BOSTON – Housing production will increase in the Bay State thanks to a new comprehensive initiative from the Baker administration. The tools and incentives will drive the creation of approximately 135,000 new units by 2025.
Laura Reckford with the Housing Assistance Corporation Cape Cod said they’re excited about what the governor has done and how it will affect their affordable housing mission.
“What’s so great about the governor’s initiative is that one of the biggest stumbling blocks is the lack of funding to get it done. So what the governor wants to do is to create an incentive for cities and towns to be able to create more affordable housing,” she said.
In most towns on Cape, you need a two thirds majority at town meeting to enact zoning changes. This initiative will change that to a simple majority. Reckford said that wide spread education is necessary.
“Here on Cape Cod, the Housing Assistance Corporation, along with Community Development Partnership, trained over 100 town municipal officials from every town on Cape Cod on how to deal with this kind of situation.”
The initiative will deliver more than $10 million in incentives, grant funding and technical assistance each year.
“Our growing economy demands a robust and diverse supply of housing to support the Commonwealth’s continued growth and success,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
“This initiative will maximize collaboration between state agencies, support innovation and data-driven policies, and provide municipalities with the user-friendly tools needed to create more housing where it’s needed. We look forward to working with the legislature and partnering with cities and towns to deliver much needed housing to regions across Massachusetts, while respecting our long-standing home rule tradition.”
“The Housing Choice Initiative we announced today will ensure that Massachusetts remains a great place to live, raise a family, and grow a business by removing barriers to responsible housing development,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
“The Commonwealth’s cities and towns are instrumental in our efforts to create more housing, and the Housing Choice Initiative will provide municipalities with the tools and incentives needed to drive meaningful housing production that is appropriate for their community, maximizes land-use and creates opportunities for smart development.”
Massachusetts home prices have increased at the fastest rate in the nation.
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
