Who’s StrongHaven-est? You Decide!
The responses are in! Seven candidates responded to our first-ever StrongHaven questionnaire. Thank you to Select Board candidates Patrick Carr, Donna McKenna, Andrew Romano, and Andrew Saunders and Planning Board candidates Jessica Fidalgo, Richard Trapilo, and Diane Tomassetti for taking the time to respond to our questions. And thanks again to our readers who generated and inspired the questions— they’ve garnered lots of great discussion.
I’m not going to analyze individual answers here. I’ll let all of you read through them. Then let your takes rip in the comments!
I’ll be away all next week sliding down mountains on a pair of planks for fun. If I get to it while traveling I’ll chime in early in the week with a few takeaways from these responses.
Enjoy!
StrongHaven Candidate Questionnaire 2024
Candidate Responses
INVESTING IN OUR DOWNTOWNS
The most valuable land in town on a per-acre basis is in our traditional downtown areas in the Center and Benoit Square. What would you do to encourage investment in these areas?
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD):
As a general matter, market demand and businesses are what drives investment in towns. It is no different in Fairhaven in either the Center of Town of Benoit Square. Businesses will only survive if there are customers. The town can help sustain existing businesses and incubate growth by better managing the businesses’ progression(s) through the permitting and bureaucratic processes (which at necessary), but which could be improved. The Select Board members can and should help foster better interaction with small businesses.
PATRICK CARR (SELECT BOARD):
I would advocate for the Benoit Square location to be zoned with the 40R overlay. This would give developers the opportunity to create commercial spaces on street level storefronts and housing units on the upper levels, maximizing their investment, while still giving the town government a say in the design of the property so that it remains cohesive with the rest of the town aesthetic. As for the Center, I am a proponent of ADUs. Allowing single family property owners to convert their existing structure into a dwelling unit will increase property taxes and the town's population. The more people we have here, the more people eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, and ultimately, boost our local economy.
ANDREW ROMANO (SELECT BOARD)
As the current sitting President of the North Fairhaven Improvement Association, I have spent many hours listening to public concerns and speaking with town officials regarding traffic concerns and the difficulty of visiting small businesses in Benoit Square. The NFIA has and continues to advocate for these residents and business owners to help assure feedback and suggestions are being heard regarding a more permanent solution of the restructure of the square. We envision a more walkable environment that is safe for all visitors and a chance for businesses to thrive.
RICK TRAPILO (PLANNING BOARD):
The vitality of our downtown and Benoit Square business districts is severely hampered by the glaring absence of on-street parking. However, I refuse to delegate decision making solely to developers. Instead, I pledge to collaborate closely with them, ensuring that every investment plan undergoes meticulous scrutiny and swift approval. Furthermore, I am committed to attracting greater investment from small businesses that cater to the unique needs of our coastal community. Whether it's bakeries, pharmacies, or artisanal crafts, these enterprises thrive on foot and bicycle traffic. In our Fairhaven community over 90 % of our workforce is sustained by the resilience and innovation of small business owners -they are the very heartbeat of our community.
JESSICA FIDALGO (PLANNING BOARD):
These areas are pretty great, I don’t think they need MAJOR development as much as promotion to walk them. They are both in mixed use areas, developers and land owners should know what that means for them in accessing more housing and business use. Addressing access to public parking, reduced parking limits and improved streetscapes (landscaping) would make these areas multi modal and place you WANT to spend time in; vs drive thru. Looking at 40A Section 6 will help address lot size issues for the older homes; but more work needs to be done there. Particularly with Benoit Sq, narrowing main St and no parking around the Sq would give a much safer access to being out of a car than what is currently there. -When we vacation, we walk a few blocks to get where we are going. Then we find an unexpected stop, and make memories. This drives the economy, tourism, vitality of the area. We are desirable, we need to enhance it for us, and others will come.
Arbitrary parking minimums for businesses and housing lead to poor land use, which in turn takes its toll on town finances over the long term. In recent years, many towns and cities in the U.S. have significantly reduced or eliminated these minimums in order to spur greater prosperity. Are you in favor of eliminating parking minimums and giving businesses and developers the ability to decide for themselves how much off-street parking their buildings need?
DONNA MCKENNA (SELECT BOARD):
I would be in favor of eliminating parking minimums. I feel there should be no time frame on parking restrictions. Customers, residents etc., should be able to park for an unlimited time frame. Businesses and developers the ability to decide for themselves. I believe it depends on how much parking these businesses need for such as a small business would need reduced parking spaces. Another one such as a restaurant, would need more spaces to accommodate their customers. It would be determined by the business to factor in how many spots they will need.
