Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, a Worcester-based advocacy group, has sued the Town of Holden for defying the state’s new multifamily housing law — MBTA Communities. The filing to the state Supreme Judicial Court cites Holden officials’ public refusal to comply with the law — which mandates cities and towns with access to the MBTA zone for more multifamily housing capacity and states this position both exacerbates the housing shortage and undermines the law. Holden’s Select Board and town manager, Peter Lukes, have decried the law’s requirements as out of place for the community’s “single-family home neighborhoods,” and asserted that the new zoning requirements are presented in the law as optional.

STATE --- A small group of local officials, tenant advocates and renters came together in an effort led by Cambridge Rep. Mike Connolly to move toward putting a rent control revival on the 2024 ballot. If the campaign can clear procedural hurdles supporters might circumvent a hesitant legislature and let voters themselves decide. Real estate and landlord groups immediately began marshaling opposition to the measure, warning that it would stifle much-needed production of new housing.

STATE --- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has launched a statewide survey to improve community health and help direct resources. The DPH said the survey findings will be used to provide access to social and economic opportunities that keep people healthy, including affordable housing. The 2023 Community Health Equity Survey will be available through early fall 2023.

CAMBRIDGE --- A recently completed 40-unit development in the Porter Square neighborhood of Cambridge has received more than 900 applications. Frost Terrace includes the restoration of three buildings containing four apartments apiece, and construction of a new building that contains 28 apartments. Units are reserved for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of area median income.

STATE --- Housing advocates and policymakers agree the solution to addressing the housing crisis involves building more homes and apartments. But they differ on the approach. Some activists argue the state’s most immediate need is homes for lower-income residents. Other advocates and experts counter that increasing the supply of market-rate housing, which comes with a higher price tag, could create a trickle-down effect that helps reduce costs for all residents. But some economists say the construction of more market-rate housing often drives up costs for lower-income people.

BOSTON --- Thirty-eight affordable housing units could be on the horizon in Roxbury if a redevelopment plan gets approval. The Society for Islamic Brotherhood proposes demolishing the mosque at 722-726 Shawmut Ave. and constructing a new 3-story building known as New Madinah. The project would double the mosque's capacity and include larger classroom spaces and a food pantry operating out of the current building. A project review application has been submitted to the Boston Planning & Development Agency.