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.
The Time America Built Beautiful Homes for 100K People to Deal with a Housing Crisis
During World War I, the US government designed and constructed entire communities for workers and their families, revealing what government-led planning can achieve.
Challenging the Myth: How Good Design Unlocks Office Tower Conversions
Our study of Boston’s One Lincoln and a successful conversion of a similar New York City office building show underutilized office towers can, in fact, become viable and vibrant housing.
Municipalities Must Consider Climate Change in Comprehensive Planning Process
For many towns and cities, issues like rising seas and extreme weather are new issues with a steep learning curve. They need help to integrate these issues with traditional planning concerns.
BU Synthetic Turf Field Project Trips Up Architect
A new SJC ruling says the time limits for when architects’ clients can sue over design defects can be contractually negotiated.
Why Marketing Your Listings to Other Agents Still Wins Deals
You have just taken a new listing and plan to market it directly to consumers in print, on the web and on social media. Almost no one, however, has a game plan to market to other agents.
Tackling Cape Cod’s Housing Crisis Through Community-Centered Design
Housing alone isn’t sufficient; it must be integrated into the social and civic fabric of a town. That’s where designers can help do more than build housing: they can help build community.
Rent Control Won’t Help Mass. Become More Affordable. Expanding Rental Vouchers Will
Building our way out of the housing crisis will take too long to help those suffering now. But rent control will halt the real long-term fix – building more homes – in its tracks.
Accessory Dwelling Units Could Help Boston – If Only the City Would Let Them
While residents are paying princely sums to live in Boston, many who can’t afford to pay Boston’s housing piper are leaving. And the city’s pursuing ADU rules that dramatically restrict how many will be built.
How Rising Construction Are Shifting the Housing Market
Construction costs have surged in recent years, pushing homeownership further out of reach for many Americans. Part of the cause? Faster wage gains for workers in the lowest-paid roles.
Neighborhood-Specific Placemaking Strategies for Retail in Boston
In three separate developments across Boston, Related Beal is amplifying its properties’ brands with strategic, curated experiential retail offerings.
CRE Must Claim Its Seat at the Table Writing MBTA’s 2050 Plans
The MBTA is writing its next long-range plan right now, but investments like new train lines and BRT networks that can unlock development won’t happen without industry input.
North Attleborough Landlord Liable Under ‘Unfair Practices’ Statute
Now and then, a commercial landlord engages in conduct so peculiar, that others can only shake their heads in bewilderment. Such was the case involving several properties in North Attleborough’s “Auto Road” area.
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.
The Number of Million-Dollar Towns Has Tripled in Five Years
It’s one of the Boston area’s most expensive yet fastest-growing clubs, and it’ll cost you seven figures to join. Fortunately, you can spread your payments over 30 years.
Spring Housing Market Off to Slow Start
Dismal, with a side order of jittery buyers: That’s the state of the spring real estate market as it limps towards an inglorious finish.
When Developers Are the Ones Halting New Housing
When it comes to NIMBY opposition that derails plans for new housing, it’s not just the neighbors raising a stink. Every now and again, it’s also rival developers worried about the competition.
Here Comes Trump to Further Wreck Boston’s Lab Real Estate Market
The battered life sciences sector is already sitting on enough empty lab space to fill 16 Prudential towers. Now, the Trump administration’s plans to cut billions in research grants will make the sector even worse.
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.
Unhappy Agents Voice Concerns
According to the surprisingly candid results of a survey delving into agents’ psyche by the Redfin brokerage firm, half expect their fees to fall in the coming months.
The Green Mirage Sweeping America
A deceptive calling campaign is sweeping the country, costing homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars in mortgage fraud, according to a federal watchdog.
Planning Is Key for Senior Homeowners
Survey after survey has shown that seniors have a strong desire to remain in their homes until they pass. But some will eventually experience a life event that will alter their thinking.
Don’t Pocket Those Listings
Do you really want to withhold your property from the widest possible audience just to give your agent a chance to bank the entire commission, or at least keep the payday in-house?