Barbara Parmenter
@geoparmenter.bsky.social
Advocating for housing, transit, and mobility in Boston in hopes of a more sane future for all.
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Hope to see these in Massachusetts soon!
I’m at the launch of Oregon’s design competition for sunlight suite buildings - neighborhood-scale mulifamily buildings designed around one central staircase.
“This is one of those innovations whose time has come,” says Gil Kelley of @1000oregon.bsky.social.
“This is one of those innovations whose time has come,” says Gil Kelley of @1000oregon.bsky.social.
October 21, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Hope to see these in Massachusetts soon!
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
In America’s first public park, where Bostonians came together 400 years ago to protect a common space for the common good, we told the Trump Administration that when it comes to freedom and our families, Boston doesn’t back down. #NoKings
October 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
In America’s first public park, where Bostonians came together 400 years ago to protect a common space for the common good, we told the Trump Administration that when it comes to freedom and our families, Boston doesn’t back down. #NoKings
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
In downtown Portland, Unpresidented Brass Band is out in big numbers in their banana suits. Since their clarinet player was arrested at the ICE facility in Portland Sunday the band is “more resolute, actually, at this point, I think, than we were before,” said founder Miles Thompson.
October 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
In downtown Portland, Unpresidented Brass Band is out in big numbers in their banana suits. Since their clarinet player was arrested at the ICE facility in Portland Sunday the band is “more resolute, actually, at this point, I think, than we were before,” said founder Miles Thompson.
Why I love Portland. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
Among Portland Protests, It’s Frogs and Sharks and Bears, Oh My!
www.nytimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Why I love Portland. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
Read this whole thread, and congratulations California YIMBY!
Ladies and gentlemen, we did it. SB 79 has been signed.
October 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Read this whole thread, and congratulations California YIMBY!
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
The following is REAL footage from Portland, 2025. Viewer discretion is advised.
October 9, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The following is REAL footage from Portland, 2025. Viewer discretion is advised.
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Things are happening at Portland's ICE facility tonight.
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
October 10, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Things are happening at Portland's ICE facility tonight.
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Next Wednesday (Oct. 15) at 8:30-10 a.m. ET, I am doing a presentation and will answer questions for the AIA Massachusetts Government Affairs Committee about the single-stair bill in the state legislature. You can sign up here to attend, and there will be a Q&A: www.aiama.org/about/govern...
Government Affairs Committee | AIA Massachusetts
Learn about the AIA MA Government Affairs Committee.
www.aiama.org
October 7, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Next Wednesday (Oct. 15) at 8:30-10 a.m. ET, I am doing a presentation and will answer questions for the AIA Massachusetts Government Affairs Committee about the single-stair bill in the state legislature. You can sign up here to attend, and there will be a Q&A: www.aiama.org/about/govern...
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
“How can Portland POSSIBLY stand against the might of the federal government?!”
“Let me introduce you to our frog.”
“Let me introduce you to our frog.”
October 4, 2025 at 5:25 AM
“How can Portland POSSIBLY stand against the might of the federal government?!”
“Let me introduce you to our frog.”
“Let me introduce you to our frog.”
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Streets are still closed off in front of the Portland ICE facility at 8:30pm. Protesters have gathered on a side street. Dance party in progress.
October 8, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Streets are still closed off in front of the Portland ICE facility at 8:30pm. Protesters have gathered on a side street. Dance party in progress.
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
We hope to see #Allston #Brighton folks at the AHMA Boston City Council At-Large Candidates Forum this Thursday! Easy ride via the 66 bus! Speak up for more housing!
Leadership matters in a housing crisis.
📍 City Council At-Large Candidate Forum
🗓 Oct 9, 6-8PM
📍 Roxbury Community College
Hear candidates talk about affordability, zoning, transit growth + more.
🔗 Info & RSVP: www.abundanthousingma.org/atlargecandi...
#BostonHousing #Bospoli
📍 City Council At-Large Candidate Forum
🗓 Oct 9, 6-8PM
📍 Roxbury Community College
Hear candidates talk about affordability, zoning, transit growth + more.
🔗 Info & RSVP: www.abundanthousingma.org/atlargecandi...
#BostonHousing #Bospoli
October 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
“A lot of times, we’re reluctant to change on really dumb things.”
Many of the rules shaping what we can and can’t build today were written 50–60 years ago. If we want to meet Massachusetts’ modern housing needs, everything should be on the table for reform.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/05/o...
Many of the rules shaping what we can and can’t build today were written 50–60 years ago. If we want to meet Massachusetts’ modern housing needs, everything should be on the table for reform.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/05/o...
Why five feet of building space can doom construction - The Boston Globe
1973 law on high-rise threshold is out of sync with national recommendations.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 5, 2025 at 11:37 AM
“A lot of times, we’re reluctant to change on really dumb things.”
Many of the rules shaping what we can and can’t build today were written 50–60 years ago. If we want to meet Massachusetts’ modern housing needs, everything should be on the table for reform.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/05/o...
