Wakefield Election Profiles: Joanne Scouler, Planning Board

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The following candidate profile is from Joanne Scouler, who is running for Planning Board.

Facebook page: facebook.com/jscoulerplanningboard

Your name: Joanne L Scouler

Age as of April 1, 2021: 59

Town of residence: Wakefield

Position sought: Planning Board five year position

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Single

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government, including the Town of Wakefield or Wakefield Public Schools?: No.

Education: Lexington MA public schools, McGill University Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Bachelor of Arts

Occupation: Home Healthcare and Fitness, Healthy Living Care - Founder and Owner Previous or current elected or appointed office: Appointed Member of the Planning Board September 2020 – present

You are running because: Growing up in Lexington my father was on the Planning Board and I remember how important this committee was in how the town retained open space and proactively shaped both commercial and residential development. When I decided to take a more active role in our community, I looked to where the greatest need was and the Planning Board needed my help.

During the time I have served on the board I have learned a great deal about the inner workings of the town and what is needed to keep Wakefield a great place to live. I see myself as a Representative of the people to the Planning Board. I am accessible and I want to hear your concerns.

What is the single most pressing issue facing our planning board, and what do you intend to
do about it?

Proactive town planning with an eye toward protecting our lake and environment, increasing affordable and senior housing, while working for reasonable development are the most pressing issues.

Long term strategic growth is needed and we need to do a better job of meeting the milestones and goals outlined in our town plans. Both our Master Plan and Housing Development plan are outdated and need a refresh. When these plans are updated collaboration among the town boards is needed at a high level so we can hit our plan milestones and goals. Building consensus and working together is what will get us there. Marketing the plans to property owners and getting their buy-in is key to implementation.

I have been promoting a forward looking versus reactive planning approach for sensible development since I have been on the Planning Board. The Planning Board can and should propose changes to our town’s zoning bylaws, making town zoning more clear and reflective in regulating development. New buildings must be appropriately sized and located to enhance an area rather than detract from or harm it.

What other issues make up your campaign platform:

Affordable housing is a key issue I support and the state requires we hit a 10% affordable housing unit threshold. We are making progress toward that goal with all the residential development currently happening in town. We need to work for balance with residential development so we maintain livability and our unique town character. I would like to see an increase in senior housing because I want our aging population to stay living in Wakefield and I also want to see us provide affordable housing to families and young people. I believe we need to improve the social and economic diversity landscape in Wakefield. The last housing development plan for Wakefield was for 2015-2020 so it has expired. We need a new housing development plan with goals and milestones we can hit in order to meet state requirements and regulations.

Commercial development means bringing different types of business to Wakefield including revitalizing our downtown and attracting larger businesses such as professional and technical companies to Wakefield. This has been a challenging past year but with good planning the future ahead for business is brighter. I support our Economic Development Director in coming up with ideas for ways appropriate business can revitalize our downtown. I also think the Edgewater Business park is an area where we need to attract more professional and technical
business.

In the thirty years I have been a homeowner in Wakefield, I have spent time walking and jogging around Lake Quannapowitt and enjoying its beauty. I recently initiated pro-active planning discussion to change the zoning in order to protect the Lake from overdevelopment. While it may be too late to prevent some development there, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help preserve the Lake from inappropriate encroachment so that future generations can enjoy Wakefield’s most valued natural asset.

Looking at other town Planning Board’s best practices could help keep Wakefield’s Planning Board current and cutting edge. For example, I hope Wakefield will reconsider supporting The Community Preservation Act as other neighboring towns have. It helps preserve historical sites, create recreational space, and maintain open space. These aspects of our community keep it vibrant and enjoyable and are important to me.

What accomplishments and experience would you cite as evidence you can do the job:

My initiative to protect Lake Quannapowitt is an example of the kind of leadership we need to shape the future of our community. My professional life in the high-tech arena (HP, IBM, RSA) trained me to assess details, solve problems, and think critically. Recently, I transitioned to the healthcare field. I bring a unique common sense perspective to the Planning Board; a perspective which guides me in analyzing detailed zoning and plans, along with a long term planning approach that Wakefield desperately needs. Although I’m not a Realtor today, I did obtain my Real Estate salesperson’s license as I was moving to Wakefield. Though part of my vision supports Real Estate growth, I know a healthy community needs more than just Residential and Commercial development. A healthy community thrives when it’s a place we remain proud of to enjoy.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and the position:

When a position on the Planning Board became available last year, I jumped at the chance to serve our town in this capacity. The Planning Board not only reviews subdivision plans but also approves zoning change requests. It provides insight and input into the Zoning Board of Appeals. My aim is to continue to foster improvements to the town building project approval processes and drive collaboration among the different town boards so that the development we see is appropriate and enhances our town. I am accessible and hope to talk to you on the campaign trail. Please feel free to call, text or email me: 617-899-7494, jscouler@wakefield.ma.us or see @jscoulerplanningboard and message me on Facebook. I would be honored if you would cast your vote for me, Joanne L Scouler, for the five-year term on the Planning Board.