Hancock Village Expansion Project Needs to Include Community Input

The following opinion piece was submitted by Ed Coppinger, a Democratic candidate for state representative in the 10th Suffolk District, which includes precincts 14, 15 and 16 in Brookline.

As I walked through the neighborhoods of the 10th Suffolk District and spoke to residents, I realized what makes a community. It's not just about houses, businesses and parks. Rather, community is about relationships, respect and the ways we interact with each other. Regretfully, the controversies and uncertainties surrounding past proposals for the expansion of Hancock Village illustrate what happens when people stop interacting with each other, when communication shuts down and voices go unheard.

Clearly, those working to break ground at Hancock Village are frustrated by the project's lack of progress, but they can't steamroll into neighborhoods, expecting residents to welcome them with open arms.  Not when residents feel they've been left in the dark about any new changes to the plan. Not when the developer intends to move forward without seeking further resident input.

During the last several years, cities and towns across the Commonwealth have struggled during this economic downturn. Teachers and public safety workers have been let go, health care costs have bankrupted municipal budgets, and school programs have been shortchanged year after year. Residents are legitimately concerned about the ways the Hancock Village's expansion project could further jeopardize the town's fiscal health, especially when we don't really know how quickly our economy will recover.

Good development requires good planning done in advance, and good planning complies with the community's long-term vision for growth, taking into consideration the economic, social and environmental impact of any proposed project. Resident taxpayers and the town of Brookline can't afford to make planning an afterthought.

As a candidate for State Representative of the 10th Suffolk district, I have recently proposed that area leaders of all levels hold monthly meetings to discuss issues—such as the Hancock Village expansion project—to determine how we can collectively work most effectively with residents and businesses to reach consensus and build a community we can all be proud to call home. Progress can be made only if we bring all parties to the table. As your State Representative, I can assure you that you will have a seat at that table.

– Ed Coppinger