Share the Scene:

Alexander Whiteside announces candidacy for Milton Planning Board

About Alexander Whiteside:

Dear Milton Voters,

I am running for reelection to the Planning Board. I was raised in Milton and have lived here for more than 50 years. I graduated from Harvard College and Fordham Law School and received a master of laws degree from Boston University. I am a lawyer with significant real estate experience. I was the Chief Counsel of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development for 16 years and have a good working knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting development in Massachusetts.

Since I was a boy growing up in Milton, the Town has seen many changes. Change is inevitable. During my time as a member of the Planning Board I have worked hard to ensure that, insofar as possible, change will be positive and benefit the Town. I am acutely aware that the residents are the Town’s principal stakeholders and that their opinions and interests must guide the Planning Board in its duties.

Notwithstanding many changes over the years Milton continues to be a very attractive town and a good place to live. An important reason why Milton has been able to retain its special qualities is its zoning. The zoning bylaws, first adopted in 1938 and continually updated and kept current since then, have prevented thoughtless, destructive and excessive development of the sort only too common in other municipalities.

I am currently the sole lawyer on the Planning Board. I am an experienced legal writer and understand how to write proper zoning, permits and other legal documents. I have written zoning with broad application throughout the Town as well as zoning which is much more site-specific designed to allow particular projects with community support to go forward without opening other areas of the Town to similar unwanted projects. I have written many permits and decisions for the Board. My legal training has been a significant benefit to the Board.

I have been asked whether my 2013 vote to approve a subdivision of the Womens Club property on Reedsdale Road was influenced by Milton’s former state senator’s efforts to save the Broderick (Hillside Street) Stable in the Blue Hills Reservation across from the police station. Although I have supported and have worked for preservation of the stable, my decision to vote for the subdivision was unrelated to efforts to save the stable and was made solely on the merits of the subdivision application, including very strong resident support.

I have served on the Planning Board with competence, diligence, sound judgment and legal expertise for many years. My enthusiasm for this service is undiminished. I have contributed to a Town government responsive to its residents. I look forward to being able to continue to do so. I hope that you will vote to reelect Alexander Whiteside as a member of the Planning Board on April 24th.

Sincerely, Alex Whiteside