Shawn McQueeney

Candidate for:

Councilor at Large

What do you see as the biggest housing problems in Gloucester; whom do they affect; and what would you do to rectify these problems?

The inventory and high prices of homes in Gloucester have made purchasing without assistance a distant dream. Apartments, if available (and not Air B&B or winter rentals) are either financially out of reach for our working and lower classes. Having children or pets makes these searches even harder. Section 8 is in dire need of attention, both in applicant reviews and availability. This affects the majority of our city; a self-proclaimed blue collar, working class city built by its residents, for its residents. Younger families (and prospective families) are being priced out. The single family home is seemingly going to the wayside, being replaced by condos and townhomes.

How do you define affordable housing and workforce housing and whom do you see as needing them?

In my eyes affordable housing is a broad umbrella covering low-income households and those with a fixed income. These could be working families, seniors or those with disabilities. Workforce housing is for those in the community holding key or vital roles to Gloucester and its functionality that do not make enough to live here permanently or comfortably.

What are you hearing from businesses and employers about their ability to hire or retain workers given the current housing situation?

I have not gathered information to effectively answer this, but I would imagine that each industry would have different needs/responses (a seasonal restaurant vs a manufacturer.)

Do you think new housing development is being shared fairly across all neighborhoods in Gloucester? If not, where is it lacking, and how can the City address this inequity?

Based off of the "eye test" it would appear that a majority of the construction of residences is happening in the "less financially attainable" parts of town (by Wingaersheek, the back shore/East Gloucester). Halyard is expensive, but it is in a great location.
Before adding housing, I feel as though the lack of a grocery store in the downtown area should be addressed, as it will may depict where the need for housing specifically could be. The absence of Shaw's offers an opportunity to overhaul that section of town on both sides of the tracks.

What specific steps will you take to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing in Gloucester, especially for local workers and young people and young families?

I feel as though we are going to need an out of the box style idea to turn our housing issue around. I have an investment idea for the city to work with local contractors and companies to build housing for working families as a stepping stone to full home ownership.

Focus needs to be on actually building for the middle class, instead of on the biggest homes highest up or on the water.

Now that Massachusetts has legalized Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in all residential areas, what proactive or incentivizing steps can the City take to encourage their development as part of Gloucester’s broader housing strategy?

I would like to see the city offer a joint discount with local companies on plans for alternative energy. I AM NOT suggesting turbines or a wind farm, but rather offering a discount for panels on an in-law apartment or addition/conversion could add longer term benefits for both the city and the homeowners.

Where do you stand on two or three family homes across all neighborhoods to meet the housing needs of the average Gloucester family and worker?

I personally believe we have plenty of multi-family houses crowded into a tight area as is, but if we are going to allow city-wide building, we must do so with restrictions and avoid over-cramping neighborhoods and roads.

Do you generally support building more modest size and clustered housing—such as duplexes, multi-family, townhouses etc.? If so, where in the city do you see opportunities for this kind of housing development?

I would prefer to see more single family style homes. Space is obviously the issue here, but many people do not want to share a wall or floor with a neighbor. I feel as though neighborhoods breed community, which is something we can always use more of.

What specific zoning reforms or other modifications would you advocate to support more housing, including for example, multi-family, accessory dwelling units, and affordable homes? How could permitting and approvals be streamlined while preserving community input and environmental protections? Do you support eliminating or modifying practices like minimum lot sizes or parking requirements?

Reforms and modifications would have to be on a case-case basis. Our roads are already congested, so infrastructure needs to be taken into account. Parking requirements could mean different things downtown or in West Gloucester.

What role should the City play in encouraging the redevelopment of underutilized commercial or industrial sites, such as the Shaw’s properties, into housing or mixed-use developments? What incentives could the City offer to support this?

The city should absolutely be involved in these instances, and should be proactive on redevelopment in any of these areas. Incentives could be anything from the alternative energy project I spoke to above to breaks on utilities/taxes (fixed or by sq/ft, etc.)

Would you support a “Tenant Opportunity to Purchase” ordinance, enabling tenants the first right to purchase a building if the owner decides to put it on the market?

I would be very wary of third parties exploiting our residents under the guise of community assistance. On the whole I support the concept, but would like to know more about repercussions on area home values.

What steps would you take to prevent the displacement of long-term residents and vulnerable populations as housing costs rise? Do you support the Rent Stabilization bill currently before the Legislature? Why or why not?

I support rent control in the state as a whole. Gloucester is not alone in losing residents to other places in the country, and it is still unaffordable to live in neighboring communities, even if "slightly less." I also feel that there are many renters in Gloucester, myself included, that would benefit from the peace of mind this bill offers.

Would you consider policies like Real Estate Transfer fees on high-end properties to increase funding for the Affordable Housing Trust? Would you support a Home Rule Petition to establish a small percentage Gloucester transfer fee on real estate transactions over $2 million?

I would be very open to looking at a high-end real estate transfer fee policy to benefit affordable housing as a way to benefit our community. I do support a Home Rule Petition, but would ask to have more information as to why the transaction amount is set at $2 million, given that the median price of a single family home in Glouce is just short of half of that currently. I would be slightly more eager to support a slightly higher amount as prices are only rising more.

How will you work to keep Gloucester livable and affordable for fishermen, teachers, service workers, young people and families, and seniors—particularly when it comes to housing, transportation, and access to essential services?

I am particularly motivated to look for and assist in acquiring grant money available to the city of Gloucester. Being a working member of the community struggling to stay here permanently, I empathize with the concerns because I live with them also.

Earlier we asked about access to housing for seniors and young people. How will you work to reduce the shortage of affordable housing—particularly for other vulnerable households facing housing insecurity or homelessness? What steps would you take to expand access to supportive housing for people with disabilities, mental health needs, or substance use disorders?

Looking to add housing on the existing infrastructure will only get us so far. We need to proactively, as a city, locate areas for development and incur some or all of the cost of adding sewerage and electric to entice development.
Being sober myself from alcohol for almost three years, I have always and will continue to proudly advocate for support of all kinds, housing included. Blackburn would be a good spot for a community style living space for those who may be in need of access to medical appointments or therapy, and offers a direct route out of town to area hospitals.

Housing policy intersects with issues like transit, racial equity, climate resilience, and economic sustainability. How can Gloucester’s housing policies advance progress in these areas?

Building quality, mixed-use dwellings, particularly in already denser areas nearest the train station downtown, will offer opportunity and sustainability at an affordable price. Offering extra vouchers for housing will strengthen the community and economy from the foundation upwards. Lighting and safe walkability will need to be addressed as well.

How will you promote the development of energy-efficient, climate-resilient housing in Gloucester to address rising energy costs and climate risks? Do you support requiring all-electric systems in all new construction as part of that effort? Why or why not?

I believe that with the advancements made in alternative energy, we should make advancements in incentivizing to utilize them. I do not believe that requiring all electric systems is necessary, however, simply for the reason that I would like to have the option to cook on gas.