Charting Somerset's Future: Community, Growth, and Local Governance with Lloyd Mendes
Join us as we welcome Lloyd Mendes, a man with a rich and varied background who has become a politically active force in Somerset, Massachusetts. Listen in as Lloyd recounts his journey to Somerset and how our paths crossed during my first run for office in 2016. Our shared commitment to our town's future, especially through zoning challenges and community engagement, is a testament to the power of local governance. Lloyd's narrative emphasizes the vitality of participating in town affairs and how he's steering Somerset towards a brighter path.
We tackle the compelling stories of individuals like Jacob Vaught, a veteran and newly-elected selectman, and he and Lloyd's transition from military service to serving the community in local politics. We also discuss the strategies that make grassroots campaigns successful and the significance of staying informed on local issues. I discuss my experience as a South Coast representative with regional organizations like SRPEDD and the importance of having a voice in the distribution of state and federal funding. Moreover, we address the community impact of economic changes, such as power plant closures, on Somerset's tax revenue and the delicate balance the planning board must maintain when approving new developments (including NIMBY voices).
The episode rounds out with a forward-looking discussion on the potential for industrial and commercial growth in Somerset, particularly in the burgeoning offshore wind industry. We consider how legal frameworks and community interests shape the town's industrial trajectory, and the promise it holds for revitalizing our local economy. Moreover, we delve into the broader implications of the MBTA communities law and the shifting landscape of housing policies in Massachusetts. This is a conversation brimming with insights on the importance of resource management, attracting young professionals, and fostering a vibrant community that you won't want to miss.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:00) - Lloyd Mendes in Somerset Introduction
(0:05:15) - Local Governance and Running for Office
(0:13:35) - Regional Organizations in Government
(0:25:15) - Planning Board's Role and Responsibilities
(0:35:32) - Industrial Growth and Changing Workplace Dynamics
(0:51:35) - Improve Town Resources, Attract Young People
(0:59:25) - MBTA Community Law and Mother-in-Law Apartments
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:00) - Lloyd Mendes in Somerset Introduction
Lloyd Mendes shares his journey to Somerset, his involvement in local governance, and commitment to setting the town on a positive course.
(0:05:15) - Local Governance and Running for Office
Diverse backgrounds, motivations, and strategies of local government officials, including veterans, and their efforts to address critical issues in their communities.
(0:13:35) - Regional Organizations in Government
Nature's role in regional organizations, local government's interaction with state and federal agencies, and the impact of power plant closures on towns.
(0:25:15) - Planning Board's Role and Responsibilities
Local town planning and zoning processes, roles of planning and zoning boards, community impact of developments.
(0:35:32) - Industrial Growth and Changing Workplace Dynamics
Our coastal town's industrial future and potential for offshore wind development, guided by laws and community interests, with a historical connection to shipbuilding.
(0:51:35) - Improve Town Resources, Attract Young People
Nature's resources and local amenities can enhance life in smaller communities, but retaining talent and managing resources requires collective effort.
(0:59:25) - MBTA Community Law and Mother-in-Law Apartments
MBTA communities law in MA requires high-density housing zoning, proposed bill for mother-in-law apartments, and shift towards inclusive housing options.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH FULL SUMMARIES ---------
(0:00:00) - Lloyd Mendes in Somerset Introduction (5 Minutes)
This chapter, I welcome Lloyd Mendes to share his unique and extensive background, detailing his journey to Somerset, Massachusetts, and his evolution into a politically active community member. We reflect on the time we first met during my initial run for office and how our connection has persisted and grown, especially through challenges faced by the town over the past three years. Lloyd also speaks to his current involvement in critical town decisions, particularly zoning issues, and his commitment to setting Somerset back on a positive course. Through his narrative, Lloyd underscores the importance of active participation in local governance and his dedication to the town's future.
