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How many years have you lived in Winchester? 35 years
Please describe your professional background and education. I am a real estate developer and home builder. I have 35 years of experience that has included permitting, developing and build out of multiple 40B projects throughout the state. In the past decade I have been president of Mesiti Development Corporation where I have developed, planned and built hundreds of units for senior living. I have worked closely with town officials and boards to build communities that have best suited the towns.
Can you share any volunteer work or civic engagement experiences that have shaped your perspective and prepared you for this role? My reason for running is both my gratitude to the town for having such a positive impact on my three children who have all graduated from Winchester public schools. I want to be able to participate in the town's continued success with its students. I also want to use my development experience to help the town with its multiple real estate deals while assisting in our affordable housing needs and addressing how we can also help our local seniors with Winchester housing.
Select Board-specific questions
Given Winchester's structural deficit, what specific measures would you propose while maintaining essential services? The budget deficit that has now increased is concerning. I have observed excellence in the school system through my three kids and can see that money is well spent. The deficit from what I understand is to just maintain the current standard. In the coming months, the town needs to look closely at possible ways to make up for the deficit without touching the school or sports programs.
What is your comprehensive vision for affordable housing in Winchester, particularly regarding the 160 Forest Street development? Having developed many affordable housing developments, I feel that my experience and knowledge will help navigate our housing needs as we continue our participation in solving the state's housing crisis. I would like to see 160 Forest Street offer opportunity to Winchester seniors who are struggling to stay in their hometown.
What specific initiatives would you propose to expand Winchester's commercial tax base and enhance economic development in the town center? I see our downtown center expanding by implementing ambitious and creative plans that include lower level commercial space with upper floors that can combine retail and residential units. Planning boards across the state are now realizing that we need less parking due to the newer generations preferring public transportation. Units without parking or limited parking could be permitted by the town. I also think that to grow our tax base we should allow for the necessary incentives for developers to build 55-plus projects which are an excellent way to bring in tax dollars without raising the cost of our school budget. It is also another opportunity to allow for local seniors to stay in Winchester which is one of my biggest concerns.
Have questions for Welch? Contact him at rwelch@mesitigroup.com
