Affordable Housing Change

The headlines are screaming it:

Affordable Housing Changes Pushed

Town Struggles with Affordable Housing

Suggestions Abound on Affordable Housing Rules

Governor Freezes Affordable Housing Rules

Unfortunately, these do not come from here in Massachusetts.

Affordable Housing Changes Pushed In New Jersey

Mount Laurel Struggles with Affordable Housing

Suggestions Abound on Affordable Housing Rules

Christie Freezes Affordable Housing Rules

These stories out of New Jersey illustrate the battles that are ensuing over housing development and growth. Mount Laurel is the focal point, as always. The town that was the landmark fair housing court battle both in the 1970's and 1980's. In their recent struggles, they have met their initial obligations. Prepared a plan for achieving the "third round" rules, only to find that the bar was raised substantially further.

Mount Laurel is near, if not at, build-out. Achieving targets for over 1,400 new housing units throws out the concept of build-out.

Here in Massachusetts, the bar is about to be raised in a similar fashion. The upcoming 2010 census will establish new base housing counts. The number of units of year round housing will surely increase, even in "built out" communities. With the completion of this new count, the bar will go up.

As we talk about the future of Chapter 40B, and it is being talked about, just not at the level it is in New Jersey, we need to recognize that the new census is going to generate significant ammunition for both sides. Total housing units created and the ratio that is deed restricted affordable will become new fodder. Towns that are near 10% will find the gap, quite likely grew once again. Pro-40B voices will be quick to point out the increase in the gap. Housing growth rates will illustrate the continued loss of open land, growth of housing in areas not served by transit or near job centers. Anti-40B voices will obviously pick up on these issues.

It is time for everyone to sit down. Chapter 40B, the State Housing Inventory, and which houses count towards "affordability" need to be hammered out. Cities and towns that are inherently affordable should be recognized. Partnering programs, like use to be in existence in New Jersey, need to be considered. The zoning override, or "builder's option," needs to be reigned in. This will require the Housing Appeals Committee to rethink its process and its philosophical position. High density, low income, housing in the wrong spot does not make sense. Similarly, the lack of work force housing costs everyone in the end.

We need a solution. What we have is broken, from whichever side of the discussion you might fall on.