[Page Buldini]: My name is Page Buldini. I'm the owner of Paige Aesthetic Skincare in the Hillside, a Medford public school parent, and I serve on the board of the Medford Chamber of Commerce. My husband, Jeff, grew up here. Our daughter, Kate, is a second grader at Missittuck, growing up in the same schools and community her dad once did. Nearly seven years ago, I started my business as a new mom and kept it open through the pandemic, when many in my industry closed. I had to adapt, problem solve, and keep revenue coming in. That's not easy as a solo business owner, but I did it. I also helped others in the skincare industry push through because I believe in lifting people up. That's who I am. I don't quit, I adapt, I listen, and I follow through. And that's what I'll bring to City Hall. Those lessons also reflect the spirit of Medford, a city with deep roots and tradition, a city that's growing and changing, and above all, a city whose strength is in its people, our schools, our small businesses, and the city services that keep us running. I've seen what happens when we bring those pieces together. As a chamber board member, I work to support small businesses. I've coached and sponsored local youth sports, and I know the value of showing up for kids and families. Partnering with the PTOs and schools, I've helped expand resources for students, families, and educators. And by connecting groups like the Chamber run Medford and Tufts University, I've helped raise funds to bring Tufts student-athletes in as volunteers for school and community events. Proof of what's possible in a reminder that Tufts can be a stronger financial partner and better neighbor. That's why I believe leadership has to rise above groups or sides. I chose to run unaffiliated. It would be easier to do this with a group or a slate, but that's not why I'm here. I'm willing to take the harder path to represent everyone, to bridge divides, and to make decisions rooted in what's best for Medford. This is a critical moment. Decisions on zoning and growth will shape our future for decades. When zoning reform came forward, I asked to slow it down, not to stop it, so we could get it right. I championed separating business districts with mixed use from residential, and I used that time to ask questions and push for input from fire, police, and educators. That's how I will approach every issue. Do the work, listen first, and make decisions with real-life data and community voices. That same approach must guide our budget and growth. We need to generate more revenue to make Medford stronger. That means creating a developer program with clear expectations that ensures developers support our infrastructure. It means attracting the right businesses shaped by community feedback to fill vacant storefronts and bring in revenue that Medford needs to invest in our future. What sets me apart is I've lived this. I've run a business here. I've navigated challenges and I stayed the course when it would have been easier to quit. That experience makes me the candidate best prepared to strengthen Medford's future. At the end of the day, what I bring is different. I've proven I can get through hard challenges. I'm connected across Medford. I adapt, I listen, and I solve problems, and I'm not afraid to show up for the work. After more than 15 years of living here, I believe Medford's best days are ahead, and I will keep showing up, asking questions, and moving forward together. Thank you to the Medford Democratic Committee, to my fellow candidates, and to everyone here showing up for our city. Thank you.
[Page Buldini]: Yes, so I'm Page Buldini. I'm originally from Holliston, a suburb outside of Framingham, and I've been in Medford for over 15 years. My husband's from Medford. Oh, nice. Yep, where we live on Winter Street is where he grew up. Own a skincare salon on the hillside. So I've been there for almost seven years And I am a mom to a rising second grader. She is going to be She's so excited for school. She is at mistook formerly the Columbus School. Okay, and I'm also a board member of the Chamber of Commerce Wow Impressive. Thank you.
[Page Buldini]: It's so funny. Had you asked me this a few years ago, I probably wouldn't have said yes. But I think when I opened my skincare salon there, I've realized there's never really a good time to take a big jump into something. And I've been very lucky to have been involved with a lot of really great initiatives and collaborations through the chamber and as a small business owner. So I've already been in the room for some of these great decisions. And I just decided, well, I really want to help get that together. And I think my experience as a small business owner and now as a public school parent, it allows me to already have been doing some of those great things. So it was just the perfect time to give it a try.
[Page Buldini]: Yes. Well, one, a few of them, of course. I'm very passionate and excited to hear that the charter has made it and will be on our ballot in November. So that's very exciting. And I think specifically as a member of the board for the chamber and a business owner, ward representation, specifically in our business districts, is essential. And I feel like the more opportunity that we can get people together and that we can get the opportunity for there to be a representative if people have a problem, they can go and talk to them. And then that's a liaison, another step into City Hall. It's great. And I feel like to kind of parlay that too, it would be really wonderful if we could create roundtables. So essentially within our wards, we have the opportunity. And I found this with everything with zoning, which I'm sure we'll chat about more too. We'll get into it. There was a lot of information out there, but there was no way to fully gather it. And when I have my clients in the room, I get to actively listen. Right. And they come from all different neighborhoods, even outside of Medford, and everybody was confused. So I think if we could have a good ward representative in your community, then every month or so, they can meet with our city service providers, City Hall, and the neighbors to chat. I also think zoning, that's a big one. We'll keep talking about it. Oh, yeah. I think as a city, we do need zoning reform. I definitely that is not a question for many people. And as you know, I've been speaking about it and how to include a lot of studies and a lot of individuals that have real life experience like Medford fire police, DW and our teachers. and get their input. So I feel like doing a slow phased approach focusing on Medford Square and Mystic Ave and then if we can support as a city, then we can look into our residents. So I've been actively speaking out since May. And I also think a really great program we have that we need to utilize more is our vacant storefronts. As a small business owner, I think it's really wonderful to find ways to make these squares vibrant, right? If we want to continue to build Medford, we need to support the small businesses that are there, but we need to incentivize the business owners and landlords to actually want to come. But yeah, and then pretty much my biggest thing is I want to create a space where Medford Fire, Police, DPW, and our teachers have a liaison to City Hall. I feel like that is something that we're lacking, and I feel like I could be a a great communicator as I have been within the chamber and my business.
