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5 Reasons Why There Isn’t A Housing Shortage
The United States is experiencing declining population growth, with fewer than one million people added in 2021, a slower rate compared to historical events like the Spanish flu pandemic and World War 1. Single-family home permits have plummeted since 2005, dropping by 70% to 400k in 2010. Even in 2020, permits remained low at 1 million. However, analyzing the population growth to new housing permits ratio reveals a concerning trend. The ratio, which ideally should be around 1.5, dipped below this threshold in the mid-2000s and again in 2020, indicating a potential oversupply rather than a shortage.
Balancing Development: Prioritizing Residents and Sustainability In Town Planning
Bypassing zoning bylaws can lead to shoddy design and construction, putting residents at risk. Environmental regulations are there for a reason – waiving them can lead to lasting damage to the local ecosystem, impacting air and water quality. Increased density without proper infrastructure upgrades can overwhelm schools, roads, and utilities, leading to longer commutes, crowded classrooms, and strained resources. Unrestricted development can also erase the very things that make a town unique – its historical buildings, charming neighborhoods, and established character. All of a sudden, the town residents might find themselves living in a generic sprawl instead of the community they cherished.
Your Vote, Your Voice: A Call to Action for Informed Decision-Making
As we approach the upcoming election cycle, it's crucial to recognize the power of your vote and the impact it can have on the future of your community. Too often, voters simply fill in the dot next to a familiar name or succumb to the influence of hearsay. But this election, let's pledge to do better. Let's commit to informed decision-making that prioritizes the genuine advocacy and representation of residents.
Providence & Worcester Railroad Vehement Opposition
Risk is going to increase for this highway crossing at grade. Out of interest for employees and the general public It is the stance of Providence & Worcester Railroad (PW) that the crossing not be expanded, and if it is that a robust and advanced crossing system inclusive of lights and gates be installed at the expense of the Town or developer to protect the community and PW employees.
Recap Of Chapter 40B Public Hearing #7
Once more, members of the Millbury Board of Appeals raised the question of reducing the project's density from 192 units to a more suitable number for its location. In response, James Venincasa asserted that the 192 apartments were non-negotiable. A board member highlighted to the developer that they currently faced two potential dissenting votes, needing only one more to potentially reject the project.
Chapter 40B Public Hearing - March 27, 2024
Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM, as the Millbury Board of Appeals will be holding another public hearing in a sequence regarding the proposed Rice Pond Village project under Chapter 40B, planned to be located at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. The venue for this event will be at the Millbury Senior Center, situated at 1 River Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Attending in person is encouraged for maximum participation.