James Jenner, City Council candidate, responds to the allston02134 Candidate Survey

James Jenner (jennerforcitycouncil@yahoo.com) is the first City Council candidate to respond to the questionnaire below. These questions were sent to all candidates for Allston/Brighton and At-Large candidates on June 7. More responses will be posted as they come in.

Do you support the creation of a Boston Planning Department?
Yes_X__ No_____

Should height limits in the North Allston Strategic Framework be strictly applied to Harvard’s proposed buildings?
Yes__X_ No_____

Should City Council approval be required before a university can purchase property in Boston?
Yes__X__ No_____

What are your thoughts about a possible Charlesview relocation?
I have spoken with many of the residents of Charlesview and the overwhelming message I received was that they are not chess pieces that can be moved just for the betterment of an overall strategic plan. Charlesview is their home and even moving just down the road is replacing their home and memories. I am strongly opposed to this idea and hope a more amicable solution can be reached between residents, property management and Harvard.

What should be the future of the Speedway property on Western Ave?
Being that the Speedway site is a DCR property there would have to be state overview. However, I feel that a new school such as K-12 would be a good idea. I also like the idea of new green space. Really, there are a number of reasonable uses for this site . I'm sure whatever use is deemed appropriate will be both visually pleasing and beneficial to the community.

How do you feel about the vacant Harvard-owned properties in North Allston and North Brighton?
I am a little concerned that it appears Harvard has become so enveloped by their master plan that their other ventures have suffered. I only hope this is not a foreshadowing of more vacant properties to come as their Master Plan goes forward.