If you're from Massachusetts and a realtor, then you're familiar with Massachusetts 40B = This Massachusetts statute enables local towns and the zoning boards within those towns to approve affordable housing developments under less stringent regulations if the builder includes 20-25% of the units as affordable units.
Now this statute is being challenged. The voters this year will be able to vote to repeal this statute. On question 2 of the ballot, if you vote yes, this statute will be abolished with no better alternative on the table.
I have not totally decided how I will vote but I do know that 40b has been a good statue for my community and has helped to increase the number of affordable homes in our town. As importantly, it's pushed the town itself to become more proactive in their affordable housing plans for the future, even if those plans may not formally be 40B projects. The statute seems to have given towns like mine an elevated awareness of the issue of affordable housing.
But I've been reading from the candidates, and I hear quite a few negatives. In particular I hear Chelmsford has been negatively impacted - so one candidate notes.
My question to those MA realtors and consumers in the group - What are your thoughts on repealing Chapter 40B?
Comments (3)Subscribe to CommentsComment