Commonwealth Seeks To Increase Housing
A Worcester Business Journal article, entitled “Real Estate Insider: As the State seeks to increase housing construction, some towns pump the brakes” discusses the ongoing conflict between the push for increased housing development in Massachusetts and the resistance from various communities. Developers have been proposing multifamily apartment complexes throughout the state to address the shortage of housing and increase affordability. These developers have been receiving local tax breaks and state funding to encourage housing inventory growth. However, many communities are apprehensive about the potential impact on their town's character and resources.
The article highlights examples of resistance, such as a proposed 192-apartment complex in Millbury, which led to a vote to suspend multifamily development in the town for 18 months. Similar moratoriums have been enacted in other Central Massachusetts communities, like Framingham, due to concerns over the effects of multifamily development.
One state measure aimed at promoting housing development is Chapter 40B, a statute that enables local zoning boards to approve affordable housing projects under flexible rules. This law reduces barriers to affordable housing development and encourages communities resistant to multifamily projects to increase their housing inventory.
Another measure, the Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities, requires certain communities to have at least one district where multifamily housing is permitted as of right. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the loss of funds and potential legal action.
The conflict arises from the clash between the need for increased housing and the desire to preserve the unique character and resources of each community. Some residents and officials support responsible development that contributes to a sustainable tax base and complies with local regulations, while others fear the negative consequences of rapid housing growth.
Government officials, including Governor Maura Healey, have emphasized the urgency of addressing the housing shortage and affordability crisis. They believe that creative and open-minded approaches are necessary to find effective solutions.
In summary, the article highlights the tension between the push for housing development and the resistance from communities in Massachusetts. It discusses specific examples of resistance, such as moratoriums on multifamily development and concerns about the impact on town resources and character. The article also mentions state measures aimed at increasing housing inventory and the need for innovative approaches to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis.
According to Steve Stearns, the individual who proposed the temporary building moratorium for multi-family dwelling units (with 3 or more dwelling units) in Millbury, the intention is to support development that is safe, suitable, and responsible, without compromising public safety, violating local regulations, or jeopardizing a sustainable tax base. However, the majority of town meeting voters and other residents believe that the current Charter 40B Local Initiative Program (LIP) proposal for the Rice Pond Village development, which is being considered by both the town of Millbury and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, fails to meet these criteria. The residential development proposed for Rice Road in Millbury is expected to become the largest in the town's history, comprising a total of 192 dwelling units, if approved and not downsized. However, concerns have been raised regarding the inadequacy of the road for the increased traffic volume that would result from the development. The concerns surrounding the proposed residential development on Rice Road in Millbury also encompass the potential worsening of significant existing public safety issues. However, these concerns have been disregarded by the developers, Steven F. Venincasa and James Venincasa, of the proposed project.