Many of the rules shaping what we can and can’t build today were written 50–60 years ago. If we want to meet Massachusetts’ modern housing needs, everything should be on the table for reform.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/05/o...
Let's do this as well, Boston!
“Eliminating minimum parking requirements is a historic-preservation strategy, a climate action, a mobility win & housing-affordability policy in one. It helps make housing more affordable, neighborhoods more walkable, & city more livable.”
- Salem Planning Board
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/29/b...
- Salem Planning Board
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/29/b...
Salem eliminates parking minimums for new development, in bid to make housing cheaper - The Boston Globe
Salem is the latest Greater Boston municipality to make such a move.
www.bostonglobe.com
September 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Let's do this as well, Boston!
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Time change for tonight's pro-housing Allston-Brighton Social at Speedway's Notch Brewing - 6-8pm!
partiful.com/e/w61SArwhNq...
partiful.com/e/w61SArwhNq...
RSVP to ABHA September Social | Partiful
Join ABHA for their September Meeting Social! Allston Christmas has come and gone and the dust has settled for those moving. Come meet new (and new to you) neighbors, connect with friends in the neigh...
partiful.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Time change for tonight's pro-housing Allston-Brighton Social at Speedway's Notch Brewing - 6-8pm!
partiful.com/e/w61SArwhNq...
partiful.com/e/w61SArwhNq...
I support the #YIMBYBill because I want to see my neighbors be able to stay in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts zoning laws ban most affordable housing types. The YIMBY Bill would fix that by legalizing starter homes, duplexes, townhomes + small apartments.
#YesInMyBackYard #HomesWeNeed”
Massachusetts zoning laws ban most affordable housing types. The YIMBY Bill would fix that by legalizing starter homes, duplexes, townhomes + small apartments.
#YesInMyBackYard #HomesWeNeed”
September 13, 2025 at 5:58 PM
I support the #YIMBYBill because I want to see my neighbors be able to stay in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts zoning laws ban most affordable housing types. The YIMBY Bill would fix that by legalizing starter homes, duplexes, townhomes + small apartments.
#YesInMyBackYard #HomesWeNeed”
Massachusetts zoning laws ban most affordable housing types. The YIMBY Bill would fix that by legalizing starter homes, duplexes, townhomes + small apartments.
#YesInMyBackYard #HomesWeNeed”
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
We'll be meeting in front of St Columbkille's Church, 321 Market St.
This Sunday, September 7, 11am-1pm - ABHA Walking Tour, 11am-1pm Market St to Western Ave. This is a great low-pressure way to meet people and learn about the neighborhood. RSVP to the Partiful invitation. Or just show up!
partiful.com/e/EQf64ZI2qd...
partiful.com/e/EQf64ZI2qd...
RSVP to ABHA Walking Tour Market St. + Lower Allston | Partiful
ABHA's fourth AB Community Plan walking tour. We'll meet in front of the St. Columbkilles Church near Brighton Center and walk up Market Street towards Western Avenue where we'll walk through Lower Al...
partiful.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:51 PM
We'll be meeting in front of St Columbkille's Church, 321 Market St.
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Join ABHA, Commonwheels, the Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative for an AB Bike Tour! Learn about the history and let's think together about the future of our neighborhood!
September 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Join ABHA, Commonwheels, the Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative for an AB Bike Tour! Learn about the history and let's think together about the future of our neighborhood!
Lots of good ideas on this walk!
Allston-Brighton Housing Action led a great walk from Brighton Center to Oak Square today talking about past, present and future. Please join us Sunday, September 7th, 11am to 1pm for our Market Street to Western Ave walk. Meet at 321 Market Street in front of Saint Columbkille's Church.
August 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Lots of good ideas on this walk!
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Allston-Brighton Housing Action is celebrating Allston Christmas a few days early!
August 21, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Allston-Brighton Housing Action is celebrating Allston Christmas a few days early!
I just rode a BlueBike across Cleveland Circle yesterday, it's nuts. And the subject of recent plans but no action yet.
Cleveland Circle has been problematic for a hundred years, and it's Boston's worst street still. Thank you, Alan Wirzbicki, for this story. @mbta.com and @mayorwu.boston.gov , let's find a fix! mailchi.mp/bostonglobe/...
Your pick for Boston’s worst street
mailchi.mp
August 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I just rode a BlueBike across Cleveland Circle yesterday, it's nuts. And the subject of recent plans but no action yet.
Reposted by Barbara Parmenter
Getting into the weeds at the AB Communty Plan Focus Group with @abhousingaction.org was great. Our Allston-Brighton community has good bones, we need to work on making it welcoming and resilient for new generations! Thank you @planning.boston.gov !
July 29, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Getting into the weeds at the AB Communty Plan Focus Group with @abhousingaction.org was great. Our Allston-Brighton community has good bones, we need to work on making it welcoming and resilient for new generations! Thank you @planning.boston.gov !