Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods and beyond.

MBTA Communities Act Steve Stearns MBTA Communities Act Steve Stearns

Housing Mandates Uses California As Template

Discover Governor Maura Healey's vision for Massachusetts' housing future, echoing California's innovative model. She spotlights initiatives like the Affordable Homes Act and credits Governor Charlie Baker's groundwork, notably the MBTA Communities Act. The video "Housing Mandates In California" offers an insightful critique, exposing how this model fails, leading to statewide housing challenges. The looming state legislation aims at streamlining zoning for developers, shaping the landscape. Despite its length, the video is indispensable, offering a critical view of what's at stake. Without citizen involvement, the outlook is grim: rising costs, congested roads, and the erosion of homeownership dreams. Take action now to steer towards a brighter future.

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Millbury Related Steve Stearns Millbury Related Steve Stearns

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.

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Rice Pond Village Project Steve Stearns Rice Pond Village Project Steve Stearns

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.

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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.

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