocate for that community using the tools available. Partnerships with environment protection agencies and organizations, like WE ACT, can aid in identifying problems, addressing issues, and informing the residents on methods to provide the healthiest living conditions possible. In other words, your health should not suffer because of the environment where you live, work, play or learn.
Housing is working with me to make the Community Fridge Project that I initiated a priority to help combat food insecurity and food waste in our area. My hope is the Fridge will finally open and we can make a slight difference for our community in need.
Q3. As you know, Town Meeting passed the Select Board’s Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in October 2020. How do you envision this resolution being carried out by the Housing Authority in the months and years ahead?
A3
Micah O'Neil-
The resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change is a town wide initiative that the Housing Authority should take seriously and develop a comprehensive plan to support the town’s reduction of emissions.
Odessa Sanchez-
I am aware that boards like the BOH, the Municipal Light Department, and the COA are very committed to improving residential involvement in energy efficiency. I have met with board members who have asked my input as a resident on ways to encourage tenant involvement in these efforts. I support the resolution and I believe that the Housing Authority should set up informative meetings with the stakeholders to inform residents of the impact of Climate Change and identify what individual steps that can be achieved to reduce the carbon footprint. Spread environmental news materials, energy efficiency products and energy tips through a community newsletter and praise individuals for outstanding achievements in this effort.
Housing should also prioritize studying the heating and energy efficiency of each unit.
Research if weatherization of windows would be a factor to improving energy consumption. Find effective prevention programs for residents and help them navigate financial assistance to take part.
Q4. Given that emissions from the building sector represents more than 53 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley, what can the Housing Authority do to increase energy efficiency at current and future facilities?
A4
Micah O'Neil-
Strong consideration for redevelopment to efficiently utilize the sites and implement sustainability practices (highly insulated envelopes, energy efficient/carbon neutral MEP systems, solar and/or geothermal, stormwater management, reuse of rainwater and gray water, etc.). Many of these sustainable technologies/practices can be added to existing buildings, but it can be expensive and less effective than designing them into the buildings from the conceptual design stage. Given the importance of reducing emissions, it may be necessary to upgrade existing buildings with the longer-term goal of complete renovation/redevelopment of the properties.
Odessa Sanchez-
Densely populated areas have more greenhouse gas emissions than other areas but Wellesley's housing units can do their part in decreasing emissions.
Despite projected growth in population, square footage, and energy use, continued efficiency improvements can be projected to largely avoid emissions growth.
WHA should maintain a consistent effort educating builders and tenants to avoid overuse of appliances,electricity, and other forms of energy consumption.
I would also suggest when development planning is on the table, builders should be offered incentives to build with environmentally sustainable options in mind whenever possible before a project starts
The Wellesley Housing Authority is a State and Federally funded public housing authority located in the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts. The WHA’s property portfolio consists of four State-funded Elderly properties; Two State-funded Family properties; One State subsidized rental voucher; and Eleven Federal Section 8 rental vouchers. The WHA manages a total of 246 rental units or housing opportunities.
Q1. What is your track record on environmental sustainability, including any related interests, experience, or initiatives?
A1
Micah O'Neil-
I have held a wide range of positions within the commercial construction industry over my 30 years of professional experience and worked on a wide range of construction product types (Office, Residential, Pharmaceutical, Retail, Hospitality, etc.). I have experienced firsthand the paradigm shift within the construction industry from build it as efficient/fast as possible to build as efficient/fast as possible, but energy cost and long and short term environmental considerations are at the forefront of the design/construction/operation of the development. I have led LEED Platinum, Gold, Silver and Certified projects. My projects have included sustainability technologies such as geothermal, PV/solar panels, tight and highly insulated exterior wall systems, Co-gen plants, energy recovery HVAC systems, etc. I have worked on Green Communities projects and have had to conduct unit blower door testing to prove the envelope and unit construction meets the preconstruction design leak criteria on my projects. I developed a facilities management business plan initiative early in my career for one of the largest commercial builders in the United States. This facilities management experience allowed me to understand the importance of analyzing first cost vs. operational costs and general life cycle costing. I also served on a Wellesley Facilities Management Committee ten years ago, with Tom Goemaat as the Chair. This opportunity gave me a good sense of the innerworkings of the town facilities structure, operations, and culture.
Odessa Sanchez-
I was a proud Camp Fire girl growing up in Newton Massachusetts. Camp Fire USA was founded in 1910, believing girls deserved the outdoor learning experiences that boys had. My mother was my group's leader and I earned the highest award ( WOHELO Medallion) and got a lot out of the program. I still live by the CAMP FIRE LAW: Worship God, Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be trustworthy, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy! Today as a mother and wife, I take private actions like reusing, recycling, and repurposing. I also cultivate my own garden and join community sustainable groups to share more ideas and activities towards this goal. I take walks and utilize the MWRTA bus and MBTA services to get in and around Wellesley. I enjoy the beauty of our bountiful landscapes and walking paths.
