Badger
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On the article Alleged Serial Gun-Wielding Robber Arrested
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On the article TELL US: Should Massachusetts Pass a Voter ID Bill?
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On the article State Rep. Jason Lewis Answers Readers' Questions
Badger
3:49 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
ReplyInteresting.
Amidst the angry buzz, I find Mr. Georgountzos' responses measured, respectful, and direct. Whether or not one agrees with his positions, I think he should be commended for sharing them and for being generous with his time.
Frankly, I do not understand the sustained attempt to tie local politics to the national scene: a *Massachusetts* Republican is usually much more moderate than conservative. But in any case, voters certainly have a clear choice in the upcoming election.
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On the article State Rep. Candidates Tackle Questions on Bullying, Pensions, Taxes
Badger
11:26 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
ReplyCross-post from other thread:
My question is about Chapter 40B, the state's "anti-snob" zoning law, which allows developers to ignore local zoning in communities with less than 10 percent of "affordable" housing.
I put "affordable" in quotes because it has a legal definition in MA which may or may not be grounded in reality. Chapter 40B allows developers in towns with less than 10% state-identified "affordable" housing (e.g., Winchester, Stoneham) to construct large-scale multifamily projects, provided that they dedicate 25 percent of the new units as "affordable" housing -- or simply to use the *threat* of high-density construction to achieve their preferred or true goals (whatever those might be).
To be deemed "affordable," units must be publicly subsidized, deed-restricted and subject to government regulation, and sales prices must be restricted to "affordable" levels (80% of median AREA--versus local--income).
As an aside: I favor affordable (no quotes) housing or, more precisely, fostering conditions that make housing affordable for more folks. I find Winchester chockablock with real-world affordable housing, often home to relatively less affluent (even "poor") but hard-working families.
You can likely divine *my* stance, but what is your take on Chapter 40B?
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On the article What Questions Do You Have For the State Rep. Candidates?
Badger
11:27 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
ReplyMr. Georgountzos:
First, thank you for your attention to this forum. Your opponent is, apparently, too busy to visit.
My question is about Chapter 40B, the state's "anti-snob" zoning law, which allows developers to ignore local zoning in communities with less than 10 percent of "affordable" housing.
I put "affordable" in quotes because it has a legal definition in MA which may or may not be grounded in reality. Chapter 40B allows developers in towns with less than 10% state-identified "affordable" housing (e.g., Winchester, Stoneham) to construct large-scale multifamily projects, provided that they dedicate 25 percent of the new units as "affordable" housing -- or simply to use the *threat* of high-density construction to achieve their preferred or true goals (whatever those might be).
To be deemed "affordable," units must be publicly subsidized, deed-restricted and subject to government regulation, and sales prices must be restricted to "affordable" levels (80% of median AREA--versus local--income).
As an aside: I favor affordable (no quotes) housing or, more precisely, fostering conditions that make housing affordable for more folks. I find Winchester chockablock with real-world affordable housing, often home to relatively less affluent (even "poor") but hard-working families.
You can likely divine *my* stance, but what is your take on Chapter 40B?
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On the article Winchester High School Feasibility Study Focuses on Design
Badger
9:55 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
ReplyWinchester
Enrollment: 1200
Vote: 2013?
Completion: 2018-2019?
Cost: $144 million for renovation - $163 million for new constructionFor Comparison: Other New High Schools in Nearby Communities
Concord/Carlisle
Enrollment: 1300
Vote: 2011
Completion: 2013 (delayed)
Cost: Originally $75 million; currently estimated at ~$91 millionWellesley
Enrollment: 1300
Vote: 2008 (Dec)
Opened: Feb 2012
Cost: $115 millionNatick
Enrollment: 1200
Vote: 2010
Opened: August 2012
Cost: $79 millionNewton North (with Olympic stadium, house system, theater, etc.)
Enrollment: 1900
Vote: 2007
Opened: Sep 2010
Cost: $197 millionWayland
Enrollment: 900
Vote: 2009
Opened: Jan 2012
Cost: $70 millionWoburn
Enrollment: 1400
Vote: 2002
Completed: 2006
Cost: $64 million (~$73 million in 2012 vs. 2006 dollars) -
On the article What's Winchester Paying for Gas Today?
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On the article Swizzles Frozen Yogurt Plans Winchester Shop
Badger
9:08 am on Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reply.
Wait: A young person wants to "get" something (pay) without, you know, having to "give" something (work)? Consider me shocked--SHOCKED!--that entitlement mentality trickles down to the offspring... -
On the article You Pick; Where's the Best Auto Repair Shop in Winchester
Badger
1:38 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
ReplyWe have quite a few good options in the Winchester area; I have made use of many.
The owner at Meineke is a great guy, hard-working and honest (his employees, IMO, can be a bit... variable). Good place to go if you are short on cash and need to keep that old jalopy going.
Fellsway Foreign Motors is a bit of a misnomer--Daimler Benz only, please! That said, if you have a Benz, this is the place to go! Not "cheap," but certainly cheaper (and more personable) than any MB dealer.
Theater Mobil and Main St. Citgo: great, family-owned and dedicated operations. Very knowledgeable, not necessarily the cheapest. Can't get over how clean Main St. Texaco, er, Citgo is.
G&N Auto: Again, great service. More than once I have been *sure* of what the problem was, only to have Enrique find it to be something less dire and much cheaper (the epitome of honesty). Great on short notice; even known to make house calls.
A couple other honest, family-owned area shops:
Holton St. Garage (Woburn/Winchester line): George and his crew have a well-earned reputation in the area, esp. on older cars and bigger trucks. Scheduling can sometimes be a challenge (they're popular!).Callahan's Auto Service: I know of many stories where the Callahans have taken a personal interest in keeping someone on the road. These folks *care*. Also, their Wed & Friday morning Bible study gives new meaning to "faithful service" (at least in an automotive application).
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On the article You Pick; Where's the Best Spot to Grab a Sandwich in Winchester
Badger
9:09 am on Friday, March 2, 2012
Reply.
I wish that Patch's profiles, like other boards, listed user registration dates...Just sayin'.
Badger
8:50 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Amusing article entitled "Where is the Stoneham High School Class of 2012 Headed?"
http://stoneham.patch.com/articles/where-is-the-stoneham-high-school-class-of-2012-headed
Was named "A player to watch" by ESPN...