Massachusetts’ controversial Chapter 40B provision allows developers to build housing complexes that do not conform to local zoning ordinances if the town does not have ten percent affordable housing in its stock. Belcherton, in west central Mass., has only 6.4 percent affordable housing, and its Board of Selectmen are considering a request to support the amendment of 40B so factory-built homes can be part of the tally as affordable housing. If included under House Bill 1116 sponsored by Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham), Belchertown would have ten percent affordable housing. The request came from fellow Selectmen in Wareham, in southeast Mass. Wareham selectmen chairman Peter W. Teitelbaum wrote to the Belchertown Board, “The proposed amendment seeks merely to appropriately classify what is indeed already very affordable housing under the law.” As masslive.com tells MHProNews, Bill 1116 says, “Low- and moderate-income housing shall also include mobile homes and group homes, manufactured homes, in-law apartments and any first-time home buyers participating in any state or federal assistance program.”