[Page Buldini]: I am on my own, but I feel very lucky that I have a lot of support from my family, my friends, my clients, small business owners. And because I've been actively listening to the questions and the concerns from different sides of Medford, I feel like I couldn't do a good job representing the whole city if I decided to just join a group. And I want to keep that open-minded space that I might not agree, or an individual might not agree with me, but I will always be available to listen. And I have learned from getting feedback, which in the moment might not feel great. I can learn something, no matter what. I'm always learning lessons. So I feel like having a difference in perspectives is huge for problem solving. Because if we're all thinking alike, there's no way that we can get creative, and there's always something that you can learn. So running independently is super important. Yes, it's a little trickier. Um, but there, as I've learned, there's a lot of people in Medford that feel the same. They're like, kind of like some things on one side or some things in the other, but they really care about Medford. And I'm looking for that person. I feel like I can do a good job representing them. And again, I'm here to listen to.
[Page Buldini]: I'm gonna try.
[Page Buldini]: Well, I have to say, as a member of the chamber, I was privy to learning about it, but I feel like I had no idea what was going on. And once I saw, mostly on social media, from other residents, specifically in the Glenwood neighborhood, And on Salem Street, I was like, oh, wow, this is a really big deal. And then just as a, again, business owner in a business district, I just kept thinking about, OK, well, if this is an impact, no matter what, I want to really learn about how we decided to come about that. So I just started asking questions. And I feel really lucky that there are so many residents in the community who have done so much research and they're open to answering my questions. Because I was writing emails and I was speaking at the community development meetings and some of the city council meetings and those are kind of the forums to really get those in those answers. Residents did that and that's really incredible. What I did learn is a lot of the questions that I did ask and they were quite specific about how we thought about zoning, the studies or the impacts studies that were done to inform our decisions, and the real life examples weren't really happening. So I was happy to see that there's been conversations around that. Since May 30th was the first email I sent out to the city councilors, planning and development, community development board, and the mayor, I've been actively asking, what does Medford Fire, police, DPW, and our teachers think? and their union members, because they are, like myself, I have that real-life experience when I'm in a room with my clients. It's so important to have data and it's so important to have similar neighborhoods or to see cities that have done zoning like this, but sometimes you need that real-life, like, could a fire truck fit down this street? You know, there's questions about parking, like what does our traffic enforcement think, you know, and I feel like the more times you can bring those individuals that have real life experience into the conversation, it's game changing, and it's collaborative. So those are my main points. The reason why I did say publicly, slow down first, and then I said separate, was because I couldn't get those answers. And then I was super honored. And it wasn't in a means to create problems or trouble, but the fire chief did respond. And I was so honored. That he responds. Yeah. And I thought that was brave. And I thought that was incredible to hear, again, that real life. experienced.
[Page Buldini]: Yes. So that has created a lot. I'm really still kind of unsure about where the process stands. I was able to put in the last moment for public comment was the 23rd. Right. And I did post I will share this in this will be on my website and social media. I did share a question specifically in my area which my so we live in the hillside. Right. My business is in the hillside. But the way that it's zoned is where we are, there's going to be the proposed tough zone. Where my business is, it's the Boston Ave corridor. And the zoning around that, and this is very similar to a lot of our other business districts, is called UR1, which goes up high. And that would be wonderful and great in some areas, but where we are, it's a lot of single family or multifamilies, but there's those residents. And it was my question was, well, if we're doing the tough zone, which is the goal is to bring back more students for Tufts. Right. Why are we then outside of the tough zone making the availability?
[Page Buldini]: So those are the questions that I feel like are really important to ask and if if there is true studies if there is community Response, which we've heard right foreign to and for for and against that would be great But we need to hear it. We need to see it and we need the consultants. It's also here, right?
[Page Buldini]: Funny thing, just a quick add, and then we can talk, because I know we have some other great questions. So we live down the hill. So our neighborhood would be zoned, I think it's NR3. So it wouldn't really change much. And my neighborhood is already being developed. So we're already living through that impact. So I have that real life experience. And a bunch of my neighbors and myself have spoken about developers that are doing that. So I do understand that side. Where I am on Boston Ave, it's nine units right in a row. It would be ideal for mixed use. And I've put my business, which is the way that I pay my bills and support my family, out there because I'm not opposed to it. And I do believe that there should be affordable housing above me. It makes sense. It's right near the Green Line. It's right on Boston Ave. I just want to know how will we then support the businesses if there's business disruption, if there is changes to parking. And I think those are the questions that we need to really just know. And it could just be this is how it's going to be. But at least if we can put it out there, we can advocate for those.
[Page Buldini]: Yes. So I have, I think, three pretty solid ideas. One would be zoning specifically, making sure that we can bring commercial development in if it's Mystic Ave corridor, Medford Square. Great. Let's do that. Let's work with individuals that will help bring in some money. I think also a really great thing is Medford, as you know, because you're from Medford, there is so much history. And I feel like we need to tap into tourism. And I feel like if we can build a city that people want to come and visit, they will spend money, they will stay, they will then visit those businesses. That's revenue right there. And we really need to tap in. And especially what I got to see with the 250th celebration of the revolution and what Lexington did, that was incredible. And to see celebrities coming in, I feel like that's an untapped market. We have the Chevalier, the amount of really wonderful and inspiring people who come in, It's great and it's an extension of the city. So I think that is super important. So really diving into tourism. Another thing that I learned when I was learning about zoning and affordable housing, what other cities do is they will bus in the city of whatever, say city of Medford, would bus in developers. And they would plan a day with maps and show them the available lots and say, this is what we want here. This is what we see that could be built here. Right. This is what our streets, sewers, schools would need to accommodate that. Right. So we then incentivize these people and we let them know what's because if you don't know, you don't know. Right. And I'm not a developer, but I would assume as a business owner, the easiest way to funnel something in is to show people that way. So I feel like creating a really strong, it would almost be like a developer engagement program. And then using our contacts, the Chamber of Commerce, who I love and super support. Chamber does a good job. We sure do. And I feel like that needs to be, that relationship needs to be much stronger. I myself, I'm a small business owner. I love to volunteer on the chamber. I love to help people. I have friends that start businesses and they call me. That is such a great asset. And a lot of us have learned, like, I've had pipes burst. I've had fires. And those are the things, if you don't know, you don't know. But continuing to support that and other organizations that are in the city, I think, will help make City Hall run smoother as well. And then we can bring in some dough. Sounds good.
