PLATFORM
I want to work for you. We need to limit new development, keep Beacon affordable, protect our quality of life and the environment, and bring in more money - not through more taxes. With more than a decade of experience managing nonprofits and five years on Beacon's Conservation Advisory Committee, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate complicated governmental agencies, parse budgets, find sources of funding, and get things done.
TOP ISSUES
Development
We're all seeing Beacon change around us - Changing too fast, in my opinion.
As your representative on City Council, I will work to give the Planning & Zoning Boards the tools, laws and members they need to effectively manage development – including limiting density and the speed of our growth. We will establish an architectural review committee to be part of the Planning Board to ensure that the look of all new and renovated buildings fit with Beacon’s character.
Rather than seeing new buildings go up, I will prioritize reuse of existing structures. I will help identify and advertise abandoned properties (6% of Beacon's residential units are vacant) and help bring the properties to market so they can be renovated and occupied. I will also work to champion thoroughly sustainable building practices.
I'm not against all development - I'm for smart development that's right for Beacon.
Affordability
Now is the time to bring more jobs to Beacon. I will actively recruit business to fill vacant or potential commercial spaces, making Beacon a place not just to live and play, but also to work and stay. I will also support the vibrant small businesses that have made Beacon what it is today, and explore options to protect them from increasing expenses.
I will also work to redefine what affordable housing means here. 42% of us in Beacon pay more than 30% of our income towards housing, either rents or mortgages, and most of the new "affordable" housing units being built are more expensive than local market rates. Let's think boldly and creatively to set requirements for developers to build units Beaconites can afford, cap rent increases to 3% each year, and figure out together how to decrease the collective burden of housing costs.
Transportation
We can fix our growing traffic problems, and build transport solutions strengthening Beacon's infrastructure for decades to come.
I will work on City Council to support the plan to make two left-turning lanes to access the 84 bridge from 9D, and identify solutions for other known traffic problem areas. I will ensure that newly-built residences and businesses actually do provide their required parking spaces, and find new ways of expanding our city's parking capacity.
I will promote biking throughout Beacon by installing bike racks at the train station and throughout town. I will investigate bike lanes to improve bicycle safety along major roads. I will work with the City, MTA, and Scenic Hudson to build and maintain year-round public toilets at the train station/waterfront. I will work with the highway department to improve pedestrian wayfinding and crosswalks from the train station to Main Street, and along Main Street.
Revenue
Beacon needs to look beyond raising taxes in order to bring in the funds we need to build our future. Using my expertise as a professional fundraiser, I will work with the city's grant writer to identify and apply for government and foundation grants.
We can also make sure that taxes on new businesses coming to town will be sources of real money for the city.
Basic Needs
We need to ensure that our residents are accessing the services available to meet their basic needs. 14% of Beacon households live in poverty, and 75% of families here have low-to-middle incomes. We can significantly improve local access to essential services including food, housing, warming and cooling locations, mental health, addiction counseling, and more.
Keep Beacon Beautiful
The charm and beauty of Beacon's natural environment, Main Street, and residential neighborhoods is at the core of why most people love it here - folks who have lived here all their lives, our new neighbors who are choosing to move here, and all those visitors who come for the day. We have to make sure that we keep Beacon beautiful throughout all the other changes.
I will support local artists to install new murals, sculptures, and other public art to beautify our community in accordance with a collaboratively-created community arts plan, and seek funding to help maintain existing public art installations. I will support the Fishkill Creek Greenway and rail-trail plans to bring more walking enjoyment along the beautiful center of our city. I will work to establish mini-parks along Main Street, and plant more trees along the streets. Together with community groups like Green Beacon, I will coordinate frequent litter cleanups. I will ensure that there are well-positioned trash & recycling bins throughout the city to meet the needs of our growing number of residents and visitors.
Environment
I'm all about sustainability: I work at an environmental education organization, and I have a postgrad degree in Environmental Ethics. From my seat on Beacon's Conservation Advisory Committee for the last five years, I know in ridiculous detail all the challenges facing Beacon's natural environment - and what we can do to solve them.
On City Council I will reinstate recycling cans for pedestrian use on Main Street. I will actively support community efforts to provide recycling information for all residents. With education we can improve the quality of recycled waste in Beacon and shift this back to an income stream for the City.
I will work to adopt the Stretch Code for all new buildings in Beacon, requiring green building, storm-water runoff practices, and more.
I will establish protections for the natural areas, Fishkill Creek, University Settlement Camp, and other beautiful views within and surrounding our city. We must keep them as open, community-accessible spaces and as habitats for wild plants and animals.
I will ensure that Beacon guards the Hudson River from further pollution and advocates for the river's continued cleanup.
Safety
I will work on the City Council to review the City's emergency and disaster plans, especially regarding how we inform the public about urgent matters.
I will work to ensure clarity, reasonableness, and transparency regarding the city’s AirBnB policies.
I will support our Beacon police with training to recognize, address and correct racial biases and peacefully de-escalate conflict with the people they serve. I will help ensure they have the support they need to manage the stress of their work.