LETTER: A Local 'Yes on 7' Viewpoint

To the Editor:

The need for more housing, particularly more affordable housing, is a real issue across our nation, across our state, and here in Franklin. Over the past several years, developers in Franklin have added housing inventory in the form of various medium to large apartment development projects.

Question 7 would provide new, affordable homeownership opportunities that currently do not exist for many young families, as an alternative to large apartment complexes, by allowing smaller, affordable single-family houses to be built on smaller lots.

And since Question 7 only allows zoning relief in areas with existing infrastructure to support them, such as public water and sewer, development costs are reduced and access to parks, stores and services are already in place serving existing neighborhoods.

I have heard many Franklin residents concerned about having too many apartments and not enough single-family starter homes. Now is the opportunity to change that. I urge Franklin residents to vote in support of Question 7, to Legalize Starter Homes across Massachusetts and in Franklin!

Mark Minnichelli

31 Longfellow Drive, Franklin

Co-chair, BEN4Franklin (Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin)