Bill > H1140

This bill proposes to exempt cities and towns that establish a housing linkage program from certain provisions of chapter 40B, a state law that governs affordable housing development. A housing linkage program requires developers of large commercial, retail, hotel, or institutional buildings (over 25,000 square feet) seeking zoning exceptions to pay a fee to fund affordable housing construction elsewhere, or for residential developers of over twenty units, to either pay this fee or set aside at least ten percent of the units as affordable housing. The fee, determined by local officials, will range from one to seven dollars per square foot for construction exceeding 25,000 square feet, with options for lump-sum payment or a payment plan up to twelve years. The funds collected will be managed by a seven-member board, including a representative from the local housing authority, and the affordable housing units created will be prioritized for families eligible for Section 8 housing assistance and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income.