[Page Buldini]: So I feel like, yes, if we can be very mindful how we zone. Yes, we don't want to push anybody out. That is never the goal. We want to bring in, but we never want to push out. And I, myself, and many other small businesses, we don't just have our small business. We cater to our clients. I have 70% of my clients come from outside Medford, and then they go to Goldilocks, they go to Tasty, they go to the Chevalier. or they moved to Medford because they've now come from JP or Rhode Island or New Hampshire. So that is, small businesses are key. Also, I think another really wonderful thing about many small business owners is a lot of us have children in the school systems. So we are fully invested to building that up so that we can create those community connections. There's this really great group right now. It's the four elementary schools. It's called the Citywide PTO. So all of the elementary schools have parent volunteers, and we've been doing collaborative events. to connect the four schools, but then to also raise money. And I love that I can use my small business friends and chamber friends, business owners, the banks, you know, all of these institutions, and then we can help fund them. They all help. Yes. And it's just it's everybody wants to help. So small business has to be at the heart of this. And it has to be something in the forefront when we plan.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah. Yeah, they go to the Ford like right. It's great. And I feel like the more that we can do that, the better that it will be.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah.
[Page Buldini]: Good supporter of all. He is.
[Page Buldini]: All Medford restaurants, schools, people.
[Page Buldini]: So that was a hard one for me because I never try to go negative. But what I could say is what I would like to strengthen. Yes. Especially because I'm on the hillside and this is always a, you know, a neighborhood thing is our relationship as a city with Tufts University.
[Page Buldini]: I feel like that is an untapped market. The one thing I can say is because of where I am on the hillside with the chamber, but also just I went to a manual college and I have a great connection with now Tufts Athletics. Any time for some of these PTO events that I've needed help and I've called Tufts, whether it's community relations or the Tufts student athletes, some were my clients, they always volunteer. So one of those PTO events that I was just a very small part of, organizing. It was at the Great American Beer Hall. The Citywide PTO did an excellent job. It was insane. And I just asked my friends at Tufts, the student liaisons for the athletes, and we got like 30 student athletes that came and participated and volunteered. So when you ask, they will help. But things that I learned when I've been researching and sitting in some of the community meetings is they're a big part of the footprint up on the hillside. And as we know, it's a university, so we understand about taxes. But what I didn't know about was the pilot programs. Do you know about that? I, I, a little bit. Yes.
[Page Buldini]: No, so it's been interesting. So essentially, it's if you are like a nonprofit or university, you're not paying taxes. But Medford has in the past received payments from Tufts, and it's to support infrastructure, it's support the schools. But I think if we were negotiating there, I would have to fact check this. But I don't think there is a permanent pilot program. So I think that would be a great idea. Let's say Tufts, you're here, you're part of, you know, you help our small businesses, but you also help, you know, with housing. So why don't we see what we can do there? So that would be a pilot program. I also think we're in the Vogue. This is such a great space, internship opportunities, like Tufts, that is a great opportunity for all of the Vogue, but any student really. And like I said, if we can ask, I think it's just we need to make sure we create that strong, that Tufts is in Medford, but we are not Tufts, we are Medford, and they're a neighbor, but they also need to be a willing participant. And I have seen them come to the table, but I feel like that would be a really great opportunity to strengthen, and that would help also infuse some of our money.
[Page Buldini]: The worst thing happens is a no, but at least it's a try. So those are the things. And then hopefully we can bring in some more connections. All right. So you gave me an almost least favorite thing, but I love that.
[Page Buldini]: So most favorite. Yes. What's your most favorite? So there's so many things. I mean, I could do all of the great small businesses and how we could really become a Mecca of the food world with everything going. But I think the easiest and most important thing about Medford is the convenience factor of you can get in and out. We have now the Green Line. We have the commuter rail. I'm right near Route 16. I'm 93. But as somebody who's from Holliston, which is pretty rural, there's farms, there's field, there are places in Medford that you go and you forget that you're so close to the city. Um, and we live right near Memorial. So we have the mystic river, the boat club up at the mystic lakes, right? The pond, the sheep's fold. So you can go and all of a sudden there's deer because you're in Oak Grove, right? I heard a deer or there's a great blue heron that flew by. So even though we are so conveniently close to the city, north, south, east, west, you have those like glimmers. And then when I join the chamber, I help out with communications. Not being from Medford, I just went to the library and did it, which I'll plug the library all day. Me too. I love the library. It's a good library.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah, it is and we um, I did a deep dive because if I wanted to help share information about medford There's so much history and I feel like when it comes back to who I am and what i'm doing for You know medford city my city council run, right? It's really learning from history talking to the people who've lived here Thinking about how we can continue to grow and finding ways because medford has been around as one of I mean It's like the sixth or seventh city like it's been established for a very long time. There's a lot of great history, but there's these gems that I feel like we're very lucky to have. There is.
[Page Buldini]: And if we continue to share it, then I can help with tourism.
