Jeff Wachter
@jeffwachter.bsky.social
Cities, history, & the history of cities. And baseball. With some politics, transportation, housing, & community. Brookline, BOS, ATL.
www.brooklineforeveryone.com
www.brooklineforeveryone.com
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
Love this video from @hankgreen.bsky.social about pennies, but really about Congress abandoning their responsibility to govern & opening the door for an authoritarian executive. Even if you agree we shouldn't have pennies (we shouldn't!) the president shouldn't just be able to do whatever he wants.
The End of The Penny (and of Congress??)
YouTube video by vlogbrothers
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Love this video from @hankgreen.bsky.social about pennies, but really about Congress abandoning their responsibility to govern & opening the door for an authoritarian executive. Even if you agree we shouldn't have pennies (we shouldn't!) the president shouldn't just be able to do whatever he wants.
This is such a great point. Gradual change in a neighborhood becomes more evident on a bike or on foot. On the back of a bike my kids can count pumpkins on doorsteps in October or say hi to friends on the sidewalk or playground. Also easier to convince a parent to make a quick stop for a treat :-)
"What is very cool and satisfying about getting around without a car is the granularity of the landscape you traverse, and of the mental map that you build in your head. The world feels so much bigger. The car is an instrument of abstraction." thedeletedscenes.substack.com/p/an-acciden...
An Accidental Month Without Driving
Or, Bozeman, Montana on foot
thedeletedscenes.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:56 PM
This is such a great point. Gradual change in a neighborhood becomes more evident on a bike or on foot. On the back of a bike my kids can count pumpkins on doorsteps in October or say hi to friends on the sidewalk or playground. Also easier to convince a parent to make a quick stop for a treat :-)
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
How about statewide triple deckahs by right? Four stories within 1/2 mile of a T stop or bus depot? Six with an IZ bonus?
"Housing, housing, housing is the issue that I hear everywhere I go... we need to produce more housing in order to lower the cost.
I have charged Senator Cyr [Housing Committee Chair] with the task 'Be bold. Nothing is off the table.'"
- Massachusetts Senate President Spilka
I have charged Senator Cyr [Housing Committee Chair] with the task 'Be bold. Nothing is off the table.'"
- Massachusetts Senate President Spilka
November 17, 2025 at 4:40 PM
How about statewide triple deckahs by right? Four stories within 1/2 mile of a T stop or bus depot? Six with an IZ bonus?
Love this video from @hankgreen.bsky.social about pennies, but really about Congress abandoning their responsibility to govern & opening the door for an authoritarian executive. Even if you agree we shouldn't have pennies (we shouldn't!) the president shouldn't just be able to do whatever he wants.
The End of The Penny (and of Congress??)
YouTube video by vlogbrothers
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Love this video from @hankgreen.bsky.social about pennies, but really about Congress abandoning their responsibility to govern & opening the door for an authoritarian executive. Even if you agree we shouldn't have pennies (we shouldn't!) the president shouldn't just be able to do whatever he wants.
Excited for the new children's bookstore opening up in the neighborhood!
Turtle Books fills a children’s bookstore void in Brookline Village
Turtle Books prepares to open its brand new bookstore on Washington Street, three short years after The Children’s Bookshop nearby closed its doors for good.
www.wgbh.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Excited for the new children's bookstore opening up in the neighborhood!
Pessimistic report on housing in Greater Boston from @bostonfdn.bsky.social. When opportunities to build homes come up (like Chestnut Hill in Brookline) we have to grab them & approve quickly. And we need to set the table so new homes can be built fast, everywhere, when the economics allow for it.
Boston is one of the most expensive places in the country to live. That trend intensified this year, a new report says. - The Boston Globe
The Boston Foundation’s annual Greater Boston Housing Report Card outlines how the region's housing crisis may only get worse.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Pessimistic report on housing in Greater Boston from @bostonfdn.bsky.social. When opportunities to build homes come up (like Chestnut Hill in Brookline) we have to grab them & approve quickly. And we need to set the table so new homes can be built fast, everywhere, when the economics allow for it.
If you see or are involved in a near miss in Brookline, please submit it to the Town via this near miss survey.
The only way the Town will know the importance of creating safer bike & pedestrian infrastructure is to let them know about potential problems before they're major injuries or deaths.
The only way the Town will know the importance of creating safer bike & pedestrian infrastructure is to let them know about potential problems before they're major injuries or deaths.
November 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
If you see or are involved in a near miss in Brookline, please submit it to the Town via this near miss survey.
