Brookline for Everyone

Brookline for Everyone is a grassroots organization of Brookline residents who want Brookline to be economically thriving, racially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Follow us and visit our website to learn more. #brooklinema #housing #housingforall #affordablehousing

The high cost of living in our area has vast ramifications for the rest of our economy. Business owners have indicated that rising housing costs make it difficult to recruit talent and fairly compensate employees. Read more below: buff.ly/3EZl63E

The B4E Garden Party is one week away! Make sure you sign up here: buff.ly/RxfSUZd

We at B4E are excited to see that the 2026 budget passed in the Massachusetts legislature includes provisions eliminating broker fees for Massachusetts renters. This is an exciting development that we hope will lead to more progress! buff.ly/3Kj54cD

Happy Independence Day! This July 4th, let’s recommit to a vision of freedom that includes the ability for families of all types, shapes, and incomes to live and grow in the community we love.

If you want more evidence of how wide & deep the statewide housing crisis is, a recent Boston Globe article reveals that as housing shortages & price spikes ripple outward, formerly affordable cities are facing a crisis of homelessness. buff.ly/PyjV5z0

Just a reminder to join us for a Summer Garden Party on Sunday, July 13 from 2 - 5pm off Pleasant Street! RSVP here: buff.ly/wJH5Row

The Planning Board meets at 7:30 pm on Zoom tonight to discuss revised designs for the project at 40 Kent St-40 Webster Place, which will include up to 79 much-needed housing units, with at least 15% affordable, in Brookline Village. Register here: buff.ly/JLtXXdh

The Joint Committee on Housing meets tomorrow at 1pm to discuss H.1542/S.964 (An Act to Study Single-Stair Residential Buildings) and H.1482/S.969 (An Act to Establish an Accessory Dwelling Unit Trust Fund). These are crucial bills that need our support!

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meets at 7 pm tonight on Zoom. It will hear reports on the town’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and on small residential construction in Brookline. Register here: buff.ly/yEJYCti

The Town has launched a survey to help identify the best biking connection between South Brookline and Brookline High School. You can fill it out here: buff.ly/9yHISy1

As we confront the danger that the much-needed Chestnut Hill West development might sink amid endless public meetings, here is a brief article examining the perils of a process that usually excludes the young, renters, and people who say yes. buff.ly/Ct0125T

Happy Juneteenth! Brookline for the Culture is hosting a Juneteenth Block Party to celebrate Black culture and continue the fight for justice today from 12 to 4 at Florida Ruffin Ridley School. buff.ly/yyYT92T

Save the date for our Summer Garden Party! Come celebrate a successful election campaign and relax after Spring Town Meeting. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and unwind with other pro-housing friends and neighbors. Families welcome. RSVP here! buff.ly/8EvSicF

We encourage you to check out this article from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies which summarizes a recent meeting on the growing interest in social housing models that emphasize long-term affordability, public ownership, & democratic control. buff.ly/hQSsC3q

This Pride Month, we wanted to bring back our post from last year on the intersection between LGBTQ+ rights and housing:

The Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group meets tonight at 6:30pm. We urge the Town to move aggressively to allow mixed-use development that will make a significant annual contribution to our tax base. Register here: buff.ly/lf2XZmW

As Town Meeting approaches, we wanted to highlight Article 24. There is an amendment to change the Home Rule Petition to a resolution in support of RETFs. A Home Rule Petition would have a much greater impact, and we urge all TMMs to vote against the amendment/substitute motion.

Town Meeting continues tomorrow and Thursday! Contact your Town Meeting Members and let them know your thoughts on these articles.

Town Meeting had two sessions last week and approved the projects funded by the Community Preservation Act and new bylaws easing the way to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Stay tuned for more news as Town Meeting continues Wednesday! #Brookline

Happy Pride Month! Brookline for Everyone is proud to support all of Brookline’s LGBTQ+ residents. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️