Housing (Property Development)

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 4, 2026

H 4973: An Act relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land in the city of Fall River

This bill transfers 21.55 acres of former highway land in Fall River (bounded by Davol Street, Brightman Street, Turner Street, and President Avenue) from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to the Fall River Redevelopment Authority. The land must be used for residential, commercial, or economic development without requiring an urban renewal plan. Compensation is set at $1 if the Commonwealth never paid for the land, or equal shares of future sale/lease proceeds over 10 years if the Commonwealth did pay. The Authority must cover all transfer costs, and the land reverts to DOT if not used for development within the specified purposes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables residential development on transferred land without urban renewal requirements, directly advancing housing development as specified in the topic's scope.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 2832: An Act establishing the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program

Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2832).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a program for missing-middle starter homes, directly advancing affordable housing development and home ownership opportunities for middle-income buyers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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signed · Massachusetts · House Dec 10, 2025

H 4439: An Act providing a simplified procedure for the layout and acceptance of subdivision roads in the City of Marlborough

This bill (H 4439) would simplify the process for the City of Marlborough to approve new subdivision roads in housing developments. It directly affects Marlborough's city government, developers building new subdivisions, and residents in those areas. The key provision replaces the current multi-step procedure with a streamlined method for laying out and accepting road designs before construction begins. This aims to reduce administrative delays for new housing projects within Marlborough. The bill requires approval from Marlborough's mayor and city council to take effect.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines road approval for housing subdivisions, reducing administrative delays for new housing projects, directly advancing housing development.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines road approval for subdivisions, reducing delays in developing new roads. This directly supports transportation infrastructure by facilitating road construction for housing projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 309: An Act relative to updating and modernizing Chapter 40R

By Representatives Turco of Winthrop and Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 309) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco for legislation to further regulate smart growth zoning districts. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modernizes smart growth zoning districts (Chapter 40R), a policy framework typically designed to increase housing supply through sustainable development and affordable housing initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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signed · Massachusetts · House Sep 5, 2025

H 4139: An Act authorizing the town of Wellesley to dissolve its Housing Development Corporation

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley and Senator Creem, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4139) of Alice Hanlon Peisch (by vote of the town) that the town of Wellesley be authorized to dissolve the housing development corporation of said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingDissolving Wellesley's Housing Development Corporation would terminate a dedicated housing development entity, directly limiting housing development efforts in the town.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 306: An Act to guarantee a commercial tenant’s first right of refusal

By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 306) of Orlando Ramos relative to a municipal option commercial tenant first right of refusal. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGuarantees commercial tenants' first right of refusal, strengthening tenant protection against displacement in commercial properties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · House May 12, 2025

HD 4660: An Act authorizing the town of Wellesley to dissolve its Housing Development Corporation

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley and Senator Creem, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4139) of Alice Hanlon Peisch (by vote of the town) that the town of Wellesley be authorized to dissolve the housing development corporation of said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingDissolving the town's Housing Development Corporation directly halts local housing development initiatives, limiting affordable housing efforts per bill's explicit action.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4875: An Act updating the linkage exaction program in the city of Medford

HD 4875 updates Medford's linkage exaction program, which requires developers to pay fees tied to new construction projects. The bill mandates that these fees be reviewed at least every 10 years, based on recommendations from the city's Office of Community Development and Mayor. Between reviews, the fees can be adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to account for inflation. This directly affects developers and property owners in Medford who pay these development fees.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates annual CPI adjustments to linkage fees, ensuring consistent funding for affordable housing programs in Medford through developer fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2395: An Act regarding land use board training

HD 2395 requires all members of Massachusetts local planning boards, special permit authorities, and zoning boards of appeals to complete annual training on topics including special permits, fair housing, variances, and relevant laws. The training program, developed with input from planning associations and offered online or in-person statewide, must be completed within 60 days of joining a board and every two years thereafter. Boards must document completion for six years, with the state department overseeing program development at no cost to municipalities. This bill directly affects over 500 local boards across Massachusetts by mandating ongoing education for their members.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires fair housing training for planning boards, strengthening compliance with anti-discrimination laws in housing decisions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 837: An Act supporting climate progress through sustainably developed offshore wind

This bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes offshore wind development through advisory councils, community funding programs, and supply chain studies to advance renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes advisory council to protect wildlife/habitats during offshore wind development, prioritizes sustainable clean energy projects with environmental safeguards.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates priority state funding for housing in communities hosting offshore wind projects, directly advancing housing development through allocated resources.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Wildlife Property Development

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