Green Space Alliance 2025 Select Board Questionnaire

The Brookline GreenSpace Alliance asked all candidates for Brookline’s Select Board to answer these three questions. We thank the candidates for their answers. The GreenSpace Alliance does not endorse candidates. We hope that voters will consider each candidate’s answers when they vote on Election Day, May 6. View PDF Version

1. For many years, Town studies and plans have concluded that Brookline needs more parks and open space for active and passive recreation. What would you do to preserve and increase parks and open space in Brookline?

Firstly, we must prioritize our efforts and resources to maintain and preserve our existing green spaces. It is tempting to be drawn to the allure of new facilities, but these should not come at the expense of existing green spaces. We cannot inadvertently let the current green spaces deteriorate. Therefore, we must ensure fiscal efficiency and continuously seek additional funding sources, such as state and federal grants, or our own Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, for green space projects. We must be innovative in expanding our green spaces, which could manifest as pocket parks or shared spaces with local institutions, through Pilot Incentive for Local Taxation (PILOT) programs, or community incentives for new developer projects. It is crucial that we maintain the healthy collaboration between our Division of Parks and Open Space and the multiple neighborhood volunteer organizations.

2. Town Meeting has voted to amend Brookline’s bylaws to prevent trees from being removed. How would you implement these amended bylaws and what other steps would you favor to protect trees in Brookline and to expand Brookline’s tree canopy?

I am pleased that Town Meeting approved the amended and enhanced tree protection by-law. However, this measure alone is insufficient to safeguard the majority of our urban tree canopy. We must implement stricter enforcement measures to address this issue. Additionally, we need to transition from a reactive, complaint-driven approach to a proactive approach to tree protection. Unfortunately, many trees are being lost due to enforcement efforts that occur after they have been cut down. As a town, we also have a responsibility to promote the care of our existing street and park trees, particularly those that are young and recently planted. It is concerning that a significant number of new, young trees never mature due to avoidable circumstances. I would support increasing neighborhood programs such as the Front Yard Tree Program, but also holding developers accountable for providing green spaces.

3. Would you commit to supporting a budget for the Parks and Open Space Division that would provide the necessary level of funds and staff to maintain Brookline’s parks and open space in a good state of repair?

Absolutely. Constant maintenance versus cycles of complete replacement is a more sustainable approach to managing our green space. Unfortunately, we often succumb to the latest trends rather than maintaining what we already have. Proper maintenance necessitates the appropriate staffing and trade expertise. Let us prioritize maintaining our parks and green spaces to a high standard rather than falling for the latest trends that may or may not align with our community’s long-term needs. As a member of the Advisory Committee Capital Sub-committee, I have consistently emphasized the importance of this crucial aspect of our budget review.