I support affordable housing, and do not support the repeal of the 40B law. The 40B law, which provides a comprehensive building permit that includes low- to moderate-income housing and promotes better site and building design, has been successful at creating affordable housing opportunities across the state, accounting for 80 percent of the affordable housing built outside of the cities during the past decade. It can also be a key component of our future housing and economic development needs, as laid out in the Smart Growth development plans. While the process should be less contentious, we can make progress at modifying it.
Most importantly, affordable housing helps create a diverse community, inclusive of individuals who may otherwise be unable to continue to reside in our towns. For example, many young families getting started, on-call firefighters in Dover and Medfield that want to live in the town they serve, seniors that need to downsize, and individuals with disabilities all wish to be part of our communities, but would be left out without the housing options created by 40B.
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