The Beacon’s interview with City Council candidate Julie Irish notes that we are in the midst of “the biggest housing crisis in recent memory.”

I find Ms. Irish’s response on dealing with this crisis too tentative and timid for a city councilor (even though I am impressed by her record of local public engagement, her research on doctor-patient interactions, and her contributions to medical school education).

The feature article touched on the fact that Newton and the Commonwealth lack sufficient housing inventory.  Prices and rents have become unaffordable for many people looking for a home—including our residents’ adult children and the city’s teachers and other employees.

Ms. Irish’s vision of senior “communities of tiny homes on a swath of land” is a non- starter. Where is that swath of land? Is there evidence that her enthusiasm for tiny homes is shared?

We need zoning and planning changes to accelerate new home building that is affordable for Newton’s employees and grown children; for new college and advanced-degree graduates from the area’s universities; and for families whose income is considerably lower than area median income. These new residents will add creative energy to our city and school-age children to our schools. New apartments will generate more tax revenue to retain our teachers and maintain Newton’s excellent schools.

I will vote for Garry Miller, the Ward 5 candidate who I believe better understands the need to move more rapidly to expand Newton’s affordable housing inventory, especially via multi-family apartments.

Fred Smith
Newton Upper Falls / Ward 5