Summary

What does it take to get something done in a community? What does it take to get something built? What does it take to change a city?

Sean Webster is an social entrepreneur, organizer, and citizen developer. His story centers around how one can make change in a community despite immense headwinds. Sean discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and community developer in Boston, focusing on the importance of creating sustainable environments for growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of urban development, the need for trust and communication between developers and the community, and the role of creativity in shaping the future of neighborhoods. The discussion highlights the balance between community needs and development goals, emphasizing collaboration and collective action to foster positive change.

NOTE: The residential development project that is discussed in the episode awaiting city approval, received that approval shortly after the recording of this episode.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, community development, real estate, urban planning, trust, collaboration, housing, Boston, social impact, creativity, downtown, cities, urban design

Chapters

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Boston 02:57 Revitalizing Downtown Boston 06:15 Navigating Real Estate Inequities 09:06 Collective Economics and Community Empowerment 11:55 Building a New Model for Community Development 15:13 The Challenges of Community Trust 17:56 The Role of Design in Community Spaces 21:04 Friction in Community Development 23:55 The Impact of Preservation on Development 27:15 The Future of One Elmwood Project 39:41 Community Development Challenges 42:48 Navigating Bureaucracy and Community Expectations 46:07 The Importance of Resilience in Development 49:30 Inter-Agency Communication Issues 53:04 Financial Risks and Community Impact 56:56 The Long Road to Realizing Dreams 01:01:08 The Role of Democracy in Development 01:05:10 Engaging the Younger Generation 01:09:07 Creativity as a Driving Force 01:12:07 The Future of Community Development

Links

Sean Webster This family wants to redevelop their Roxbury home into much-needed housing. It isn’t working - Boston Globe

Roxbury family will be allowed to replace their house with an apartment building after years-long neighborhood battle - Boston Globe

How can we build better housing and more of it? Sam Naylor is the co-author of “The State of Housing Design 2023” (Harvard University Press) and the research report “Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts”. He is a licensed architect and researcher and joins MoPo to discuss the critical importance of housing design in addressing the current housing crisis. He emphasizes the need for innovative and quality housing solutions and the challenges posed by zoning laws and community resistance. Naylor advocates for design thinking as a means to unlock production and density while also highlighting the significance of community engagement and leadership in shaping housing policy. The discussion also touches on the potential of policy changes such as single-stair reform and the future of housing design, reflecting on personal ideals and the broader implications for urban development. Links [Sam Naylor](https://naylorsam.com/) [Sam on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-naylor/) [Sam on IG](https://www.instagram.com/sam__naylor/) [The State of Housing Design 2023](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/) Keywords housing design, architecture, housing crisis, Joint Center for Housing Studies, innovative design, community engagement, zoning laws, single stair reform, affordable housing, urban development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Housing Design and Its Importance 02:59 The Role of the Joint Center for Housing Studies 05:50 Innovative Housing Design: Themes and Insights 09:08 The Importance of Quality Design in Housing 11:57 Challenges in Housing Development and Funding 14:53 Zoning Laws and Their Impact on Housing 18:17 Community Resistance to New Developments 21:11 The Need for Clear Zoning Regulations 24:08 Building Codes and Their Influence on Housing 26:55 Single Stair Reform and Its Potential Benefits 37:19 Revisiting Building Codes and Safety Innovations 40:43 The Case for Scissor Stairs and Efficient Design 43:09 Navigating Building Regulations and Renovations 46:58 The Need for Proactive Code Revisions 49:12 Designing for Functionality and Community Engagement 52:55 The Role of Political Engagement in Housing Architecture 56:16 Community Involvement in Housing Development 01:00:08 The Future of Housing: Leadership and Public Perception 01:04:54 Imagining Ideal Living Spaces 01:08:36 Reflecting on Modernism and Future Projections

In this conversation, Betty Chen shares her multifaceted journey as a student, project manager, and content creator in the fields of architecture and art. She discusses her experiences in public speaking, the origins of her YouTube channel, and her passion for making art and architecture accessible to the public. Betty emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, community engagement, and the challenges of navigating criticism in her work. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of architecture and the need for mutual understanding in society.

Episode Links:

https://www.youtube.com/articulations

https://www.instagram.com/articulationsv/

https://www.relay.fm/pictorial