3 Ways Greater Boston Is Preserving Affordable Housing
August 3, 2017 In Real Estate Leave a comment
August 3, 2017 In Real Estate Leave a comment
Affordable housing is one of the largest influencers in determining the socioeconomic diversity and accessibility of some of Boston’s most desirable, high-demand neighborhoods. Yet, many Boston residents are feeling the pressures that come with the rising cost of living: almost half of respondents to a recent poll conducted by Suffolk University and The Boston Globe indicated that they are “very dissatisfied” with the current price of housing. As concerns over gentrification, displacement and the preservation of affordability continue to dominate local headlines and policy discussions alike, we’ve provided some background about ongoing initiatives that stand to transform the present and future state of affordable housing in Greater Boston.
The plan further outlines specific initiatives that are designed to preserve or establish new affordable housing opportunities. One such program is the Inclusionary Development Policy, which requires that developers designate a specific number of units as affordable in new construction projects, facilitate affordable housing opportunities off-site or contribute funds towards these housing programs. Although it remains to be seen how affordable housing will be implemented throughout the city, Imagine Boston 2030 indicates that the reduction of living costs will play a significant role.
Similar policy conversations are taking place in other communities, with District 7 City Council candidate Deeqo Jibril proposing that 30 percent of residential development should be reserved for affordable housing, a proposition that would impact the District’s Fenway, South End and Roxbury neighborhoods.
As Greater Boston continues to grow and transform, affordable housing will be a critical component of ensuring that residents of all income levels can call the city and its surrounding neighborhoods home. We will continue to track each of these programs and initiatives closely – and hope that you will too!