The only way the Town will know the importance of creating safer bike & pedestrian infrastructure is to let them know about potential problems before they're major injuries or deaths.
The only way the Town will know the importance of creating safer bike & pedestrian infrastructure is to let them know about potential problems before they're major injuries or deaths.
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
Great historical look at how Brookline acquired the land for parking lots from Len Wholey (@nothingbutparking.bsky.social). (Spoiler: eminent domain that resulted in the loss of lots of homes.)
The Wizard of Parking
YouTube video by Nothing But Parking
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Great historical look at how Brookline acquired the land for parking lots from Len Wholey (@nothingbutparking.bsky.social). (Spoiler: eminent domain that resulted in the loss of lots of homes.)
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
They better not go and shake that man’s hand while he’s kidnapping folks from the community that made them
November 2, 2025 at 4:19 AM
They better not go and shake that man’s hand while he’s kidnapping folks from the community that made them
How can you not be rooting for Vladdy and the Blue Jays?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shows up to Game 7 in a Marie-Phillip Poulin jersey, the captain of the Canada women’s national ice hockey team
November 1, 2025 at 9:22 PM
How can you not be rooting for Vladdy and the Blue Jays?
Good read that also points out a practice that needs to end: "people like Merrick Garland think that they’re eschewing politics. The reality is the opposite: the careful avoidance of anything that appears political is itself a political act...intended to convey...that you are neutral & unbiased."
My latest is about the latest revelations on the failed prosecution of Donald Trump, and why you should blame Merrick Garland more than the Supreme Court.
You Should Blame Merrick Garland
Garland's incompetence gave the Supreme Court the chance to set Trump free
stringinamaze.net
November 1, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Good read that also points out a practice that needs to end: "people like Merrick Garland think that they’re eschewing politics. The reality is the opposite: the careful avoidance of anything that appears political is itself a political act...intended to convey...that you are neutral & unbiased."
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
“The era of shoebox condos is over” in the Globe and Mail today - a feature on single stair: ”Yet with features such as sprinklers, smoke-sealed doors and more reliable fire alarm systems, mid-size apartment buildings can be just as safe...”
www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...
www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...
The era of the shoebox condo is over. Here’s how Canada can build livable apartments
Canada needs livable apartments to help fix the housing crisis. To do that, it must change the rulebook for both condos and rentals
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:52 PM
“The era of shoebox condos is over” in the Globe and Mail today - a feature on single stair: ”Yet with features such as sprinklers, smoke-sealed doors and more reliable fire alarm systems, mid-size apartment buildings can be just as safe...”
www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...
www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...
Been a while since I've posted this, but here's a list of over 100 accounts connected to Brookline, MA. If you're connected and not on this list, let me know so I can add you!
November 1, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Been a while since I've posted this, but here's a list of over 100 accounts connected to Brookline, MA. If you're connected and not on this list, let me know so I can add you!
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
A huge thank you to all the families who joined our Pierce bike bus! It was a beautiful morning and everyone arrived at school safely. 🚴♀️🚴♂️
Thanks also to folks from the Safe Routes to School task force, the Transportation Board, Biking Brookline, & Brookline Police - your help was indispensable!
Thanks also to folks from the Safe Routes to School task force, the Transportation Board, Biking Brookline, & Brookline Police - your help was indispensable!
October 31, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A huge thank you to all the families who joined our Pierce bike bus! It was a beautiful morning and everyone arrived at school safely. 🚴♀️🚴♂️
Thanks also to folks from the Safe Routes to School task force, the Transportation Board, Biking Brookline, & Brookline Police - your help was indispensable!
Thanks also to folks from the Safe Routes to School task force, the Transportation Board, Biking Brookline, & Brookline Police - your help was indispensable!
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
honestly the only piece worth reading on the platner situation. @tressiemcphd.bsky.social is absolutely cooking here. (gift link)
Opinion | A Nazi Tattoo Exposes Democrats’ Greatest Weakness
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:36 PM
honestly the only piece worth reading on the platner situation. @tressiemcphd.bsky.social is absolutely cooking here. (gift link)
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
"Tzefardea Tzedek" (Frog of Righteousness)
As soon as the Portland Frog became a meme, Jewish social media blew up with jokes about the 2nd Passover plague - tzefarde'a (frogs) - and the Rabbinical commentary around it. I knew I had to make a calligraphy piece encompassing all of it. (more in alt.)
As soon as the Portland Frog became a meme, Jewish social media blew up with jokes about the 2nd Passover plague - tzefarde'a (frogs) - and the Rabbinical commentary around it. I knew I had to make a calligraphy piece encompassing all of it. (more in alt.)
