Letter: Local organizations united in endorsing YES for Gloucester Campaign to address housing challenges
Mar 9, 2025
To the editor:
Housing4All Gloucester, alongside other leading community service agencies, emphatically endorses the YES for Gloucester campaign, recognizing the urgent need to address the city’s housing and economic challenges through the proposed Multi-Family Overlay District zoning plan and compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act/Section 3A zoning law.
The zoning plan, unanimously approved by the City Council in October, is designed to meet state requirements while advancing Gloucester’s local housing goals. It will create OPPORTUNITIES for homeowners in designated areas of the city to convert their homes to three units if they meet a number of other basic requirements but does not require ANY building.
As organizations committed to fair, affordable, and sustainable housing, we fully support this community-driven initiative that aims to approve new zoning that will allow for more housing options while making positive improvements to benefit the entire community.
This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in Gloucester, ensuring that the city can meet the evolving housing needs of its residents.
A YES vote in the upcoming referendum on April 24 will advance our shared goal of solving the city’s pressing housing challenges.
Housing4All Gloucester Leadership Team: Justine Baez, Mary Beck, Wilma Busse, Deanna Fay, Deb Frontierro, Maggie Howard, Hannah Kimberley, Larry Oaks, Barnaby Prendergast Scott Richards, Sunny Robinson, Stephen Voltz, Elizabeth Wuenschel, and Steve Yost.
Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director, Wellspring House
Francis Freedman, Program Director, Grace Center
Peggy Hegarty-Steck, CEO, Action Inc.
Eric D. Mitchell, President and CEO, Pathways for Children
Scott Trenti, CEO, SeniorCare Inc.