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.
Don’t Build ‘Freedom Cities’ in the Desert. Build on Post Offices
President-elect Donald Trump wants to open up federal land, possibly in the West, to housing construction. But there’s lots of underutilized land right here in Massachusetts.
Coming to a Backyard Near You: Accessory Dwelling Units
With communities’ history of opposition to housing in mind, MAR is extremely concerned about the ways in which municipalities may attempt to subvert the intent of this law.
A Pivotal Moment for Upgrading the Commuter Rail System
Massachusetts stands at a critical juncture for the future of its commuter rail system. Ridership has essentially recovered and a key decision is looming that could dramatically help lower traffic and produce more homes.
Unanswered Questions About Boston’s Article 80 Reform
Where does this leave modernization of Boston’s development reviews at the start of 2025? There is not a clear answer. And this fall’s elections could throw a spanner into the works.
The Most Important New Year’s Resolution You Need to Make and Keep
As we move into 2025, self-care needs to be more than just a resolution – it’s a necessity that should be your priority every day if you want to succeed in business.
Wall Street Investors Return to Boston Bidding Pool
Institutional investors returned to bidder pools for apartment complexes on the market in Greater Boston during 2024, resulting in more competitive sales processes and driving up prices.
‘Affordable Housing’ Has a Special Meaning in Mass.
Before joining the chorus of promoters of “affordable housing,” one might want to consider the meaning of that term, and its consequences.
Declining New Construction Has Driven Boston Apartment Pricing Higher
Greater Boston leaders should aim to make sure we have a real-time vacancy rate of at least 6 percent if they want to drive down rents. Lower affordability requirements can help.
Mass. Can Strengthen Section 8 to Expand Housing Access
Local housing authority policies are making a vital housing affordability tool far less effective than it should be, and hurt housing providers in the process.
The Counterintuitive Math that Unlocks New Possibilities
At first glance, the idea that two, plus two, equals five seems ridiculous. But sometimes, math isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people.
Massachusetts’ Transportation System Is at Risk in 2025
The coming months will determine whether we continue transforming to meet our goals for transit, climate emissions and economic growth, or if we’ll stall out.
In Search for Mass. Housing Fixes, It’s Land, Ho!
Many believe that solving our own housing crisis is out of our control because we have no land to build on, but that is not so. What is lacking is broad political will.
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.
State Needs New MBTA Communities Strategy
The debacle in Needham last week should be a wake-up call for the Healey administration, which needs to reconsider its whole approach.
Why It Matters that Mass. Is Missing Out on the Data Center Boom
Despite being home to research powerhouse, Massachusetts is nowhere to be found on the top 15 markets across the country for data centers. That’s hurting our ability to access this new source of blue-collar jobs.
Could North-South Rail Link Help Build More Housing?
It could be just the ticket to stop the MBTA in its tracks as it forges ahead with one of the most outrageous government boondoggles in recent years.
In White Stadium Fight, Echoes of Boston’s Past
A quarter-century separates Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s controversial soccer arena plans and the city’s last major sports stadium battle. Could they end the same way?
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.
Homebuyers’ Student Debt Issues Can Be Solved. Here’s Where to Start
Massive, often insurmountable amounts of student debt have prevented millions of otherwise qualified borrowers from obtaining financing to buy a house.
After Death or Divorce, What Happens to the House?
When a family member passes away, their loved ones sometimes become homeowners unexpectedly. In these situations, servicers are supposed to help, but some just steer borrowers into costly refinances.
Should Sellers Sign Long-Duration Listing Agreements?
The Department of Justice has warned buyers not to sign contracts binding them to the agent showing them houses. And maybe they shouldn’t. But what about sellers?
Flood Insurance Is Getting More Affordable
The National Flood Insurance Program is working on allowing policyholders to pay their premiums on a monthly basis. Previously, premiums could only be paid annually.