The best defense is a good offense
Central Massachusetts cities and towns have a long history of local planning and zoning regulations because – when used smartly – they help maintain the character of the community while accommodating the modern needs of residents and businesses. However, while these laws are inherently restrictive, too often communities use them to be prohibitive. As development is stifled, particularly in smaller communities, more and more problems arise. As News Editor Grant Welker notes in his story about home affordability, one problem nearing its breaking point is affordable housing in the region. As the median home price in the state rose another 5 percent in May to $365,100, only 15 of the region's 85 cities and towns have more than 10-percent affordable housing. Not only does this mean nearly all of Central Massachusetts lacks various levels of housing stock to accommodate a workforce to fill jobs with varying levels of compensation, but a developer can go into the other 70 communities and build affordable housing with no regard for zoning laws.
Under the state's 40B law, a developer can bypass local zoning in any community with less than 10-percent affordable housing to build a complex with affordable units. This creates a nightmare scenario for Central Massachusetts cities and towns who can see added density and out-of-place developments come into their community with little restriction. Boxborough residents have been fighting multiple affordable-housing developments for more than 10 years with few results.
But there is a better way. Instead of eschewing affordable housing efforts for years and then just hoping no developer wants to use 40B to build a development irregardless of local zoning laws, towns and cities should encourage affordable building as a natural part of economic development. Littleton allows for the construction of mother-in-law apartments without the need for a special permit. The town, along with Natick, requires any housing development of six or more units to have 10-percent affordable housing. Worcester allows for increased density for developments including affordable housing. Framingham allows for denser transit-oriented development. There are numerous other ways communities can encourage affordable housing, but the point is to be proactive and stay above the 10-percent threshold so 40B doesn't come into play.
The individual character of cities and towns is part of what makes New England so charming and why Central Massachusetts is such a great place to live. While it is important to take note of the past, the individual character of these communities must evolve with the needs of their people and the economy. By understanding the need to change and staying ahead of the curve, communities can control how their identities change with the times. It is better to be the master of your destiny than to let outside forces dictate your future.
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