[Page Buldini]: So the best way is my email, which is pageboldini at gmail.com. I have my website, which is electpageboldini.com. I also have Instagram, which is pageboldini. I have Facebook, which is pageboldini medford city council. I have been getting coffee with everyone possible. When I decided to pursue the idea of running for city council, I asked every elected official from city council, mayor, state rep, and school committee, and I almost was successful in getting and having coffee or meeting with everyone. Some of it was just schedules. And it was so helpful because I figured if I can get myself to city hall, I always want to start off with the right foot forward in a positive way. And I learned a lot and everybody was very helpful. I will get coffee. I will have coffee with anybody. I had two coffees today. One was decaf. I'm open to listen. I'm here. I'm here to learn. I only know what I know, but I am very open to hearing others because they know better than me for some things.
[Page Buldini]: There's some great events right now, too. I know I'll be at National Night Out with the Chamber, so I'll be good, and I'm sponsoring the dunk tank.
[Page Buldini]: So I'll be there. That's next week. For the Chamber, we have great events, too. We have Run Medford.
[Page Buldini]: That's big. I'm so excited because as a Missittuck parent, and the Missittuck PTO is so great, I'm just like a supporter on the outside. They're incredible. It was brought to my attention that they were looking to do for the Citywide PTO, the four elementary schools, a road race to raise funds, kind of like the Jingle Bell once was. And around the same time, Dave McGillivray, who is awesome, and we love, and Denise, and the whole crew, DSME, he is a Chamber member, and he was talking about Run Medford, which the Chamber is a proud sponsor as well, and I just had the idea, like, what if we connect? And so I pitched it to the Chamber and Dave, and they were like, please. So then I pitched it to the citywide PTO. And I'm so proud and honored. It's going to be a great race. It's September 26 and seven. The kids run is Friday. Yeah, we're gonna have like a rager Saturday is going to be epic. And then Dave offered to cut an equal check to all eight. So not just our nice eight of the schools like Curtis Tufts, the high school, so he really truly is supporting so run Medford and then Oktoberfest with the chamber. It's going to be a really big one. This is our hundredth year
[Page Buldini]: Kiwanis, Rotary.
[Page Buldini]: And a lot of good shows. A lot of them have hit huge milestones too.
[Page Buldini]: Well, thank you for having me, and thank you for doing this. This is important. There's only a few ways that people are learning about information, so thank you for being one of them. Very welcome, very welcome, thank you.
[Page Buldini]: Go ahead. Hi there, Page Buldini. Thank you for the late hour. 37 Winter Street and my business is 319 Boston Ave. I support zoning reform. We need this in our city, but we have to do it right. I appreciate Ms. Evans' perspective tonight and the honesty and openness from everyone here to build a stronger process. And I want to thank the mayor for acknowledging just how personal and emotional this has become for so many. Let's start when we're ready in our business district. That's how we bring in revenue, support our economy, and make sure zoning works. Let's strengthen our storefront programs, incentivize landlords, and build in protections for small businesses. Parking can't be an afterthought. It needs to be planned for every district from the start. I implore you to please speak directly with our city service providers, Medford Fire, Police, DPW and our schools and their union members and truly listen to their real life experience before moving forward. The comprehensive plan is a strong foundation but we need both the data and the real life input to guide us. And can we please if possible share a true updated timeline. I know how hard it is for everyone to keep up, even for those of us who are trying. Let's revisit Salem Street and Mystic Ave. Let's start with commercial. And when we get that right, then we move into residential. Let's take the time to get this right for Medford. And while we're at it, we've already seen what partnerships can look like. Tufts has agreed to fund a Boston Ave streetscape study. That's the kind of outside support that we should be seeking, and we can be successful. Thank you, guys. Thank you very much.
[Page Buldini]: Page Buldini, 37 Winter Street, a'r busnes ychwanegol, 319 Boston Ave. Yn gyntaf, rwy'n gobeithio gofyn y bydd y llawysgrifau, y polisi a'r trafodaeth yn rhan o'r proses hon. Bydd y ddarpariaethau hyn yn cael eu hysbysu'n ymwneud â newidiadau mewn densi, trafodaeth a chyfathrebu. Rwy'n credu y bydd eu cyflwyniad yn rhan o'r sgwrs cyn i'r penderfyniadau'n cael eu gwneud. Yn ogystal â hyn, rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y ddinas yn meddwl'n bwysig am sut y bydd y zonau gweithredu bwysig yn gweithredu, Rydyn ni'n gweld tensiwn ynglyn â gweithredu sefydliadol. Bydd y proses ymdrechion ddatblygu'n dod o'r hyn rydyn ni'n ei weld o ddatblygiadau diwethaf gyda'r ffwrdd anodd, neu y byddan nhw'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrech. Mae'r profiad hwnnw wedi'i gofyn llawer o gwestiynau, ac rwy'n credu y bydd y bobl sy'n desbwylio'r gweithredu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n ymdrechu'n Byddai'n dda iawn i'w gwybod, oherwydd y bydd Tufts, er maen nhw'n gallu cael eu datblygiad, i'w ddefnyddio, rwy'n meddwl o'r math hwnnw, mae'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, os yw Winthrop. Felly byddai hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac mae hynny'n ymwneud â'r math hwnnw, ac
[Page Buldini]: Page Buldini, 37 Winter Street, and I own a skincare salon at 319 Boston Ave. Sorry about my back to everybody. I want to start by thanking you guys. I know that we don't have to do that, but thank you so much. I know how many messages I've sent personally, so I can only imagine what you've been receiving overall. I appreciate the time and effort you're putting into reading, considering it all. This is a big opportunity for Medford. In conversations with housing experts, I've learned that this level of public engagement is rare, which is exactly why it matters. We have a chance to set the tone for how cities move forward with transparency, collaboration, and all departments at the table from the start. I also want to ask about the comprehensive plan. It's been referenced as a basis for this proposal, but were the departments like Medford Public Schools, police, fire, and their unions formally consulted when it was created? and what steps have been taken during this process to gather their input. That feedback, excuse me, that feedback matters, and the public deserves to hear it. I respectfully ask the board to pause. Let's be sure that the input from Everett Public Schools, police, and fire have been actively gathered and shared before any decisions are made. Thank you.
