Hi All,
Please be aware that this Tuesday, August 16, 2022, City Council will take up
its 1st reading of the zoning amendments that are being proposing regarding
affordable and workforce housing. City Council needs your feedback and support
when considering an increase to affordable housing from 10% to 14% and an
increase in workforce housing from 5% to 20% in some instances and an addition
where it does not currently exist in all multifamily, mixed use, and cluster
(both neighborhood and open space) zoning ordinances when constructing
buildings containing 10 units or greater. I have included in this communication
the announcement Governor Baker made in 2016 for the creation of workforce
housing.
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-announces-100-million-masshousing-fund-for-creation-of-workforce-housing
I have been receiving calls and emails to keep the suggested increase in
workforce housing to 20% (and I agree as this is much needed) but to decrease
the affordable government subsidized component to a lower number, perhaps 12%,
thus still keeping us above the required 10%, I am informed that currently we
are at approximately 10.9% in compliance with the current legislation.
However, also be aware that the MA legislature is likely to consider increasing
the current 10% affordable housing requirement to 15%-20% - the City of Boston
is already considering this change.
On the other side of this proposal, I am receiving complaints from the
developers and their representatives who build multifamily units that this
increase is too much for them to be able to build and make a profit and
therefore, the proposed changes translate to another moratorium on multifamily
units, I do not believe this to be true since there are programs in place for
developers to utilize to recoup "reduced" revenues.
We are all aware there is a housing crisis and homelessness is on the rise.
Workforce housing is a step in the right direction but endemic reasons for
homelessness and the inability for many to sustain a living wage is the crux of
the problem that needs to be solved. Complex problems require complex
solutions.
Please provide feedback to City Councilors and plan to attend our meeting this
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 7 pm to let your voice be heard.
Christine Long
City Councilor D1
Chair, Planning & Zoning Subcommittee
10 Hemenway Road
Framingham MA
(508) 561-3825
Please be aware that this Tuesday, August 16, 2022, City Council will take up
its 1st reading of the zoning amendments that are being proposing regarding
affordable and workforce housing. City Council needs your feedback and support
when considering an increase to affordable housing from 10% to 14% and an
increase in workforce housing from 5% to 20% in some instances and an addition
where it does not currently exist in all multifamily, mixed use, and cluster
(both neighborhood and open space) zoning ordinances when constructing
buildings containing 10 units or greater. I have included in this communication
the announcement Governor Baker made in 2016 for the creation of workforce
housing.
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-announces-100-million-masshousing-fund-for-creation-of-workforce-housing
I have been receiving calls and emails to keep the suggested increase in
workforce housing to 20% (and I agree as this is much needed) but to decrease
the affordable government subsidized component to a lower number, perhaps 12%,
thus still keeping us above the required 10%, I am informed that currently we
are at approximately 10.9% in compliance with the current legislation.
However, also be aware that the MA legislature is likely to consider increasing
the current 10% affordable housing requirement to 15%-20% - the City of Boston
is already considering this change.
On the other side of this proposal, I am receiving complaints from the
developers and their representatives who build multifamily units that this
increase is too much for them to be able to build and make a profit and
therefore, the proposed changes translate to another moratorium on multifamily
units, I do not believe this to be true since there are programs in place for
developers to utilize to recoup "reduced" revenues.
We are all aware there is a housing crisis and homelessness is on the rise.
Workforce housing is a step in the right direction but endemic reasons for
homelessness and the inability for many to sustain a living wage is the crux of
the problem that needs to be solved. Complex problems require complex
solutions.
Please provide feedback to City Councilors and plan to attend our meeting this
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 7 pm to let your voice be heard.
Christine Long
City Councilor D1
Chair, Planning & Zoning Subcommittee
10 Hemenway Road
Framingham MA
(508) 561-3825