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD):
Nobody should know their business’ requirements (including parking requirements) better than the operator. Without adequate parking, the business will underperform, and the business will eventually close. I do not oppose reducing the existing minimums, as in my experience they are often reduced by special permit during the Planning Board site plan review process (which is extremely cumbersome). However, the total elimination of parking requirements is not a good idea.
HOUSING AND THE FREEDOM TO HAVE BAKERIES
Our current zoning code outlaws small neighborhood businesses, including coffee shops, bakeries and other shops that residents can walk to in most of our neighborhoods.This negatively impacts the quality of life in many areas of town and increases traffic on Route 6 and other collector streets. Are you in favor of allowing businesses like bakeries to open in our neighborhoods?
ANDREW ROMANO (SELECT BOARD)
I am absolutely in favor of revisiting the zoning code that does not allow for businesses like bakeries and coffee shops to open in Fairhaven. As a small business owner, we are fortunate to be located in a “Destination” Area, where we can be one stop on a string of many. We find that we thrive when consumers are given choice. We, as a community, should do our best to not limit the creation of choice and destination areas for our residents to patronize, especially in these tough budget times.
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD):
Not all neighborhoods are the same throughout Fairhaven. The character(s) of the Town Center and North Fairhaven are much different from East Fairhaven which is much different from Sconticut Neck and even West Island. Importantly, the roadways and walking paths are different and must be considered when deciding to locate businesses (albeit a small business) in a residential district. I would nonetheless support the creation of zoning overlay districts in the Town Center, North Fairhaven, and West Island portions of town to accommodate neighborhood businesses. These portions of town have a small number of these type businesses already which likely pre-existed the Zoning Ordinance.
DIANE TOMASSETTI (PLANNING BOARD):
Zoning codes do not outlaw small neighborhood businesses by the way - I am in favor of looking at zoning though to enhance the mixed-use & commercial zones to allow for more neighborhood shops, bakeries, gift shops. A Walkable neighborhood to encourage more patrons.
JESSICA FIDALGO (PLANNING BOARD):
I would love to see more mixed-use zoning or the by right home occupations list broadened. I think a lot of what my generation wants is neighborhoods like my parents and grandparents had for our families. Businesses mixed in to close knit neighborhoods so our kids have a “place” I have place I can grab what I need quickly without jumping in the car and missing out on relationships with my neighbor, nature and finding more beauty around us. Tried and true planning is the old, mixed use areas, downtowns. The death of malls, and big plazas may have stopped downtowns for a while, but they are trending back and carry more wealth for our economy.
Housing costs and rent are high. Many adult kids of current residents can’t afford to live here in their own hometown. What's one thing you'd do to help address our current housing crunch?
DONNA MCKENNA (SELECT BOARD):
The answer is tough, I realize the rents are higher due to the costs of the homes are much higher, so the rents have to increase to be able to pay the mortgage payment (investors for multi families). The housing for Single family homes (lack of inventory) is not helping. We have to wait until the Mortgage Rates go down (residents will then put their house on the market to sell) and that will open up more housing for 1st time buyers to come into the town and purchase a home. The reason why we are in this Housing Crunch, is because the price of homes, lack of inventory and rates being so high. Once rates dip, you will see the housing market get better. There are lots of residents that will not sell their home due their current rate is a lot lower than if they decided to sell and purchase another home, as the rate would be more than double for what they have currently. This needs to turn around and will hopefully by early Fall 2024, (is what feds are predicting) election year is like a rocking roller coaster for rates. Until rates go down, the inventory will remain limited.
PATRICK CARR (SELECT BOARD):
ADUs are a viable option to help with the current housing affordability crisis. Adult-age children who are not able to purchase a single family home or a piece of property in Fairhaven can continue to live in town via an ADU on their parents’ property. Likewise, the aging population looking to downsize can move into an in-law apartment at their adult-child’s property. Beyond making housing in Fairhaven more affordable, ADUs can improve the quality of life for our residents in a number of ways. For instance, multigenerational dwelling options can potentially benefit our younger residents by eliminating or reducing the need for expensive childcare. They also keep our aging population in close proximity to their family/loved ones and reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation that many elderly experience as they age. Finally, ADUs can keep adultage children in close proximity to their aging parents, which reduces the strain of having to travel to check in on or care for an elderly family member.
ANDREW ROMANO (SELECT BOARD):
I am a Major Investor in the REALTOR Political Action Committee, an organization that advocates to elect state leaders who champion the need for fair and affordable housing. I believe that Fairhaven needs to create a housing plan as one of our town goals moving forward. I also believe a way to encourage this change is to allow more mixed use development areas.
