Category: Candidate Profile

We have a lot of vacant and abandoned property in our city. I would like to see us sell them off as first-time homebuyers programs (affordable).

Corporations and speculators are buying homes in cash at as much as $50,000 above the market rate. This is going to dramatically increase the property values in the next term of the tax assessor. This will lead to increased gentrification.

We need to make sure inclusionary zoning is a part of any housing development and guarantees that at least 20% of the units being rented will be affordable housing units.

The city needs to take back abandoned properties and sell them at less than market-rate, with deed restrictions.

Graduation rates and high scores should correlate with instilling confidence, character, determination and goals that shape our students.

We should look for developers to partner with to convert existing vacant properties into housing.

New Bedford Public Schools now has a memorandum of understanding with the police department that details mutual expectations for the ‘Educational Facilities Liaison’ role.

We do not have the authority to arbitrarily reduce anyone’s property values. The only way to reduce someone’s property values is through the abatement process.

I would support a robust program of grants and low-interest loans for owner-occupied multifamily properties that would encourage owners to modernize their property and require they maintain lower rental rates.

It is going to be crucial, in the coming months, to guide our city out of this pandemic. Developing strategies and networking with all resources to recover and move forward is the key to success.