Bill > H1323

This bill proposes to exclude cities and towns that adopt a housing linkage program from certain provisions of Chapter 40B, the regional planning law. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Cities and towns that adopt a housing linkage program would be exempt from Sections 22 and 23 of Chapter 40B, which cover requirements for the construction of affordable housing. 2. The housing linkage program would require developers of large commercial, retail, hotel, or institutional projects to pay a fee to be used for the construction of affordable housing at a different site. Residential developers building more than 20 units would also be required to either pay the fee or provide at least 10% of the units as affordable housing. 3. The linkage fee would be determined by the city council or town meeting, with a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $7 per square foot, and the first 25,000 square feet would be exempt. 4. The local housing linkage fund would be administered by a 7-member board appointed by the mayor or town manager, with at least one representative from the local housing authority. 5. The income eligibility for the affordable housing units created through the linkage program would be limited to families and individuals meeting the state guidelines for Section 8 housing and Supplemental Security Income.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1323