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD)
No commercial market is more affected by supply and demand forces than the housing market. Increasing the number of market rate housing units will increase supply and reduce demand thereby lowering costs. This can be done by various techniques such as allowing increased density and/or allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (in-Law Apartments) to name a few. Zoning amendments however, are the province of Town Meeting but I would nonetheless support both of these efforts.
RICK TRAPILO (PLANNING BOARD):
The most immediate solution to our housing crisis as well as a crucial buffer against the rising costs of living spurred by inflation, lies in the swift approval of Accessory Dwelling Units. < ADUs> Countless families in our Fairhaven community are grappling with grown children who either cannot afford to purchase a home or are unable to secure one amidst the scarcity of available properties. It is imperative that we recognize our obligation to assist these families in providing housing for their loved ones, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the family unit during this period of unprecedented inflation. Each ADU sanctioned by the Town not only contributes to our tax base but also furnishes a safe and desirable residence for generations to come. We must act decisively!
SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE STREETS
Route 6 is a stroad, meaning it is neither effective as a street (generating wealth) or as a road (providing a direct route). What (if anything) would you do to address the negative economic and safety impacts this corridor has on our community?
PATRICK CARR (SELECT BOARD):
I’d promote a traffic division in Fairhaven that strictly enforces the local speed limits. Excessive speeds on Route 6, Main Street, Green Street, etc, lead to safety concerns and noise pollution that negatively impacts the Fairhaven residents. Strict enforcement of the speed limits here in town through consistent ticketing will lead to safer streets for pedestrians and bikers.
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD):
Route 6 is part of the State Highway layout and is maintained by MassDOT. Other than to regulate uses for businesses on this roadway, the most efficient thing the Town can do to correct the current conflict between the need for traffic flow verses safety is to continue to work with SRPEDD and MassDOT to understand if making the roadway more of a boulevard is advisable. Note: SRPEDD is considered a Metropolitan Planning Organization and is the lead agency in cooperation with MassDOT for planning and programming for highways, transit, freight, bicycle, and pedestrians.
ANDREW ROMANO (SELECT BOARD):
After speaking with residents in town regarding Rt 6, one area in particular that was mentioned quite frequently is the stretch between Stop and Shop and the Mattapoisett Line. I believe one step that needs to be taken is connecting with our State Representative to express the need for crosswalks in this area. In regards to generating wealth, as I mentioned before we need a revitalization of our shopping plazas to create a multi-stop destination area. Consumers are attracted to choice and the ability to travel from business to business and make a day out of their visit.
RICK TRAPILO (PLANNING BOARD):
I propose a proactive approach by engaging plaza and property owners to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their establishments. By offering guidance we can inspire them to contribute to the beautification of Route 6 in a manner that respects our coastal heritage. Furthermore, I would advocate for the establishment of 40 R overlays to guide future development along the route. These overlays would encourage developers to create coastal inspired plazas and housing, fostering a sense of community and vitality. My vision is to transform Route 6 into a pedestrian friendly thoroughfare where residents can stroll local shops, bakeries, and restaurants. I draw my inspiration from successful examples like Mashpee Commons. By prioritizing aesthetics, functionality, and community engagement we can ensure that RT 6 becomes a source of pride for our coastal community.
What (if anything) would you do to help Fairhaven become more walkable and bikeable?
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD)
I live in the Center of Town down near Fort Phoenix and it is very walkable and bikeable. The town bike path is also a very well used resource with the installed crossing assist on Sconticut Neck Roar being very helpful. I would support extending a designated bike lane on the shoulder of Sconticut Neck road through the MassDOT Complete Street Funding Program (https://www.mass.gov/complete-streets-funding-program) which Fairhaven is eligible to apply for funding.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about our local transportation infrastructure what would it be?
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD)
Replace the New Bedford Fairhaven Bridge (with a double bascule bridge design).
DONNA MCKENNA (SELECT BOARD):
Opening the hours to 9-5 and not just 8-12. Residents would be happy if it was available all day. I realize this is Free to the residents (donations are appreciated) but maybe making it all day for transportation and charging a flat fee. This would create more residents to be out and about after 12:00 noon. I believe it would help, on the down side of it, I understand there would be more costs for gas by extending the hours of In-Town transportation. It might be worth looking into and being better for our community.
JESSICA FIDALGO (PLANNING BOARD):
My answer here has changed a bit over time. But if my wand would wave; bus routes. We need more access across the different areas of our town to not only drive tourism, reduce carbon footprint, less need for parking, but for convenience. We have a beautiful center of town, free library, public beach, town beach, parks that the current SRTA line does not TOUCH.
