One seat out of five (three-year term)
The Planning Department supports multiple boards and committees: the Planning Board, Design Review Board, Historic District Commission, Historical Commission, Denton Road Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and Fair Housing Committee. By analyzing economic, demographic, and development trends, the department helps develop long-range goals and objectives to shape the future of our community. Specific responsibilities include drafting recommendations for zoning amendments, providing support to residents and developers through the permitting process, working on Housing and Mobility issues, and overseeing design guidelines to help maintain the historical integrity and character of Wellesley.
Question 1. 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? Given that emissions from the building sector represent more than 59 % of greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley, what additional actions will you champion to ensure that the Town meets its emissions reduction goals?
Jim Roberti-
I am always working with the Climate Action Committee to help implement aspects of the Climate Action Plan. Recently, a task force from our board and the CAC worked to get 4 goals passed, allowing placement of heat pumps in set back areas, incorporating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the purposes of the Planning Board and the Design Review Board, and passing the Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw. PSI is on the table for this year. I am dedicated to working with our board and the incoming Planning Director and other staff to get this going.
Question 2. Transportation represents a significant percent of emissions in town. What are your ideas concerning how the Planning Board could encourage sustainable transportation and reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley?
Jim Roberti-
Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles in and coming through Wellesley is important. Density can assist with that, as well as other greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts. For example, multi- family housing will draw in residents that have a less car trips mindset. Housing at the Talby and railroad lots will draw people who can walk, bike and use public transit to work.
Could we also dream up new ways of improving Rt. 9? Can it be enhanced to make it more livable and thus increase more use of the MWRTA #9 buses that drive up and down the corridor and connect to other public transportation?
Question 3. There has been a great deal of concern by some in the community about loss of tree canopy. Do you share this concern? If so, how do you plan to address it? Should there be an update to the tree bylaw, something similar to what Newton filed?
Jim Roberti-
We have updated the tree bylaw 2-3 years ago but we can look at ways to update it again and make it stronger. The key though is enforcement. We need a dedicated enforcement officer as I have seen in other communities I work in. Newton has added the protection of smaller trees as well. Replacing same size healthy trees is important for carbon offsetting. Perhaps increasing the fine for unlawfully cutting down trees is also an answer.
Question 4. There are many factors right now that have the potential to significantly impact Wellesley, including the state’s new MBTA Communities program, the increase in demand for laboratory property in the Greater Boston area and other commercial property space changing hands. What role, if any, do you see for your Board in proactively planning for these factors to ensure the protection of the climate and environment?
Jim Roberti-
The Planning Department supports multiple boards and committees: the Planning Board, Design Review Board, Historic District Commission, Historical Commission, Denton Road Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and Fair Housing Committee. By analyzing economic, demographic, and development trends, the department helps develop long-range goals and objectives to shape the future of our community. Specific responsibilities include drafting recommendations for zoning amendments, providing support to residents and developers through the permitting process, working on Housing and Mobility issues, and overseeing design guidelines to help maintain the historical integrity and character of Wellesley.
Question 1. 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? Given that emissions from the building sector represent more than 59 % of greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley, what additional actions will you champion to ensure that the Town meets its emissions reduction goals?
Jim Roberti-
I am always working with the Climate Action Committee to help implement aspects of the Climate Action Plan. Recently, a task force from our board and the CAC worked to get 4 goals passed, allowing placement of heat pumps in set back areas, incorporating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the purposes of the Planning Board and the Design Review Board, and passing the Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw. PSI is on the table for this year. I am dedicated to working with our board and the incoming Planning Director and other staff to get this going.
- Another way to reach our goals is to consider getting Wellesley on the list to be one of the electrified towns in the Commonwealth.
- In addition, I personally support the specialized stretch energy code article which will be going to Town Meeting next month.
- Overall, I am committed to further partnering with the Climate Action Committee on all aspects of planning, including affordable housing.
Question 2. Transportation represents a significant percent of emissions in town. What are your ideas concerning how the Planning Board could encourage sustainable transportation and reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley?
Jim Roberti-
Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles in and coming through Wellesley is important. Density can assist with that, as well as other greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts. For example, multi- family housing will draw in residents that have a less car trips mindset. Housing at the Talby and railroad lots will draw people who can walk, bike and use public transit to work.
Could we also dream up new ways of improving Rt. 9? Can it be enhanced to make it more livable and thus increase more use of the MWRTA #9 buses that drive up and down the corridor and connect to other public transportation?
Question 3. There has been a great deal of concern by some in the community about loss of tree canopy. Do you share this concern? If so, how do you plan to address it? Should there be an update to the tree bylaw, something similar to what Newton filed?
Jim Roberti-
We have updated the tree bylaw 2-3 years ago but we can look at ways to update it again and make it stronger. The key though is enforcement. We need a dedicated enforcement officer as I have seen in other communities I work in. Newton has added the protection of smaller trees as well. Replacing same size healthy trees is important for carbon offsetting. Perhaps increasing the fine for unlawfully cutting down trees is also an answer.
Question 4. There are many factors right now that have the potential to significantly impact Wellesley, including the state’s new MBTA Communities program, the increase in demand for laboratory property in the Greater Boston area and other commercial property space changing hands. What role, if any, do you see for your Board in proactively planning for these factors to ensure the protection of the climate and environment?
Jim Roberti-
- How can we engage Haynes to renovate some of their properties from office into housing? It would be less GHG emissions to retrofit and have denser housing options in our community. Some of those buildings could also be municipal buildings which we would be able to electrify. Could some be open, permeable space?
- We have to buy into the MBTA community's status. More densely populated areas have the benefit of making them highly energy efficient and it's better for our local economy to have people living and working here.
- Labs space is in a zoning freezing situation right now and they can do what they want but we should encourage green labs.
- We plan to do a study on Barton Rd and the gas station, and the armory on Cedar Street in an effort to upgrade that area and build a more diverse community there. Increased mobility options for the environmental justice community is something that has been discussed. Having a variety of housing options (low income, market rate and affordable) is ideal on a social, economic and environmental level