Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods.
Implications Of Complacency And Apathy In The Face Of A Chapter 40B
While Chapter 40B has undoubtedly played a crucial role in expanding affordable housing options, it also poses significant challenges. One of the most concerning issues is the complacency and apathy that can arise when communities are faced with Chapter 40B projects, like Rice Pond Village.
Chapter 40B: Unraveling The Limitations Of A Partial Solution
While Chapter 40B attempts to address the housing affordability crisis, it too falls short of offering a comprehensive solution due to several limitations.
The Complex Puzzle of Affordable Housing: Why Zoning Changes Alone Won't Suffice
The United States is grappling with an escalating housing crisis, where soaring costs and limited affordable options have become an unfortunate reality for millions of individuals and families. Addressing this crisis demands multifaceted solutions that go beyond simple remedies. While changing zoning laws has been suggested as a potential solution, it's essential to recognize that zoning changes alone will not be enough to untangle the intricate web of factors contributing to the housing and affordable housing crisis in the United States.
Chapter 40B Is Failing To Provide Affordable Housing
As a result, many developers have taken advantage of the law to build high-end luxury housing, rather than affordable housing. In some cases, developers have included a small percentage of affordable units in their projects but have priced them so high that they are not truly affordable to low-income residents. This has led to concerns that Chapter 40B is being used as a way to circumvent local zoning regulations and build high-end housing in areas where it would not otherwise be allowed.
Neighborhood Meeting
On Monday, November 14, 2022, our neighborhood had a private neighborhood meeting to discuss the proposed Chapter 40B LIP project slated for the site at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. While we will not be publicly disclose details of the private neighborhood meeting, what we will share is that it was well attended by the majority of neighbors who actively participated and shared their thoughts and ideas on how we proceed forward together.
Chapter 40B LIP Agreement Authorized
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the Millbury Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to authorize the chairperson of the Board of Selectmen, Mary Krumsiek, to enter into a Chapter 40B Local Initiative Program (LIP) agreement with SJV Investments (i.e., Steven Venincasa and James Venincasa ( the "Developer")) for the property located at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts.