Table of Contents
Preferred contact method:
iching.scott@gmail.com
What experiences and perspectives would you contribute to Town Meeting?
I would be honored to serve on a second term with Town Meeting if voters will have me. My professional background is in architecture and real estate and I have interests in urban and landscape design as well as just puttering around in my garden.
I served on the Planning Board from 2021-24. During my PB term, we passed an Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw to open up an option for our older residents and those with disabilities to live and remain in town. In addition, we met the challenge of the MBTA 3A Communities Act to rezone parts of our town for development near transit and to address our middle-housing shortages. During that time, we also did much of the legwork to rezone upper Main Street to vitalize our commercial base, address the housing shortage, and make streets safer for multi-modal transit.
I currently serve the town as a member of the Housing Partnership Board where we advise and advocate with Boards and Committees on housing needs.
I have two kids in middle school and am loving the joys and challenges of this life stage.
What are two or three issues facing Winchester that you think are most important and what are your positions on them?
- Housing affordability - this complex issue crosses borders but is especially acute in our town. We have unmet state obligations, for one. Furthermore, we have a difficult time keeping our community intact with neighbors priced out, newcomers unable to buy in, generations unable to remain close, and we have a hard time attracting and retaining talent for town jobs as well as vitalize local businesses. We need to continue to work effectively to look for opportunities in zoning and support growth to meet the changing needs of our time.
- Environmental and aesthetic quality - It is important that we sensitively address the built and natural environment, improving and remediating as we plan and change. Our unique town waterways and architectural history make it imperative that we do so in ways that meet needs in short and long term goals.
- Budget - facing increasing costs and competing needs, town meeting members need to understand complex systems within town and find ways to prioritize and plan. We need collaborative members to move policy and coordinate initiatives that benefit the collective.
What is a special challenge in your precinct that might not be faced in other precincts?
We are near the Wedgemere station, bike path, and Mystic Lakes where much multi-modal transit use converge. Safety and access need to be prioritized. I have worked with the Mystic River Watershed Association to mediate with the MBTA, DCR, and towns of Winchester and Medford to coordinate plans to make these roadways and bike paths safer, accessible, and environmentally sensitive.
Why should voters elect you to represent them?
I have served in multiple boards and committees of the town over the years and appreciate the amount of work and dedication necessary to getting things done. I bring respectful collaboration to the table while using my understand of zoning, architecture, and real estate to help the town achieve its goals. I would love your vote!
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