My record on environmental issues stands on the fact that I have met with Wellesley MLP Board members to discuss ways that Wellesley Housing residents can be encouraged to improve their energy efficiency.
I've attended MBTA Services Public meetings to advocate for increased transportation services for Wellesley. I want to point out that for some families forced to live modestly- certain sustainable lifestyle methods are not a matter of choice. I am most proud of an initiative that I spearheaded in my community called " Barton Rd Community Fridge Project ". We are committed to have the Fridge fully running this Spring 2021. Currently,I am distributing donations as an individual, with the help of generous contributors, who drop off food. Volunteers are welcome to contact me for sign up opportunities.
Q2. What do you suggest the Housing Authority can do to further advocate for the residents of the Housing Authority in terms of environmental justice?
A2
Micah O'Neil-
I will advocate for:
1) Implementation of the 2018 Wellesley Housing Production Plan; and meet/exceed the .05%/45 units per year and exceed the 10% minimum affordable units.
2) Protect the single-family neighborhoods, while strategically locating higher density public housing and introducing modestly scalable affordable units. 3) Improve the environmental sustainability of existing and new WHA units. 4) Develop a Town of Wellesley Community Land Trust Strategy
Odessa Sanchez-
As a renter, there are some things that we can control regarding our ecological footprint. In terms of environmental justice advocacy, we are talking about what the Wellesley Housing Authority should do to advocate in the best interest of residents regarding environmental hazards that are not under their control. As a Housing Authority we should help protect our residents from harmful agents and pollutants in their living areas. It is necessary to acknowledge that there is an unequaled balance of environmental burdens on communities of color and lower income households.
Low to moderate income residents don't always have the ability to choose where they live so it's even more important for the Housing Authority to advocate for that community using the tools available. Partnerships with environment protection agencies and organizations, like WE ACT, can aid in identifying problems, addressing issues, and informing the residents on methods to provide the healthiest living conditions possible. In other words, your health should not suffer because of the environment where you live, work, play or learn.
Housing is working with me to make the Community Fridge Project that I initiated a priority to help combat food insecurity and food waste in our area. My hope is the Fridge will finally open and we can make a slight difference for our community in need.
Q3. As you know, Town Meeting passed the Select Board’s Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in October 2020. How do you envision this resolution being carried out by the Housing Authority in the months and years ahead?
A3
Micah O'Neil-
The resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change is a town wide initiative that the Housing Authority should take seriously and develop a comprehensive plan to support the town’s reduction of emissions.
Odessa Sanchez-
I am aware that boards like the BOH, the Municipal Light Department, and the COA are very committed to improving residential involvement in energy efficiency. I have met with board members who have asked my input as a resident on ways to encourage tenant involvement in these efforts. I support the resolution and I believe that the Housing Authority should set up informative meetings with the stakeholders to inform residents of the impact of Climate Change and identify what individual steps that can be achieved to reduce the carbon footprint. Spread environmental news materials, energy efficiency products and energy tips through a community newsletter and praise individuals for outstanding achievements in this effort.
Housing should also prioritize studying the heating and energy efficiency of each unit.
Research if weatherization of windows would be a factor to improving energy consumption. Find effective prevention programs for residents and help them navigate financial assistance to take part.
Q4. Given that emissions from the building sector represents more than 53 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley, what can the Housing Authority do to increase energy efficiency at current and future facilities?
A4
Micah O'Neil-
Strong consideration for redevelopment to efficiently utilize the sites and implement sustainability practices (highly insulated envelopes, energy efficient/carbon neutral MEP systems, solar and/or geothermal, stormwater management, reuse of rainwater and gray water, etc.). Many of these sustainable technologies/practices can be added to existing buildings, but it can be expensive and less effective than designing them into the buildings from the conceptual design stage. Given the importance of reducing emissions, it may be necessary to upgrade existing buildings with the longer-term goal of complete renovation/redevelopment of the properties.
Odessa Sanchez-
Densely populated areas have more greenhouse gas emissions than other areas but Wellesley's housing units can do their part in decreasing emissions.
Despite projected growth in population, square footage, and energy use, continued efficiency improvements can be projected to largely avoid emissions growth.
WHA should maintain a consistent effort educating builders and tenants to avoid overuse of appliances,electricity, and other forms of energy consumption.
I would also suggest when development planning is on the table, builders should be offered incentives to build with environmentally sustainable options in mind whenever possible before a project starts