Beyond Bending Tell You How
Are you struggling to find affordable housing in Massachusetts? You’re not alone. The state’s housing crisis has been making headlines for years, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. That’s where 40B housing comes in. This state law provides incentives for developers to build affordable housing, helping to address the shortage of affordable homes in the area. In this post, we’ll dive into what 40B housing is, how it works, and what it could mean for you.
What is 40B housing?
40B housing is a type of affordable housing that is built under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Permit Law, also known as Chapter 40B. This law was enacted in 1969 and was designed to address the shortage of affordable housing in the state. Under 40B, developers are able to bypass certain local zoning regulations and build affordable housing in areas where it might not otherwise be allowed. In order for a development to qualify as 40B housing, at least 25% of the units must be designated as affordable, and those units must be available to households earning no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI). This means that a family of four in the Boston metropolitan area would need to earn no more than $95,200 per year to qualify for affordable housing.
How does 40B housing work?
Under 40B, developers are able to apply for a comprehensive permit that allows them to bypass certain local zoning regulations. This process is overseen by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In order for a development to qualify for a comprehensive permit, it must meet certain criteria, including:- At least 25% of the units must be designated as affordable- The affordable units must remain affordable for at least 30 years- The development must be located in an area where less than 10% of the housing is considered affordable- The development must meet certain design and environmental standardsOnce a developer has been granted a comprehensive permit, they are able to move forward with the development process. However, the project must still be approved by the local zoning board, and there may be additional requirements or conditions that the developer must meet in order to receive final approval.
What are the benefits of 40B housing?
There are several benefits to 40B housing, both for developers and for residents. For developers, the comprehensive permit process can make it easier and faster to get a project approved, and the incentives provided by the state can help to offset some of the costs of building affordable units. For residents, 40B housing provides an opportunity to access affordable housing in areas where it might not otherwise be available. In addition, there are benefits to the community as a whole. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, 40B developments can help to reduce the overall cost of housing in the area, making it more accessible for everyone. And by building affordable housing in a variety of locations, 40B can help to promote economic diversity and reduce segregation.
What are the challenges of 40B housing?
Despite its benefits, 40B housing is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is opposition from local residents and officials. Many people are concerned about the impact that new development will have on their neighborhoods, and may be resistant to change. In addition, there are logistical challenges associated with building affordable housing, including finding suitable sites, securing funding, and navigating the complex regulations and requirements associated with the comprehensive permit process.
How has 40B housing impacted Massachusetts?
Since its inception, 40B housing has had a significant impact on affordable housing in Massachusetts. According to data from the DHCD, more than 1,300 developments have been built under the comprehensive permit process, resulting in over 75,000 affordable units. These units have provided homes for families across the state, and have helped to address the ongoing housing crisis. However, there is still a long way to go. Despite the success of 40B, the demand for affordable housing continues to outstrip the supply. According to a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are only 37 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households in Massachusetts.
What are the current 40B housing projects in Massachusetts?
There are currently dozens of 40B housing projects in various stages of development across Massachusetts. These projects range in size and scope, from small developments with just a few units to large-scale projects with hundreds of apartments. Some notable projects include:- The Beverly Commons development in Beverly, which will include 80 affordable units for seniors- The Residences at Brighton Marine in Boston, which will include 102 affordable units for veterans and their families- The 20-30 Gordon Street development in Allston, which will include 72 affordable units for familiesFor a full list of current 40B housing projects in Massachusetts, visit the DHCD website.
What is the future of 40B housing in Massachusetts?
As the housing crisis in Massachusetts continues, it’s likely that 40B housing will continue to play an important role in addressing the shortage of affordable homes. However, there are also efforts underway to explore new approaches to affordable housing. For example, the state recently passed a law allowing for the creation of community land trusts, which could provide another avenue for creating and preserving affordable housing.
Conclusion
40B housing is an important tool in the fight against the housing crisis in Massachusetts. By providing incentives for developers to build affordable housing, 40B has helped to create thousands of homes for families across the state. While there are certainly challenges associated with building affordable housing, the benefits of 40B developments are clear. As the state continues to explore new approaches to affordable housing, it’s likely that 40B will remain an important part of the solution.
