A story ran in today’s Globe regarding efforts being made by Norwell’s Community Preservation Committee to proactively manage the development of affordable housing.  Put another way – it is a way to cope with the threat of 40B housing.

The topic of 40B housing has percolated with regard to two Milton issues; the Temple Shalom redevelopment and the Governor Stoughton Land Trust. The committee appointed to review the Stoughton property has rejected any 40B housing option.  The prospect of 40B housing on the Temple Shalom site has been mentioned as a possible result should the Planning Board vote down an overlay that would permit commercial development.

In short, MGL 40B allows a developer to bypass local zoning regulations and planning boards if 10% of a town’s housing inventory is not  affordable as determined by the state (You can find the text of the law here).  The result is typically a dense housing development that enables the developer to maximize the value of the property. Dense housing can potentially impact abutting property values, put a strain on town services, etc.

But Massachusetts has an issue with affordable housing. Namely, there is none. Massachusetts ranks 49th  out of 50 states (see FAQ from Massachusetts Affordable Housing Education Initiative). MGL 40B which passed by 1 vote was the legislature’s attempt to address the issue here in Massachusetts. It has been controversial from the beginning.

from The Boston Globe

Affordable housing is forum agenda: CPA panel’s aim is to head off 40B projects

The Norwell Community Preservation Committee will meet today with two affordable-housing agencies to look at housing options for Norwell, a move that Town Planner Todd Thomas believes is long overdue.

“Norwell is in a deep hole when it comes to affordable housing, and if we don’t do it on our own, with some modicum of control, we’re going to continue being targets for 40Bs,’’ Thomas said. (Read the full story here.)