Letter to the Editor from Bryan Furze, candidate for the Planning Board
Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 40B was enacted in 1969 requiring the production of affordable housing in all communities to support the long term economic interests of Massachusetts. Under Chapter 40B, in any municipality where less than 10% of its housing qualifies as affordable under the law, a developer can bypass local zoning and density limits if at least 25% of the new units have long-term affordability restrictions.
Currently, Milton’s housing supply offers is comprised of less than 5% affordable housing per this statute. For the purposes of this statute, affordable housing reflects housing stock that is affordable to a household making up to 80% of the median income of the area. According to the US Census website, Milton’s median income in 2008-2012 was $107,577. This translates to an affordable housing income of roughly $86,000.
Efforts to increase “affordable housing” in Milton are important and should embraced as part of the town’s short- and long-term planning. This housing stock will provide households making less than $86,000 per year – our kids, seniors, teachers, service providers and administrators – an opportunity to set down roots in our community.
The problem with 40B is not that it promotes affordable housing. Instead, the real threat of Milton’s non-compliance with 40B, is that it takes all local control away from the town and gives it to developers who may or may not have the community’s best interests in mind.
The reason that Milton is being inundated with 40B proposals is not because of a bad Massachusetts law – it is because of a lack of solid planning.
There are strategies available to the town to increase our zoning protections, increase our % of affordable housing stock, and minimize any potential adverse impacts of 40B. The time to correct this problem is NOW. A lack of action will result in more uncontrolled 40B development
Our challenge with 40B is one of many troubling results that occur when communities fail to plan ahead and take control of their future. Milton needs planning that accepts the inevitably of change and takes control of it to promote appropriate scaled growth while preserving our town’s character. I am familiar with Chapter 40B and many laws that impact development. I have a great deal of experience with zoning and community planning. I’d like to put that experience to work for Milton, and for this reason, I ask Milton to support my campaign for Planning Board.
Bryan Furze
Not sure if Milton , by itself , it considered an “area ” for purposes of income eligibility. I thought we were included in the Cambridge, Boston, Quincy area which would mean a lower eligibility income level.
Mr. Burke, you may be right. My estimate may be too high. I stand behind the point of my editorial in any case. Regardless of the correct median household income, Chapter 40B will greatly compromise Milton’s ability to control its own future and growth until such time as the town implements proper planning, which must include providing “affordable” housing stock .