Opinion
Columnists, guest columns, op-eds and editorials published in Banker & Tradesman and its special sections.
Guest Columns and Op-Eds
From high officials to lone operators, read a diverse cross section of perspectives on the issues facing the Massachusetts real estate and banking industries today.
Pitches for op-eds and special section guest columns should be directed to managing editor James Sanna at jsanna@thewarrengroup.com.
Moving Development Applications Online Is Tougher Than You Think
In the age of AI, one would think that every municipality in Massachusetts would make it easy to find permitting information online, and then file an application electronically.
Corps of Engineers’ Flood Plan Is a Lifesaver for Boston
The risks associated with rising sea levels and stronger storms are increasing each year. A proposed plan would head that off, and open access to federal help to pay for it.
Proposed Federal CRA Changes Would Harm Affordable Housing Production
A new proposal from federal bank regulators would undermine Congress’ big expansion of low-income housing tax credits. This shouldn’t stand.
Don’t Wait for a Megaproject to Start Building Regional Rail in Mass.
We’ve identified 10 no-regrets investments the MBTA should make over five years, helping leverage commuter rail to lower housing costs.
Fewer Immigrants and Higher Rates Cut Competition as Sellers Cave
House hunters are soon likely to see less competition in the market due to a sharp drop in immigration that began last year.
Your AI Doesn’t Have Feelings. Your Real Estate Clients Do
It seems like people of all ages increasingly treat AI software as if it can care, connect and respond emotionally. It cannot. You shouldn’t make the same mistake in real estate.
We’ll Never Have Enough Affordable Housing Until Government Starts Paying for It
Everyone needs housing they can afford. But why do politicians insist developers pay for it, ignoring the basic economics of construction?
Civil Engineering Standards Help Mitigate Flood Risks
Although flood insurance manages the risk of loss to flood-prone properties, it does little by itself to prevent flood damage. That’s where design and construction standards come in.
Developers Should See New Energy Regulations as Opportunity
The most forward-looking real estate leaders see an opportunity to deliver projects that strengthen the bottom line through lower operating costs and enhanced resiliency.
Boston’s Decision Window is Open for Protecting the Waterfront
Boston is on the front line of coastal flooding, facing increasing impacts from sea level rise, storm surge, Nor’easters and frequent nuisance flooding.
Massachusetts Is Falling Behind in Regulating Coastal Risks
The seas are rising. Storms are getting more intense. Flood zones are shifting. We have the tools to see the road ahead, at least partially. The challenge is changing course.
2026 Is Potentially a Landmark Year for Housing Production Policy
This is shaping up to be the year that Massachusetts adopts a wide-ranging set of policies aimed directly at increasing housing production – if the Legislature comes together to pass what’s on the table.
Scott Van Voorhis
Commercial Interests
Columnist Scott Van Voorhis analyzes the commercial real estate market, state politics, housing and more with the perspective of a journalist with 40 years’ experience covering businesses in Massachusetts.
Want More ‘Gentle Density?’ Process Matters as Much as Zoning
You can pass all the zoning reforms you want, but they won’t make a dent in the housing crisis. Local officials still have too many ways to delay or stop projects.
Campaign to Resurrect Nuclear Power in Mass. Deserves to Succeed
As electric bills soar, Tim Cahill, the former state treasurer turned regional business leader, thinks nuclear energy could make an unlikely comeback in power-starved Massachusetts.
Boston Hit 150 Buildings with Higher Tax Bills After Appeals
The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation says new documents, turned over by city officials as part of its lawsuit, proves the retaliation they allege was widespread.
The Mass. Innovation Economy Has New Competitor to Fear: Ohio
It’s time for Massachusetts to get its competitive mojo back, and fast. From Silicon Valley to Ohio’s Silicon Heartland, everyone else is eating our lunch.
Lew Sichelman
The Housing Scene
Syndicated residential real estate columnist Lew Sichelman has been covering real estate for more than 50 years. He is a regular contributor to numerous shelter magazines and housing and housing-finance industry publications.
In Some Markets, Existing Homes Compete with New-Builds
If you’re selling your house, you’re not only competing with other sellers. You’re also competing with homebuilders and their buyer incentives and now-comparable prices.
I Saw the Cost of Mass. Failure to Rebuilt Highway Rest Stops
Thanks to a botched contracting process last year, Massachusetts is stuck offering the equivalent of a gap-toothed smile to travelers for years to come.
The Home Building Business Consolidates Behind Japanese Firms
For shoppers in the new-home market, there are still plenty of floor plans to choose from, but not as many builders.
Too Many Subpar Agents, Real Estate Brokers Say
Worried the real estate agent you hired to sell your house isn’t up to the job? If so, you’re not alone: Brokerages are worried, too.