Our state-wide zoning framework has not been overhauled since the early 1970s. People on all sides naturally view any changes in the rules with great suspicion. I do intend to support the comprehensive zoning reform package coming before the Senate — we need more housing. But I welcome all questions and comments — the details of the bill are still in flux.
Housing
City of Boston Student Housing Report
The City of Boston released this report on student housing that contains information about the size of the student population in neighborhoods across the city. Even though students are increasingly being housed on campus, they will continue to be a significant presence in our neighborhoods for years to come.
Boston Rental Inspections
The Boston city council has passed and recently upheld an ordinance that requires rental properties in the city to be inspected every few years whether or not a complaint has been made about the property. This seems to me like a gross invasion of privacy for tenants and an unwarranted increase in the size of …
Title Clearing Bill
The Senate press Release regarding the Title Clearing Bill appears below — I was pleased to support this bill in the vote today. ===================================== Senate Passes Bill to Protect Homeowners BOSTON – The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation to restore the titles of foreclosed properties after thousands of foreclosure sales in Massachusetts were determined …
Senate Passes $1.4 Billion Housing Bond Bill
Official Senate press release: July 30, 2013 Senate Passes $1.4 Billion Housing Bond Bill BOSTON – The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill authorizing $1.4 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund the production and preservation of affordable housing in the Commonwealth. “This legislation takes an important step to preserve our …
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"Affordable" Housing-What's next?
I would like to find out what can be done to “save” “affordable” and (wheelchair accessible) housing. In the early 1970’s to 1980’s much of the nation’s “affordable” housing which now houses elderly, disabled and low-income families with children was built. Prospective developers got government subsidies from the tax payers (all of us) and many …