Affordable Housing Statute Promotes Sprawl

Massachusetts 40B statute is contrary to the state Vision 2020 smart growth vision.

1 minute read

July 16, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

Chapter 40B is a Massachusetts state statute, which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBAs) to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.

"A Vision 2020 plan devised by both public and private officials is supposed to promote smart growth and other antisprawl measures, however, the state is working directly against Vision 2020 by promoting 40B development...State officials speak out of two sides of their mouths when they talk up smart growth but destroy rural land by spreading sprawl under the aegis of 40B."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: Promoting 40B is contrary to smart growth vision

Thursday, July 15, 2004 in The Boston Globe

Land Use Massachusetts

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.