The building, largely financed by the sale of state and local tax credits through a federally backed housing program, would house 160 to 180 residents, with 10 units set aside for homeless individuals or families. About half of the building would be for the very poor - those at or below 30 percent of area median income - and the other half would be "workforce housing" for low- to moderate-income families.
The development is being blocked by a group of local neighbors. They are argue that existing homes in the area, either in foreclosure or abandonment, could be converted to affordable housing. Other plaintiff in the suite believes adding high density housing to the area would cause a breakdown of the existing infrastructure. The judge, in his option, stated that the site could house a small apartment complex, thus the zoning issues at the core of the suite where a non-issue.
I believe this case highlights the importants of state wide laws, like Massachusetts's Chapter 40B program. Using state-wide power of grant zoning variances gives weight to projects such as this one. To a large extent, it takes local politics and prestigious out of the equation.
Until Next Time,
M Lewis
Affordable Housing Development