[Page Buldini]: Sure. Thank you so much for having me. It's such an honor. I am Page Buldini she her. I have lived in Medford, Massachusetts for over 15 years now, and I'm very excited to be running for city council. Thank you for having me. Um, things about me. I own a small business, a skincare salon up in the Hillside by Tufts called page aesthetics. I've been here for over six years. I am a proud mom of a seven-year-old rising second grader at Mississippi elementary school. And I love that I am on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, which has been such a really cool way for me to use my small business experience, specifically while I was running it opening during the pandemic, and then being a public school parent. And then my husband also is from Medford, and we get to raise our daughter in the house that he grew up in. So I just love all these ties to Medford, which are great.
[Page Buldini]: So this is so hard and I feel like out of this whole prep that because I love to prep before I get to speak with anyone. Because there's as a proud board member of the chamber and a member obviously with my business think there's something like over 130 different food, restaurant, cafe, pizza shops in Medford. And I was like, Oh, well, maybe I can just like go through every neighborhood and shout out my favorite ones. And I kept going and going, going, and then we would have like an hour of a podcast and we'll do that another day. So I think to just save time, um, I would have to say Goldilocks bagels, which is my neighbor down right down the hill on the hillside. And our true love story actually happened. It was so funny. They opened a few months after I did. And Lindsey, who we love, Lindsey and Ed, had posted on Instagram that they were short cash. And this is, I mean, our businesses in customer service are a little different now, but, you know, a lot of credit cards are used now, but cash sometimes is too. So she just posted this story and I happen to have some cash at the moment, small bills and my husband sells beer at Fenway. So he did too. So I just ran down the street and I brought like a bag of ones, like in a Ziploc and she was like, where do you get all this cash? And I'm like, it's not that much. It just is our business. And from there, she has beat Lindsay specifically. And I love it to have become my small business besties. I own a small business. It's hard to run a small business solo. And it's also really rewarding when you find a friend. who's navigating similar things. So shout out to Goldilocks. I'd have to say their breakfast sandwiches are phenomenal. But my order, if you want to know, is an onion bagel with chive cream cheese, tomato and bacon.
[Page Buldini]: Well, they're just good. They're good humans and it's good food. Right. It's so easy.
[Page Buldini]: Yes. And thank you for asking. Um, honestly, a couple of years ago, this would never have been a thought in my mind. And I feel like that's the best thing about really growing up. I mean, I'm 41 and I feel like I'm still just stepping into who I am. And I think once my daughter went into public school, I was able to then realize I love owning my skincare salon. I love being a parent. And there was just something more. And I got the opportunity to be on the board for the chamber. And I got to be in the room with a lot of really cool business owners and decision makers in the city. And they kind of started listening to some of my ideas. And we got to do some really cool collaborations, which one is coming up with Ron Medford and the Citywide PTOs. So some of these fun ideas that are bouncing around in my head, I get to actually connect the people. And also because I own a skate care salon, I get to have all walks of life come into my salon. and they are vulnerable, they are real, and they share, and I get to listen. So I have become a proud, active listener, and I feel like that's a really important attribute of any government, but any person. So I feel like once it all kind of happened, somebody had mentioned it, it kind of got tossed around, and so I did a little bit more research, and I just felt like I have some really great experience through professional, my professional experience, and my family experience, and my life experience. want to give it a whirl.
[Page Buldini]: Thank you for what you do, because that is very important. And I have, ironically, have a degree in psychology from a million years ago at a manual college where I graduated in 06 in philosophy. However, I would never ever say that I'm trained. I think I just through my life experiences like to listen. So the fact that you can do that and help people is awesome. So thank you.
[Page Buldini]: That's a great question. So I think a really wonderful thing that I have. via my husband being from here and me not originally being from here is, I think Medford has such deep roots and such great history, but I think we're also on this cusp of like welcoming so many new people in and so many good new businesses. So I feel like as a business owner, I really love making that easier. So I think the easiest way to do that would just make Medford open for business, right? Like make City Hall, a place where we can expedite, you know, like business, like it's hard to open a small business I guess I could say. So just making sure that the building department is prepared for that permitting is prepared for that. And then also creating that good connection with the chamber so we can nourish that. I think having strong communication is great. I love the way that I get to talk to my clients, whether it's through social media, through newsletters, so continuing to strengthen that, making our website easily accessible. I talk about it all the time. I promote the caches calendar. to like 80% of my clients if they need to figure out something to do, cause it's so great. And I love that it's on the Medford city's calendar. You can find it there too, but just making sure that residents can find the information they need very easily. And then I think specifically with when I decided to run for city council, I kind of just literally Googled or chat to BT, what does the city councilor do? And the three main reoccurring things are that the most not most important, but their main jobs are zoning ordinances and then like the general way that the community in the city government works. So I feel very lucky that I'm stepping into the midst of a big zoning conversation. And I'm learning so much and I love to learn so that's great and I feel like having the opportunity to have my clients and my neighbors ask me questions. I am a person that really believes in getting as much information as possible. And it doesn't mean if it's aligned with myself or not, because I will always find something that I can learn. So I think that the zoning reform right now is something that is really important for everybody to just really fully understand and also have an opportunity to have a say. Another cool thing that I learned about, because again, I'm learning from everywhere, is it isn't necessarily a typical way to have as many public meetings or have as many public opportunities for the community when it comes to zoning. So we actually have a lot. I do have to say, though, it's really confusing to me. I don't know if you're following along, and you might be, and this is not to even ask that of you. So to find a way, I've been advocating for like you know, pictures of what this real life pictures of or simple zoning, not critiques, but like abbreviations and just really being able to ask those questions. And I just engaged with Medford fire, Medford police and Medford schools. And that's including like chiefs down to the union reps and just ask what, how they feel about it. Cause I feel like including every person that I possibly can to get a good informed just information is the best that I can do and then by sharing that. So those are kind of my big three. It's pretty much honoring who we are, engaging who we're becoming, smart and transparent growth, small business support, obviously, and then communication are like my four big pillars that I'm actively trying to learn more about and get feedback from.