October 25, 2025 at 11:29 PM
"Tzefardea Tzedek" (Frog of Righteousness)
As soon as the Portland Frog became a meme, Jewish social media blew up with jokes about the 2nd Passover plague - tzefarde'a (frogs) - and the Rabbinical commentary around it. I knew I had to make a calligraphy piece encompassing all of it. (more in alt.)
As soon as the Portland Frog became a meme, Jewish social media blew up with jokes about the 2nd Passover plague - tzefarde'a (frogs) - and the Rabbinical commentary around it. I knew I had to make a calligraphy piece encompassing all of it. (more in alt.)
The housing report from @bosindicators.bsky.social looks at the real progress that's been made on adding new homes in MA & a clear-eyed look at why this progress is unlikely to continue. We can't address some of the headwinds locally, but legalizing multifamily housing is a vital step we can take.
This morning in WBUR Today: A new report has good news and bad news for Massachusetts' housing goals
Plus:
— T wants someone also to manage Narcan boxes
— Andrea Campbell is running it back
— Mass. native wins piano Olympics
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10... @wbur.org
Plus:
— T wants someone also to manage Narcan boxes
— Andrea Campbell is running it back
— Mass. native wins piano Olympics
www.wbur.org/news/2025/10... @wbur.org
A new report has good news and bad news for Massachusetts' housing goals
A report released Tuesday by the think tank Boston Indicators looked at recent home address and permitting data in Massachusetts. While the state has put a decent dent in its housing shortage in recen...
www.wbur.org
October 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The housing report from @bosindicators.bsky.social looks at the real progress that's been made on adding new homes in MA & a clear-eyed look at why this progress is unlikely to continue. We can't address some of the headwinds locally, but legalizing multifamily housing is a vital step we can take.
Excited that Boston is on the list for an inaugural @wpbl.bsky.social team! (Though the cross country travel schedule seems like it'll be a lot.)
Women's Pro Baseball League selects New York, Boston, LA, and San Francisco for inaugural season
The Women’s Professional Baseball League has chosen New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco as the cities that will represent the four teams that will compete in the inaugural season. The leag...
www.wgbh.org
October 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Excited that Boston is on the list for an inaugural @wpbl.bsky.social team! (Though the cross country travel schedule seems like it'll be a lot.)
Great dive into how much housing Boston / MA is building. Lots of variables to consider - borrowing costs, tariffs, labor costs/availability, restrictive zoning, long approvals, etc. We can't address some of these locally, but local policy reform can make a big impact. @bosindicators.bsky.social
How many homes are we actually building?
An analysis of recent trends in building permits alongside new data on total housing units from the Census Address Count.
www.bostonindicators.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Great dive into how much housing Boston / MA is building. Lots of variables to consider - borrowing costs, tariffs, labor costs/availability, restrictive zoning, long approvals, etc. We can't address some of these locally, but local policy reform can make a big impact. @bosindicators.bsky.social
Reposted by Jeff Wachter
The most Boston sticker art ever.
October 18, 2025 at 12:44 AM
The most Boston sticker art ever.
Fun piece recounting the history of a phenomenal venue. One of my favorite parts of living next door to a city like Boston is access to gems like this.
A century later, Boston’s Wang Theatre is still packing the house - The Boston Globe
Over the past 100 years, it’s been a silent movie palace, a smoky rock club, and more. It’s always been a survivor.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Fun piece recounting the history of a phenomenal venue. One of my favorite parts of living next door to a city like Boston is access to gems like this.
Can't wait for safe, protected bike lanes on Washington Street in Brookline. The safe street project can't come soon enough. Tired of drivers risking people's lives for their minor convenience.
October 11, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Can't wait for safe, protected bike lanes on Washington Street in Brookline. The safe street project can't come soon enough. Tired of drivers risking people's lives for their minor convenience.
There's never enough parking at Trader Joe's. @americanfietser.bsky.social #brookline
October 6, 2025 at 11:45 PM
There's never enough parking at Trader Joe's. @americanfietser.bsky.social #brookline
Great to see @abundanthousingma.org advocating that the Mayor use some of her political capital to push for substantive action on zoning reform and other efforts to increase housing supply in Boston.
Survey says Wu should do more to bring down Boston’s sky-high rents - The Boston Globe
A poll by a state housing advocacy group found that most Bostonians want the city to move more aggressively to build more and rein in housing costs.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Great to see @abundanthousingma.org advocating that the Mayor use some of her political capital to push for substantive action on zoning reform and other efforts to increase housing supply in Boston.