Bill > H3932

This bill provides special legal exemptions for a specific urban redevelopment project in the Dorchester section of Boston involving affordable housing and a branch library. The bill allows the Boston Redevelopment Authority to bypass typical procurement and contract award regulations that normally govern public construction projects, meaning the developer selected for the project will have more flexibility in planning, designing, and constructing the development. Specifically, the bill exempts the project from standard laws about public works contracts, property acquisition, and cost limitations, though it does maintain some worker protection provisions like sections 26 to 27H of chapter 149. The bill also stipulates that if the project receives state or federal low-income housing funding, certain public works contracts will still be subject to standard competitive bidding rules. Any future conveyance of the property will be subject to standard legal review if it is transferred to an entity not directly associated with the Boston Public Library. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage, providing a streamlined approach to developing affordable housing and library space in the Dorchester neighborhood.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3932