Since the first installment of this article in November 2023, the math remains that 200,000 housing units are needed statewide. Another way to see it is 200,000 units divided by 351 communities is 570 units per community. The big inner cities simply do not have the land. The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) has many small mom and pop owners. We are housing providers. We should not be vilified. Small owners collectively provide better than half of the affordable housing statewide – and nationally. To produce more housing units, I would like to suggest:Facilitating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This will allow bigger homes to be modified into smaller rental units; some of the codes should be modified (such as ceiling height being lowered a couple of inches, which would allow some attics and basements to become rentals)Working with the owners of illegal units to make them legal (many of which are rented well under market prices). For many of those residents, this is all they can affordI would also like to see our leaders hold a housing creation summit with equal representation from all stakeholders and with the objective to create more housing for far lower prices. This meeting should include all sides in housing without any one group barely represented. The mission should be housing creation on a large scale. A lot of people have to pitch in, as the taking of private property is unconstitutional. We all need to contribute to solve the problem. The federal government is not going to send huge checks to solve this issue, given the rising national debt. Just look at the top line in this link: usdebtclock.orgby Allen Hebert
Frequently Asked Questions
How many housing units are needed in Massachusetts and what is the role of small property owners?
Massachusetts needs 200,000 new housing units. This averages to 570 units per community, but large cities lack space. Small property owners play a crucial role, providing over half the state's affordable housing.
What are some proposed solutions for increasing housing supply, such as ADUs?
The article suggests facilitating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by modifying codes like ceiling height to create smaller rental units from existing homes. This approach aims to increase housing supply efficiently.
How can illegal housing units be addressed to help with affordability?
The author proposes working with owners of illegal units to legalize them, providing more affordable housing options for residents. Many of these units are currently rented below market rates.
What kind of summit is proposed to address the housing crisis?
A housing creation summit with equal representation from all stakeholders is recommended. The goal would be to develop large-scale housing solutions with input from diverse groups.
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