DIANE TOMASSETTI (PLANNING BOARD):
It would be nice to consider more local bus/shuttle vans throughout town. Daily/timely shuttles to the commercial shopping areas.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Almost all town financial crises, such as the one Fairhaven faces today, are a byproduct of decisions made in the mid (3-7 years) to long range (>7 years). Policies take time to implement and economic indicators, in particular, have a lengthy lag time. Please identify two or three historic decisions that are driving the town's current financial problems and indicate how you’d change course. (Keep in mind that a historic decision in this context may have been a decision to do nothing).
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD)
In 2014, the Town petitioned the legislature to be allowed to alter the management hierarchy of the town government. That action changed the role of the Select Board to oversee the town’s business. Although the Select Board were declared the Chief Executive Officers, day to day control of all town boards and related activities became vested in the newly created position of Town Administrator (which the statute stated was to be the town’s Chief Operating Officer). In hindsight, this decision appears to have not generated the benefits which were expected and should be revisited.
JESSICA FIDALGO (PLANNING BOARD):
In my opinion, government is reactive and not proactive often constrained to best practices thinking that leaves many “new” ideas or problem solving halted. Sconticutneck Rd is dangerous, we all know it. I’d love a push to address shielded bike/pedestrian lanes down Sconticutneck R. (Shielded in a temporary low cost manner could be bollards, to see if this approach works BEFORE investing for expensive permanent infrastructure). Having the safety and separation would add to the vibrancy in the mixed use area, tourism off the bike path down to West Island. The Neck is beautiful, but with 2 fatalities I’m aware of, it is not safe, and not increasing vitality to the residents or revenue.
As essential services become more expensive to provide and our infrastructure ages, our town faces an inevitable revenue shortfall now and into the future. If forced to choose between raising taxes on current residents, cutting or reducing town services or increasing the tax base by allowing for more households in our existing neighborhoods, what strategy would you pursue?
ANDREW SAUNDERS (SELECT BOARD)
I would not rule out a strategy of all three for funding of essential services such as police, fire and the schools. The difficulty in raising taxes will be the constraint in the Tax Levy due to the provisions of Proposition 2 1⁄2 which only allow for (i) the increase in the levy by no more than 21⁄2 % of last years’ levy plus (ii) new growth. Because voters soundly rejected an override question last year, the likelihood of another override passing in remote so that leaves the town boxed into either cutting non-essential services (I am opposed to cutting essential services) or increasing the tax base through new growth (which will take time). If I had to rank the options, I would look to new growth first, cutting non-essential services next and then seek an override as a last resort.
DONNA MCKENNA (SELECT BOARD):
I would not recommend reducing town services. I would choose raising taxes (but keeping our senior citizens at a lower tax rate). We do have a very reasonable tax rate here in the Town of Fairhaven. Other towns are higher and some are much higher. Our tax rate for 2024 is $9.23 per thousand. Cutting services would be considered also but we would need to do what’s best for our residents and our town. And to what extent of services would we cut to help our revenue.
PATRICK CARR (SELECT BOARD):
I would choose to increase the tax base by allowing for more households in our existing neighborhoods.
RICK TRAPILO (PLANNING BOARD):
I do not advocate for a tax increase. Instead, I believe it's imperative to focus on reducing expenses and presenting a balanced budget. The Town of Fairhaven is grappling with the harsh realities of unprecedented inflation. The escalating costs in key areas like; Schools, Police, Fire and DPW necessitate a paradigm shift in how we allocate our resources . It's crucial for the Selectboard to prioritize departmental fiscal responsibility and reduce expenditures. It will then be the decision of the town’s residents whether to agree to reductions in services or not. My decision to seek a role on the Planning Board stems from my firm belief that this board plays a strategic role in shaping the financial future well-being of the Town. We have an exemplary Master Plan, and my commitment is to drive forward essential short term <1 year> mid-term <3 years> and long term <5 years> objectives that align with the town's priorities. Innovation in our planning efforts is paramount to crafting a sustainable financial strategy that safeguards the health, safety, and prosperity of Fairhaven. By embracing forward -thinking initiatives we can provide essential services to our residents while mitigating the burden of excessive taxes or reduction in services.
DIANE TOMASSETTI (PLANNING BOARD):
Creating more ADU's by-right would definitely support our increased tax base - rather than looking to increase the current property owners taxes. The state of MA is bringing forth regulations to support ADU's across the Commonwealth.