Nick Munkengeck
ADDRESS: 134 Pelham Island Road
OCCUPATION AND/OR PREVIOUS SERVICE TO THE TOWN: Architect/Non-Profit Owner’s Project Representative
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE AND/OR SOCIAL MEDIA, IF ANY: N/A
What will the Planning Board do to encourage developers to take advantage of Wayland’s MBTA and Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaws?
At the moment this is unclear but I plan to assist the planning board, with the knowledge I have gained representing non-profit organizations within the greater Boston construction industry for the past twenty plus years, in forming a 10 year plan to increase the quantity of affordable housing in a way that benefits the community interests and eliminates the threat of outside developers taking advantage of the 40B laws to profit off our town.
There have been complaints for years about fixing our Zoning Bylaws. What needs fixing and what is the timeline for doing so?
It is my understanding that many issues seem to be holding back outside investment in our vacant commercial spaces and that adjusting these bylaws could not only incentivize filling these empty spaces resulting in more cohesive activity centers but also lead to a reduction in residential taxes.
Candidate Statement
Background: I am the proud father of two Wayland public school students, a husband of an amazing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, a Massachusetts native with an accredited architecture degree from Roger Williams University. Professionally I assist nonprofit developers or community organizations in greater Boston by consulting on early design phases through construction and into occupancy of numerous types of projects.
Prior or Current Service: :In public meetings I have been a vocal opponent of the Mill Creek plan at the vacated Whole Foods property for several reasons from an incomplete design as it related to water use, environmental concerns, and only token affordability.
Motivation for Running: I would like to help guide the Planning Board members by offering expertise that I have learned over the last twenty plus years working in the construction industry of greater Boston.
Key Issues: I hope to focus on making our residential taxes more affordable by creatively lowering the vacancy of existing commercial space and form a ten year plan to increase the quantity of affordable housing in a way that benefits the community interests and eliminates the threat of outside developers taking advantage of the 40B laws to profit off our town.
Distinguishing Factors: I have a unique skillset enabling me to help keep meetings of disparate professionals focused on agenda items to reach consensus and make the most efficient use of everyone’s time. I excel at helping to implement efficient and aesthetically pleasing designs while understanding how best to incorporate the requirements of all engineering fields involved in the construction process.
Relevant Accomplishments: Helping non-profits to design neighborhood streetscapes while building mixed income communities with the newest ecological standards and energy efficient methods has been very fulfilling.
Best Advice: “I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing” – Socrates. This has helped me to: keep an open mind, be ready to adjust, listen carefully, and learn every day.
Additional Information: I am an avid naturalist and care deeply about fostering a thoughtful inclusive community.
Favorite Free Day: Bird watching at Heard Farm with my family and two dogs or biking to Waltham and back.
Enjoying/Relating to the Community: The most rewarding experience I have had was collecting then delivering donated school and dental supplies to rural communities in Colombia.
