I thought the season of campaign mailings was over but I found a letter from B’nai B’rith in my mailbox “to encourage” me to learn more about their proposal to redevelop Austin St. Unfortunately I have not been able to attend any of the meetings on Austin St. due to other commitments and wonder if the other organizations asked for RFPs will be getting me up to date on their project ideas.
I guess I have a few questions about the mailing, independent from the potential development activities.
- Why me? I am a Highlands resident so this is not a backyard issue for me although I am interested in how development can affect our neighborhoods.
- Is this a common practice and how widespread is it? Frankly I am happy to get information from the parties but think direct mail is a high cost to get the word out.
- Now what should I do? I did heed the call to learn finding the B’nai B’rith information on-line and reviewed the information on the City site. But what has that done? Its not something I get a vote on and not sure who they want me to talk to with any impressions.
I find this interesting, a way to inform residents, but weird, as it is not something I would expect to see. I wonder what’s next and who else is on the mailing list.
@Groot. I, too, received a copy of this mailing from B’nai B’rith. My initial inclination is to think it came to me (and to you) because we are members of the
Newton Highlands Area Council? Maybe it’s because we are active in other community organizations, so we met their definition of a “community leader.” It’s hard to say, but there were names of endorsers on the letter that I know and highly respect.
My sister laughed when I read her the thing about “community leader.” Area Councilors deserve more respect within their families.
I also received the mailing, with request to contact the Mayor on their behalf. Other than that, the mailing was informative and completely appropriate. I appreciated seeing their plans for the village I lived in for 25 years and where I frequent several times a week.
I got the same post card and I also believe it’s appropriate. I dont know why they would mail me. If they ever wanted to talk to me, I’m always accessible…it’s cheaper.
I received it also, and it smacks of an attempt to influence the selection process.
Of course it’s an attempt to influence the selection process. What’s wrong with that? It’s not underhanded, no pretense of being from someone unbiased, no subterfuge.
Does anyone have the energy to explain why a humanitarian organization is involved in for-profit development in Newton Massachusetts? Is this an investment source for the charity? Seems rather risky as investment
Hoss, I think their for-profit development drives their non-profit activity. And the Austin Street development is a pretty safe bet I’d think, and no more risky than any real estate project. The site has a LOT going for it, especially for older folks looking to downsize.
@Hoss– B’nai B’rith is very active in the world of affordable housing. A few years ago they built the 40B project on Comm. Ave. near BC. They’re extremely professional and do a great job.
Don’t read this as an endorsement of their Austin St. proposal. I think the City is crazy selling that land without a comprehensive plan in place to further develop the Mass. Pike air-rights across the street. The addition of the Austin St lot would be a significant incentive to attract a developer for additional air-rights near Shaw’s Market.