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Towns Argue for Changes to Affordable Housing

BOSTON-A number of Massachusetts towns want the State to reform Chapter 40B, the so-called anti-snob zoning law, out of concern that developers are using the law to circumvent local zoning regulations. Governor Jane Swift has proposed a number of changes to the law.

By Naomi Grossman | Updated on July 23, 2001

BOSTON-A number of towns in this state are arguing that Massachusetts needs to reform Chapter 40B, the so-called anti-snob zoning law. At a state Department of Housing and Community Development hearing, more than 20 local, as well as state, officials asked that regulatory changes–that the state is currently considering for the law–be implemented.

As the law, also called the comprehensive permit law, stands now, developers who plan to include a certain percentage of affordable housing in their proposed developments within towns where at least 10% of the housing is deemed affordable can circumvent local zoning laws. The concern is that developers are taking advantage of the law to push their developments through or to force a town to approve their development.

In Woburn, Archstone Communities could see that its application to build a 420-unit luxury apartment building was going to be denied so it applied for the comprehensive permit to develop a 640-unit apartment complex. The town is still fighting with the Denver, Colorado-based company to prevent the development. Similarly, in Methuen Archstone is trying to get a 430-unit apartment complex built and it included affordable housing units in the project so it could get approval. But, reportedly, town officials there are concerned about the location of the development on a steep hill that would make it difficult in emergencies.

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