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Boston Globe

Zoning laws aren't the only reason for the housing shortage

Advertisement It may well be appropriate for the municipal government to favor corporate growth over the chosen lifestyle of its suburban neighbors. But I think Boston's leaders should at least acknowledge the economic trade-off they are making and whose interests they are furthering — blaming local zoning regulations doesn't just benefit the family who can't afford the rent in Boston, as deserving as they undoubtedly are. Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up Rev. John E. Hickey Cambridge Fewer people, less competition What's the worst problem caused by the Massachusetts housing shortage? People sleeping on the streets? People who can't afford to feed their kids after they pay the rent? People crowded into unsafe quarters? No, according to the editorial, the worst problem posed by the housing crisis is that people leave the state. Why? What's wrong with people leaving? On the contrary, people leaving the state brings us closer to a solution. Every family that leaves is one fewer family that competes for scarce housing. Ken Olum Sharon You're asking the wrong question The editorial on housing is accurate in describing the nature of the problem: No, homeowners in Massachusetts do not need 2-acre lots. However, the question itself ('Do homes really need 2-acre lots?) is flawed. There is no 'need' for lots of that size. But that is not the issue. Inherent to the American dream is freedom of choice. The question is this: Should people have the freedom to live on a 2-acre lot? Advertisement John J. Sudol Andover Build more housing, but towns need more say Most Massachusetts residents agree that we need more housing — and fewer 2-acre lots. However, to make that happen democratically, the towns, state government, and developers need to work together. Unfortunately, the intense pressure for new housing is preventing a democratic process. Towns make the following claims: ▪ The new MBTA Communities Act, a law requiring cities and towns to develop multifamily housing near public transit, is an unfunded mandate, according to the Massachusetts state auditor. And some towns claim the law's restrictions on town zoning by-laws is unconstitutional. ▪ There is unequal compliance; affluent towns have more leverage to fight the law than towns threatened by loss of state grants. ▪ An older Massachusetts state statute, Chapter 40B, can potentially hamper negotiations between towns and developers. In towns where less than 10 percent of the housing stock is affordable, developers can bypass town zoning laws as long as at least 20 to 25 percent of the resulting units are affordable. In some cases, this could hinder towns' abilities to preserve their character. ▪ Increasing a town population too fast means local governments may struggle to guarantee there are adequate services in place, such as the police, fire department, and schools. ▪ Many find the new apartment complexes to be huge, unattractive, industrial-looking buildings. They might be financially appealing to developers but are uncomplimentary to New England towns. Massachusetts, please listen to your constituents. While most towns have agreed to build housing, they would like more say in how it happens. Unfortunately, the state isn't listening. In my opinion, the state is being alarmingly unfair. Advertisement Constance Mannal Ashland