Issue #160 - October 2021

StreetLife

One Step Closer to Removing Parking Minimums for Affordable Housing

Rendering by RODE Architects

Last week the Boston City Council unanimously approved an amendment to remove parking minimums for affordable housing developments, in a win for housing advocates and the Great Neighborhoods Network. The zoning amendment applies to any housing projects with rent set at affordable rates for at least 60% of the units. Although the Council's unanimous vote gives it promising momentum, the amendment still needs to be approved by the BPDA and Boston Zoning Commission. We look forward to continuing our advocacy on this important measure. Read more about the City Council vote here.

Sign Petition for Safety Improvements on Mass Ave Bridge

Adding protected bike lanes to the Mass Ave Bridge (officially called the Harvard Bridge) would improve cyclist safety. Boston and Cambridge added protected bike lanes on either end of the bridge, but the bridge itself is still unsafe. Radar measurements found that nearly 100% of vehicles on the Mass Ave Bridge exceed the 25 mph speed limit, with a median daytime speed of 41 mph. MassDOT could quickly build better bike lanes with some paint and flex posts.

Please sign the petition by November 1st to help us put pressure on MassDOT to make these quick changes. Thanks to our partners in this effort: Boston Cyclists Union, ITDP, Cambridge Bicycle Safety, TransitMatters, WalkBoston, and MassBike.

At Long Last, a Multi-modal Win for I-90

Rendering by MassDOT

After we've advocated with dozen of local partners for six years, MassDOT announced that it will advance the modified at-grade option for the Allston I-90 Multi-Modal Project! We are incredibly excited to see the highway lowered to ground level, increasing and improving pedestrian and bicycle access to the the Charles River. There is plenty of work ahead and details to sort out, but it is promising to finally be working together with MassDOT toward a collective vision that will prioritize walking, biking, and rich transit options for the region!

Tune into Women on the Move Webinar

How can shifting trends in mobility needs and transportation technology inform a more inclusive and planned approach to getting people to where they need to go? The Women on the Move webinar hosted by WTS Boston will tap into the vast knowledge and expertise of three women who are significant leaders in their respective fields to discuss the gender “mobility gap”, new innovations, and what a gender-inclusive planning approach looks like in context. Registration is open through Friday 10/29, so make sure to sign up for this event, which will feature LivableStreets' own María de la Luz (Luli) Lobos Martínez!

FYI: LivableStreets Office Closing Early on Fridays

We take rest and work-life balance seriously at LivableStreets. In order to support our staff, who work hard each week to advance our mission, we have decided to extend our "Summer Friday" hours, and close the office at 1pm on Fridays all year round.

Opportunities

• Statewide Organizer, Abundant Housing MA: AHMA seeks a Statewide Organizer to support and grow their statewide network of grassroots pro-housing organizations and individual advocates. Learn more and apply here.
• Active Transportation/Vision Zero Planner, City of Boston: This role with the Boston Transportation Department will work on projects that will realize the City’s vision to create streets and public spaces that are vibrant, multi-modal, resilient, and technologically advanced. Learn more and apply here.
• Director of Housing and Economic Development, Town of Bedford: The responsibilities for this role include planning and overseeing activities related to housing and economic development; coordinating marketing activities for and between local area business, government, real estate, and development representatives; and more. Learn more and apply here.
• Program Assistant, Dorchester Bay Youth Force: The Program Assistant will help ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of Youth Force by overseeing key administrative tasks and providing additional supervision and support for youth. They will also help plan, co-facilitate, and debrief workshops, trainings, and discussions. This position is per diem and will be paid $20 per hour. Learn more and apply here.
• Allston-Brighton Mobility Advocate, Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative: ABHC is looking for Allston-Brighton residents who are interested in a new opportunity to learn about how mobility and development decisions are made, connect with other residents and organizations, and make their voices heard! Learn more and apply here.
• Communications Director, City Life Vita Urbana: CLVU is seeking a savvy and creative communications professional to lead City Life’s communications efforts. This full-time position will generate increased visibility for our movement’s messaging through press, social media, website and promotional materials. Learn more and apply here.
• Director, Homes for All Massachusetts: The Director will help shape and carry out the coalition’s strategic plan; oversee operations management and fundraising; provide overall coalition coordination, including coordination of statewide legislative campaigns and regional organizing/base-building work. Learn more and apply here.
• Coalition Organizer, Mass Renews Alliance: They are seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building, problem solving, and coordinating projects from start to finish. Learn more and apply here.
• Capacity Building Director, Chinese Progressive Association: The Capacity Building Director will be responsible for developing, identifying, and organizing training materials and working with the Executive Director and Organizers to strengthen processes and infrastructure for staff leadership development. Learn more and apply here.
• Office Manager and Events Coordinator, Chinese Progressive Association: The Office Manager will be responsible for the smooth functioning of daily office activities, including bookkeeping, database management, equipment and supplies inventory, overseeing IT systems and building maintenance, light correspondence, organization of mailings, and other organizational support. Learn more and apply here.

As a policy, LivableStreets will only advertise opportunities that include salary or compensation information.

Thank you!

Check out the following resources to learn more about what we've been up to lately!

• Press: Read local and national press featuring LivableStreets and our work.
• StreetFilms: Watch videos highlighting our advocacy and events.
• Greenway Stories: Join us as we explore greenway successes and challenges around the Boston area.

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