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah, that's a great question. And I feel like no matter what, there's gonna be opinions that differ. And I think that's really important. I feel like that's the only way that we can get as much opinion and also like enough people that feel like they're a part of it. So I've heard all, I feel like I have really great friends that are excellent affordable housing advocates. and architects and that's their world. I also have residents that don't feel that this is something for them, or feel that their neighborhood character will change. As a business owner, so funny, I've newly been speaking at some of these meetings and I have heard public comment, negative and positive, which is fine because I'm putting myself out there and that's what happens, right? And I feel like even if it feels negative coming at me, it's feedback and it's something, even if the delivery doesn't feel kind, there's something I can learn from there and that's been helpful. And when I'm listening and speaking, I use my business where I'm currently right now, 319 Boston Ave, right on the Boston Ave corridor, which is a business district, as the perfect example of an area that should be rezoned for mixed use. And I'm literally putting my business out there, also my neighbors. It's one level of nine units. There should be housing and it should be affordable. We're right near the green line, like we're right in 93 and 16. However, as a business owner selfishly, I just was asking questions of, okay, so what were to happen if this building was incentivized to be redeveloped? you know, how would we support the small businesses? And I have gotten some information. But also another really cool plug that you didn't ask for, but it's so helpful, is the Medver public library, you can rent a librarian. I don't know if you knew this. No. Yes. Now I've done it. I've done it once with Sam, who's awesome for some campaign assistance, and she was great. And now I'm going to do it again with Jenna Barry, who is in the Resource Center. and you can ask them a question and they will find every resource possible and it could be to like build a like a model airplane or learn how to run a campaign independently or it could be how do we create a business plan and they're saying we're not experts but we will find every resource we can so Trying to find that so essentially like my hope with this is, again, I don't think everybody will be happy. I personally do feel like I need more information as I keep asking some people. I do think it would be wonderful. I know some zoning of the districts has already gone through like I know. over the Glenwood, like Salem Street has already gone through that district. I know Misty Gap Corridor has already gone through. So those are things that I don't know what they can do to kind of quote unquote go back. But I do feel like if there was a way to separate them a little bit and have strong business district zoning, figure it out, make sure we really do it. I don't want to lose affordable housing here. I feel like that's so important. And then really evaluate the residents. I feel like that could be a potential compromise. But again, I know that there's some people that feel like, I want it, let's do it. And some people are like, I don't. So it's kind of this funny place where I'm towing the line. But I do I have publicly asked to slow it down a bit. So that's, that's fair to share.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah, so it's, it's so wonderful and timely I had, I can't quote unquote I don't know if I received it or not and I'm thinking positive, but I had a second interview with the Massachusetts women's political caucus. And we spoke specifically about my views on certain things, but one thing that was really wonderful that I could share is as a skincare provider as I shared before I have all walks of life, every person, whoever they are, can come in here and feel themselves. And I feel like coming at this campaign in the way that we could run the city to find a way, we don't all have to agree, but to find specific ways that we can make people feel valued and seen, I feel like that's great. And I feel like our arts community does a really great job. And as I shouted out with Cashay before, I feel like really engaging in ways that people can feel creative, can feel themselves. It also supports like within our businesses. I feel like that's a great way to amplify maybe you know bringing in different types of businesses. They don't necessarily all have to look the same and I feel like that would be a great opportunity to diversify but also be way more inclusive and I love that we have that opportunity with specifically even with some zoning changes and stuff that's going to allow some growth. I feel like within our schools it's been really cool. I'm sure because obviously you know as well, just seeing my daughter within a member public school and the nexus program, and how it shows you know how to be a good friend and how to be a good advocate, and I just think. she's in first will finish first grade. And these are skills that she's learning. And again, it could it doesn't have to be a big broad thing. But it's coming back and making people feel valued and seen and heard. And I feel like the more that we can kind of show that within the way that we're transparent with our communication, or we're open to show businesses are welcome here. I feel like or we can continue to incorporate our arts, our music, our sports. I feel like those are just great ways that we can start. I don't necessarily know what Mefford is doing, not even that you asked wrong, but I feel like there's a great opportunity for any of the quote unquote old and new or different mindsets to actually start. Hopefully either they don't have to look at each other, but we have some, we have a, Medford is on the cusp of something really wonderful. And I feel like if we can continue to honor that, you know, the historic Med we have, but also be welcoming, I think that's a great opportunity.
[Page Buldini]: Yeah, and I do, I have been told that people don't necessarily want to come together and that is fair. And I feel like that is not any of our jobs that ever change somebody. I feel like whoever you are, you should feel good about that and be true to your values. But I feel like, and I think like Run Medford is a really great example where multiple groups can come together to literally raise money for my for public schools, you know, and I feel like there's more of those like Oktoberfest, you know, for the chamber, we had that whole street filled with all different types of businesses. And, you know, like Medford youth sports, and we had your awesome podcast, and it was just cool to see, again, they might not be politically aligned, they might not be you know, whatever type of their moral compass aligned, but we all had a blast. And I feel like more of those opportunities, again, we don't have to get along, we don't have to be together, but I feel like that's kind of my hope. And that's what I'm good at. I have no idea how it started, but I think maybe it's the active listener role. I just pick up on these things and I'm like, oh, right, like that would make sense for that and refer it out and go.
