Bill > H4520

This bill authorizes the division of capital asset management and maintenance (DCAMM), a state agency responsible for managing state-owned property, to exchange certain parcels of land with the city of Northampton. Specifically, DCAMM can convey land to the city for the purpose of providing affordable housing, with the city then authorized to transfer it to non-profit entities for affordable housing construction, provided they comply with procurement laws. If the land isn't used for affordable housing by a certain date, or if a non-profit grantee stops using it for that purpose, the title will revert to the commonwealth or the city, respectively. The bill also allows DCAMM to convey a separate parcel to the city for use as an emergency shelter for the homeless, which the city can then transfer to a non-profit operator with a reversion clause if the shelter use ceases. If the city doesn't acquire all the parcels by a specified date, or if title reverts to the commonwealth, DCAMM can sell, lease, or otherwise transfer the parcels through competitive bidding processes.