Martin Luther King Jr. Day challenges each of us to confront the racial and economic inequality of our time. Geography, income, and race stubbornly and persistently shape opportunities for too many Massachusetts families. The census tract … [Read more...]
40B — Love it or smother it
Lynch has had considerable experience with affordable-housing issues and 40B specifically for a couple of decades. His city has successfully added to the stock of middle-class and lower affordable units. Yet, he doesn't see 40B as a … [Read more...]
Repealing Chapter 40B: Why it’s the only way to create real affordable housing!
The developers have good reason to spend so much money protecting 40B, it is their cash cow. Inspector General Gregory Sullivan estimated that more than $100,000,000 was owed back to cities and towns in 40B fraud. In order to … [Read more...]
Developer halts projects – shovel ready but no shovels digging in Arlington
JPI of Texas, whose local office is in Southboro, had 1000 apartments scheduled to be built in Massachusetts; a good chunk were "affordable housing." In Arlington, the Town bought the land and buildings of the former Symmes Hospital, which … [Read more...]
Trouble for Dianne Wilkerson?
The Boston Phoenix will Thursday publish a piece by contributor Ted Siefer raising questions about an unusual mortgage received by State Senator Wilkerson. Siefer's Phoenix story also suggests that Wilkerson may be in for another round of … [Read more...]
Sen. Wilkerson’s on the wrong side of the Forest Hills development initiative
As a long-standing supporter of affordable housing and a Jamaica Plain resident, the BRA proposed goal of 50% affordable housing units for the Forest Hills Initiative seems reasonable to me. (BRA=Boston Redevelopment Authority). The 50% … [Read more...]
Immigrant impact on the US housing market
One of the many things missing from the right's discussion of immigration is the tremendous, quiet presence of immigrants (legal and not) in the American economy. Particularly in the current housing downturn, it's telling to see the … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Community Preservation Act: A New Study
Funds raised under CPA have often been used to leverage borrowing to acquire open space, promote historic preservation, or create affordable housing. For example, a community that raises $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funds annually … [Read more...]
Zoning 101, first class
One town says you can't have 2 front doors and the apt. must be within the footprint of the original house. This town is a mill town with lots of large old houses.One town required a doctor's note that your in-law needs your help - … [Read more...]