[Page Buldini]: Thank you so much. So I have my website, electpagefoldini.com. I'm also quite active on Facebook. I have pagefoldini for my third city council. I have an Instagram page, pagefoldini, simple. And then I will be, I have three upcoming barbecues that I will be posting on my newsletter. I mean, my website, I apologize. And then I'm hoping to connect for a night at Colleen's and then my friends at Four Pizza have offered toast too. So I will have that all up on my website hopefully within the next couple weeks. And then we're just going to start walking around Medford. I'm very excited. I have a little army of my neighborhood kids that are so fired up, which is really, really cool. Um, so they want to have like bike parades, but I have told them that they're not allowed to put stuff in people's mailboxes. So if you get something from me in your mailbox, it was probably from a seven year old and we apologize, but we're going to do our best.
[Page Buldini]: So, their vote for Page Buldini, we actually for my kickoff made temporary tattoos, which was a trip. So we had like half of the Miss Tuck school had temporary tattoos, which I was like, sorry. I mean, their parents said yes. So we're having fun. And I guess it's a really cool way to be a role model. Because no matter what, and I'm going to mess up 100%, and I'm going to ask for help. But I'm going to hopefully show my daughter that we can do those things. We don't have to be perfect. We can work really, really hard, but if it's coming from a space of I'm going to be as kind as I can be, I'm going to work as hard as I can be, and I'm going to try to listen. I feel like that's the best I could do, and I'm excited for it.
[Page Buldini]: No, I was trying to think of what I was, so have, I guess I'm just going to keep plugging in the library, but have you been to the Medford room in the library, the little glass room?
[Page Buldini]: Everybody? Okay, so Medford Public Library, if you're listening, endorse me, I'm just joking, but that room is really cool. Open it up and it's really cool. It's books that you can't, or items that you can't take out of the library because they're very old, but they have these drawers with files and they have all old press. It's really cool. I think they're making it all digital right now, so a lot of it is open, but I was looking at the maps. They have the ward maps, and it's just really cool because I was trying to really envision what Medford in the past looked like, and now thinking about zoning and thinking about spots, and it's a really great way, I feel like, to stay grounded specifically with a lot that's going on. to see like how far we come. And I feel like with some true collaboration, I feel like there's some good stuff that can happen. So, no, I'm just so honored to have been a part of this. So thank you for having me. Thank you for doing this too. You are doing a great job and I appreciate you being open to hear every, you know, whether it's the city Councilor or a school committee member, or even just a person in the community, you have a great way of sharing information and we need more of that. So thank you.
[Page Buldini]: Of course.
[Page Buldini]: Hi, Paige. Hi there. Thank you so much for your time tonight and for all the work that's gone into this process. I appreciate the effort to be proactive, not reactive, but in this case, we need to slow down. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Page Buldini, 37 Winter Street, and my business is my skincare salon on 319 Boston Ave. The zoning reform affects everyone in Medford, and the questions from the communities are still piling up. If we want to be successful, we need more time, more transparency, and more clarity. First question, can this zoning reform strengthen how we address accessibility, especially in affordable and mixed-use housing? Will affordable units be required to meet ADA standards in practice? Will they be located on accessible floors? And is the Affordable Housing Trust involved in making sure these units are truly livable? I appreciate the comments about parking, but also are they accessible for those that need that? Second, what's the plan to support small businesses, especially those leasing space in our squares and corridors? How will we prevent displacement or pricing out during redevelopment? Has there been any research on how these zoning changes might affect rent, parking, or business continuity? Will the city create a transition plan to support businesses facing construction or economic shifts? And how will we make sure mixed use spaces include room for local businesses, not just chains? The third question was kind of asked already, but I do appreciate it. And I love that we are going to get feedback And I would love to hear and see feedback from our fire, DPW, police, traffic, and superintendents. I would love to hear what they think and how they feel about the impact of services, staffing, and the infrastructure. And if we can see those public comments, that would be great. Thank you again for your time and continuing this conversation with the community. I hope you consider slowing this process down so that Medford can get it right. Thank you.
[Page Buldini]: I'm good so I couldn't unmute it. Thank you. So obviously tonight is about West Medford Medford Square and as an honored board member of the Chamber of Commerce, I'm speaking specifically to those neighborhoods, because I obviously don't want to mix up my questions. And I know I've emailed you all These questions. So again, I'm hopeful that this is a great way to be respectful of your opportunity in your space. And I think asking these questions is really important because as I shared before, I just want to be a great advocate for those specific businesses slowing down. It's because These questions keep getting asked. And I have yet to hear great responses from everyone. I think that should be able to. I have had some responses. So slowing it down to make sure that we can just really incorporate that and hear from everybody what they think too.
[Page Buldini]: So you must be Paige. Hi there. I'm Page Buldini, 37 Winter Street, and I own a business at 319 Boston Ave. Thank you so much to the board, staff, and everyone who's worked so hard on the zoning reform process. Medford has been praised for its work over the last few months, many months, and that effort deserves credit. I want to be clear. I support more housing, especially affordable housing. And I understand that this intention is not for all of this development to happen right away. but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared. I own a small business at 319 Boston Ave in a block that's 100% non-conforming. This quarter, like Mystic Ave and Medford Square, are exactly where we should be looking to build mixed-use space that blends housing with business. But without clear support from existing businesses, we risk losing the local services and economic activity that are already working in these areas. I've submitted questions to this board The City Council, the Office of Planning and Development, and the Mayor's Office. They are thoughtful, practical questions about timelines, infrastructures, and support, and they remained unanswered. Not likely because people don't care, but likely because this process is moving too fast. We have been told about city developments that have been consulted, but those conversations and findings have not been made public. The community deserves to see the infrastructure studies, service impact projections, and research that's guiding these decisions to speak to the board's member question earlier, if possible. Let's also hear directly from departments like fire, police, traffic enforcement, public works, permitting, and building. How are they preparing for what this means to day-to-day operations? 30 seconds. Let's make information public clearly in plain language so we can all understand what's being planned. This is a long-term investment in Medford's future. Let's be thoughtful. Let's be transparent. Let's do it together with everyone informed and ready. Please don't rush this vote. Let's take the time to make the best that we can. Thank you. Thank you, Paige.
