Storytime: For years there was a family of kids who would walk to my library. We knew things were rough at home and we tried to create a safe, validating, fun place for them (like so many others.) There were about 8 cousins, siblings, half-sibs, ages 5 to 16. Then lockdown hit.

Classified docs - a shopping analogy: As Biden walked out, the buzzer went off and he realized he mistakenly failed to pay for an item in his cart. He went back in and returned it. Trump stuffed items in his pockets. When the buzzer sounded, he ran to his car and peeled out.

Over at MHP, with 💰 from Barr Foundation, we've created intro video local leaders can use to explain merits of MA's new zoning requirement for MBTA communities. youtu.be/iewb77s33XM Dana LeWinter Engine 6 Chris Kluchman Tiffany Manuel APA-MA TransitMatters @MassEOHED

This will soon be 204 homes, 51 of which will be deed-restricted affordable. The Riverdale project, just off California St., in Nonantum.

Dice They also never seem to understand that filtering works both ways. If you build a ton of missing middle, it reduces prices on both the high end and lower end. Or, if you build a lot of public housing, household formation filters up.

Everybody knows carbon footprints only count within municipal borders

168 of 175 towns covered by the MBTA Communities bill filed action plans with the State... 7 decided they are "special" & will not take part in helping Massachusetts solve our housing crisis; Berkley Carver Holden Marshfield Middleborough Raynham Seekonk bostonglobe.com/2023/02/03/bus…

Marjorie Taylor Greene said that Sandy Hook and Parkland were staged and the parents are actors and the kids are really still alive. Republicans just put her on the committee that oversees school safety. But Ilhan Omar…

Looking forward to how Newton meets its MBTA Communities obligation.

Your periodic reminder that compliance with the MBTA communities zoning law is mandatory. “State courts have explicit authority to enforce the state zoning act [and] I have no doubt that will happen if it proves necessary.” bostonglobe.com/2023/02/14/bus…

How public land can be used to address affordability. NewtonMayor pushed city to buy property from state for housing. 28 units will rent to households up to 60% AMI & 15 will be for people up to 30% AMI. And it's near transit! bit.ly/3ZhoMOM Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll Engine 6

Thank you AG Andrea Joy Campbell @AndreaForAG for this this very clear advisory statement: the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning mandate is LAW that towns MUST follow. Opt-out is NOT an option, and if you try your town may be subject to Civil Enforcement Action. mass.gov/doc/advisory-c…

This report looks exactly at some of housing and zoning issues in Newton. Engine 6

Matt Tyler Smith Engine 6 is a great org to get involved with in Newton if you’re not already aware.

Why we need housing abundance, part a billion. High demand, very low, and not enough homes for all give landlords and wealthy renters all the power to bid up prices and block low- and middle-income people from accessing the homes they need. Abundance means homes for all.