Can Boston's Housing Affordability Crisis Be Fixed?

The Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research summarizes a recent study by Harvard University economist Edward L. Glaeser that charges that zoning is major cause of the crisis in Massachusetts' housing affordability.

1 minute read

January 8, 2006, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Local regulations have brought multifamily development not constructed under Chapter 40B to a standstill. In the 1960s, single-family homes represented less than half of all housing permits. In the 1990s, this number shot up to 80 percent. Of the 187 sample communities analyzed in the paper, 10 prohibit multifamily development outright and nine others restrict it to occupants who are 55 years or older. Multifamily units may technically be allowed in the other 168 communities in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, yet the regulations are so restrictive that most multifamily development permitted in recent years has been through the state's contentious 40B process, which allows developers to bypass local zoning requirements if they create affordable housing."

Thanks to Hugh Pavletich

FULL STORY: The stranglehold on housing

Sunday, January 8, 2006 in The Boston Globe

Housing 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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Learn More

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.