An opposing view to last week’s
op-ed
Dear Editor,
Contrary to Senator Lydia Edwards’s suggestions in last week’s Op-ed, the Town of Winthrop has never been more united than it is today. The People of Winthrop stand unflinching as state forces (including our own Senator) seek to commandeer the rights of our 20,000 residents.
Why is our 1.6-square-mile peninsula such a prize? Because the People of Winthrop—the mightiest little town in all the land—have drawn a line in the sand. United to protect our rights, future, and families against a mandate to densify one of the nation’s densest communities, our resolve only grows stronger with articles like the one Ms. Edwards just penned.
In her September 25 Guest Op-Ed, Senator Edwards suggested that Winthrop adopt the MBTA Communities Act (3A) to qualify for state grants while waiting for a possible repeal in 2026. That argument sells Winthrop’s rights for pennies on the dollar.
On average, Winthrop has received about $43,000 a year in 3A-related state grants over the last decade. The number cannot offset the millions our town would need to spend to accommodate new residents. Schools are already over capacity, and a single new building could cost taxpayers $100 million.
The Senator calls this a reasonable compromise. In truth, it is a dangerous deal: money in exchange for surrendering home rule.
The state itself is fiscally compromised, and 160 towns have had to do overrides under the current administration. Meanwhile, of the $28 million awarded in MVP funds this year, only $10.7 million went to any of the 177 MBTA Communities — Winthrop never had a shot (even for “just another study”). Notably, Winthrop didn’t receive an MVP grant last year either, when compliance was not a factor.
3A is not about affordable housing or solving a crisis—it is about turning prescribed areas of Winthrop over to developers. By requiring a zoning plan, 3A strips authority from our town and hands it “by right” to outsiders.
The Planning Board’s twice-rejected zoning plan for 43.5 acres—far beyond the 12 required—calls for no-occupancy limit 3A units. Residents there would have had no say. Meanwhile, EOHLC, on its fifth set of guidelines, claims sweeping power and could demand more density or land anytime. With just two congested egress roads, forcing thousands more units would be reckless.
What debate? In Winthrop, “family” is our common ground. Yet Ms. Edwards would support EOHLC’s proposed changes to Section 17.04.050 of Winthrop’s bylaws to redefine “family,” eliminating the requirement that household members be related, along with stripping Environmental Design Review requirements from Sections 17.24.030 and 17.24.040. That may be the state’s vision, but it is not ours.
Ms. Edwards writes: “Ultimately, these ballot questions will be the decision-makers as to whether 3A is here to stay.” Yet she is not collecting signatures, supporting our exemption cases, or backing all of Representative Turco’s 3A bills. Her name appears instead with pro-3A candidates before the November election.
She also claims early compliance guarantees relief if 3A is repealed. That is false. Once Winthrop adopts a 3A bylaw, it can only be undone by another local measure—rare here and nearly impossible under state pressure. It would also moot Winthrop’s exemption case now before Suffolk Superior Court, which argues 3A quotas unfairly punish the densest towns. Why would she want that?
The bottom line is that Winthrop zones as Winthrop sees fit. Today, we have a voice. Tomorrow, we will still have it.
Diana C. Viens
Winthrop Says No to 3A
Supports Hannah Belcher
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Hannah Belcher’s candidacy for Town Council President. As a life-long resident, Hannah has an abiding love for our community, a deep knowledge of its needs, a commitment to its people, and a passion for preservation and progress that is evident in her involvement and leadership in multiple town committees. She is a dedicated and energetic member of the Town Council, serving as its Vice President and reliably responding to inquiries and questions from those who reach out both from inside and outside her current precinct, and I am eager to see what she will be able to accomplish stepping into the Town Council President role.
We deserve to have leaders who are forward thinking and who proactively communicate and engage with residents, both old and new, equally valuing input and participation from all. Who can consider the beautiful history of this place and the wonderful possibilities for the future, where we can all work through problems in a way that benefits the whole. I am hopeful that you will take the time to connect with Hannah, share your hopes and concerns, and vote on November 4th for a new era in our town’s government.
Cassie Witthaus,
Precinct 6
Regarding error in article in Sept. 24 edition
(Ed. Note: First and foremost, we thank Paul for his letter which points out a mistake in our front-page story last week and which we have now corrected on this week’s front page. Ironically however, we noticed (and have corrected) a mistake in Mr. Caruccio’s letter regarding the Precinct 3 contest. His letter originally stated…. “and the candidates for Precinct 6 (Point Shirley and parts of the Beach area) are Joseph Romano and Betsy Shane.” The Precinct 6 Councilor is John DaRos, whose term does not expire until January 1, 2028.)
Dear Editor,
I’d like to correct the Sun-Transcript’s September 24 article, “Town Announces Candidates for November 4 Election.” The two candidates for Precinct 2 Town Councilor are Kim Dimes and Michael Kinlin and and the candidates for Precinct 3 Town Councilor are Joseph Romano and Betsy Shane.
Errors like this show how difficult it can sometimes be for voters to sort through local elections and fully understand candidates’ positions. That is why Meet the Candidates Night was created in 2017 by former Selectman and former WRTC member Marty O’Brien. Since then, it has provided an important opportunity for residents to hear directly from those running for office.
This year’s Meet the Candidates forum will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Winthrop Senior Center (doors open at 6:00 p.m.), hosted by the Winthrop Republican Town Committee. All Winthrop candidates are invited to participate, answer questions, and then meet individually with voters.
The evening is open to everyone, is nonpartisan in nature, and will be broadcast by WCAT with coverage in the Sun-Transcript. It’s one of the best chances we have to hear directly from those who want to represent us. I encourage all residents to attend and take part in this important community tradition. Paul Caruccio