[Page Buldini]: Hi there, Page Buldini. Thanks for everybody being here. 37 Winter Street and my business, Paige Aesthetics, is 319 Boston Ave. I support zoning reform, but want to make sure we get it right. Somerville took about seven years to finish theirs, which is way too long. But how can we ensure Medford's process is thorough, fair, and includes everyone, but doesn't seem rushed for important decisions. About 70% of my clients come from outside of Medford and they drive here. How can we protect parking for local businesses so they can keep serving customers who support our community? Both of my parents were stroke survivors and accessible parking meant the difference between being able to participate in their community or not. How will the new zoning plan ensure accessible parking for those of all abilities? Finally, how will the city keep everyone informed and involved so that no one is left out of these conversations? This zoning reform affects every resident and business owner. Thank you so much.
[Page Buldini]: Thank you so much. I apologize. I'm joining late. I just was out of a gun. Um, this is such an honor to be chatting with everybody joining late. So don't want to be repetitive. Um, I did actually I emailed the city councilors, Director Hunt, members of Director Hunt's office, but I also did email the OCD. I'm not, maybe the wrong one, but yeah. Okay, so I separate it down. I did email that. So just to clarify. Yeah. Um, but yes, I spoke directly from coming as a business owner on the Boston Ave corridor and a resident. I'm also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. And my questions were about how we could be proactive to support our small businesses. I am supportive of zoning. I'm very reform and housing in specifically where my business is. It's mixed use. It's not it's not zone from excuse. Excuse me. But it probably would make sense. But as a business owner, what is the city going to do to support us? Director Hunt had replied about incentivizing. But I just want to, I have a whole list of questions. So thank you for the opportunity. And I think it might have been Adam, I was just listening into asking about that from the small business community. It's really important that we also support the businesses that have chosen to be here. And yes, I lease, I don't own my building. And I'm up near Tufts, so I'm also very mindful of what that looks like when it comes to zoning and housing in the Dover Amendment. And I just really want to be an advocate for the community where I don't know if I could afford to rent a space if it was fully developed. I don't know what that would look like during development. And granted, it might not happen right away with zoning, but the potential is to incentivize my landlord to probably do something like that. So what are we going to do as a city to support our small business community? Because I would hope that we don't want to lose us. We've all worked really hard to help grow what these neighborhoods have become. And yes, there are a lot of us that are in buildings that are not probably zoned appropriately. So I am hopeful that we can be supportive of that. And then when it also comes to that proactivity of what we can do for our small business community, you know, if my business is rezoned, what are we gonna do to support where I could potentially be or my colleagues in the future and how to also incentivize the landlords or the building owners to develop for people like myself in mind. So thank you so much for the opportunity and thank you for everybody working hard and everybody joining us tonight.
[Page Buldini]: Hey there, I'm Page Buldini, 37 Winter Street and 319 Boston Ave. I just had a couple questions. The first one being, I myself have been contacted by some residents, some people even in this room. And although there's been so many meetings and a lot of work done on the part of y'all, a lot of us are still learning and it's still a lot of information. Is it possible, and I know the timeline is kind of pertaining to other meetings, is it possible and not to stall it or slow it down, but to really focus on some of the commercial neighborhoods in those areas, really nail it, get it done. see how the housing looks, because I'm super pro-housing as well, see how the housing looks in the square on Mystic Ave, and then move it into the residence to make sure the city can support that, the building department can support that, so that we really know what we're doing. So there's a couple questions if that's okay, but that would be the first one. The second one also, where I'm on 319 Boston Ave, Tuff owns properties along Boston Ave, and I know that this is not a Tuff's meeting, but I think it's really important to include them because with that proposal on Boston Ave, where I am, there's Hillside Hardware, Danish, that whole building is also Tuff's. So has the city had direct contact with Tuff's with this planning? Do we know what Tuff's long-time vision is? And are we collaborating? And I can pause for a second.
[Page Buldini]: just specifically to that. So where my building is, which would be perfect, it's nine units for mixed use totally. But with that said, if that were, it's a private business that owns it, like we just rent. If that does get sold, and Tufts does purchase it, which it's free for sale, would the Dover amendment change potentially that zoning? Because Tufts has then purchased it with the zoning
[Page Buldini]: If that makes sense, small business to hear that is a little tough, right?
[Page Buldini]: Tufts is a community partner. Right.
[Page Buldini]: Because that would be a bummer.
[Page Buldini]: Last one and then I'll leave. We're on the hillside. Yes, Tufts is there, but if you're from here, hillside is a really important part of that. We're on a hill. So what are we doing for the topography? Thank you, because I know with my friends who are here with the tough storm and the shade studies, that was a big deal. But now if we're going to go all the way down Boston Ave, are we being mindful of like Orchard Street, like those streets as well? And what would that look like? Because I did notice that the buildings that were on the train track side were also getting fully developed. So are we being mindful of that as well?
[Page Buldini]: I'll be super quick. I'm Paige. I own a skincare salon in Medford. And I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to be here, but for all of you. Oh, sorry. So Hi there, I know you all have to run, but thank you so much for you guys for being here. Something for my younger self is, even now, I'm almost 40, I own my own skincare salon, like I said, being up here makes me nervous, but to keep trying new things, because I had a bunch of great opportunities, a bunch of job opportunities that I did before I owned my own business that I didn't love, but from doing that, I got to learn, like Congresswoman Clark, what many of these women have said, is just keep trying, and if you can find something that you find joy in, It's not work, it's fun. And thank you guys so much.