(0:05:15) - Local Governance and Running for Office (8 Minutes)
This chapter reflects on the unique backgrounds and motivations that lead individuals to pursue local government positions. We explore how experiences from working in local governance overseas, particularly during the American occupation in Iraq, can ignite a passion for addressing local issues back home. Our guests discuss the stories of various community members, including veterans like our current Selectman, Jake Jacob Vaught, and their transitions from military service to roles in local politics. We also touch upon the strategies employed during election campaigns, emphasizing the effectiveness of grassroots efforts like door-to-door canvassing. Additionally, we consider the purposeful political choices made to raise awareness about critical local matters, such as the closure of power plants. Through this conversation, we showcase the diversity of experiences that enrich local governance and the dedication of those who choose to serve their communities.
(0:13:35) - Regional Organizations in Government (12 Minutes)
This chapter we explore the roles and functions of regional organizations in Massachusetts, specifically the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Planning and Economic Development District (Serpent), which acts as a liaison between local towns and federal agencies, particularly for economic development and transportation projects. I recall my time as an elected official and circuit representative, attending meetings and working with other town representatives who had confidence in my role. We discuss the importance of local government's interaction with state and federal agencies, emphasizing that if towns don't participate, they miss out on influencing where funding goes. We also touch on the local impact of power plant closures in Somerset and the tax revenue implications, highlighting a map created by Lloyd that visualizes the commercial tax contributions of these plants to the town's economy.
(0:25:15) - Planning Board's Role and Responsibilities (10 Minutes)
This chapter unpacks the intricacies of local town planning and zoning processes, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the planning board and zoning board of appeals. We explore how developments are first reviewed by the planning board, which offers referrals rather than permits, and then proceed to the zoning board for further examination and the granting of permits. I discuss the delicate balance between following laws and using discretion within the legal framework, emphasizing that decisions must be sensible and withstand legal scrutiny. Additionally, we touch on the community impact of developments, like the situation at Brayton Point and Prismian, and the importance of considering the whole town in economic development plans. The conversation also clarifies that while the planning board can grant certain permissions, like adding an in-law apartment, others, such as larger developments, must go through the zoning board.
(0:35:32) - Industrial Growth and Changing Workplace Dynamics (16 Minutes)
This chapter unpacks the potential of our coastal town's industrial future, focusing on the offshore wind industry's interest in our deep sea maritime access. I recount how, despite past proposals for less desirable industries like scrap metal processing, our laws and community interests have guided development towards more beneficial projects. We reflect on a local historical connection to shipbuilding and industrial prowess, emphasizing Glading Heron's current significance in the maritime industry and the potential for an offshore wind developer to rejuvenate the Monta site. I highlight the importance of lawful governance over individual desires and note the challenges that offshore wind faces, accepting that profitability will ultimately determine the viability of such projects in our town.
(0:51:35) - Improve Town Resources, Attract Young People (8 Minutes)
This chapter explores the importance of self-promotion and taking advantage of local resources in areas like Somerset, Massachusetts. We reflect on the sentiment of 'casting down your bucket where you are' and using what's available to enhance life in smaller communities. We discuss upcoming transportation developments like the South Coast Rail and the benefits it could bring, such as attracting telecommuting young professionals. The conversation highlights the need for improved public transit and the value of amenities like waterfront access, as well as the challenges in retaining talent for vital roles such as town planners amidst a competitive market. Through this, we underscore the collective effort required in town development and maintaining strong community relationships to manage resources effectively.
(0:59:25) - MBTA Community Law and Mother-in-Law Apartments (18 Minutes)
This chapter examines the implications of the MBTA communities law in Massachusetts, requiring towns with MBTA service to zone for high-density housing of at least 15 units per acre over a minimum of 50 acres, and the state's strict enforcement measures against non-compliance. We look into the challenges of finding suitable space for such zoning, the distinction between zoning for high-density housing and actual construction, and how this might affect areas like Slade's Ferry in Somerset. Additionally, I touch on the proposed bill to allow mother-in-law apartments by right across Massachusetts and the change in voting requirements from a supermajority to a simple majority for zoning changes that increase housing density, emphasizing the ongoing shifts towards more inclusive and flexible housing options in the state.
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