Late last week, Speaker Thomas Finneran began polling House members regarding their support for proposed Chapter 40B reforms, in an effort to possibly bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. A similar poll was conducted in November, 2003, but the bill remained in the House Ways and Means Committee.

CHAPA has gone on record in support of compromise legislation that was drafted by the Housing and Urban Development Committee and which reflects the recommendations of the Governor's 40B Task Force. But, we are very concerned about floor amendments that will weaken the law, such as counting mobile homes or Section 8 vouchers toward a community's 10% goal. We will update our members as soon as we determine what action the House leadership is likely to take.

Public Housing Bill Favorably Reported

On February 24, the Joint Committee on Housing and Urban Development favorably reported a revised version of An Act to Preserve the Commonwealth's Investment in Public Housing (H.1297/S.699). The action came after the committee heard testimony from numerous housing authorities during a standing room only briefing about the difficulties they face because of state budget cuts to the operating subsidy account and the failure to receive adequate modernization funding in a timely manner. Those who testified expressed interest in developing additional housing and a strong desire to upgrade homes that already exist.

The legislation, now H.4534, is supported by CHAPA, MassNAHRO, and others. It would allow public housing authorities more flexibility to raise private revenues to supplement public resources, thereby helping to address the critical capital needs of aging state-assisted elderly and family public housing developments in which the Commonwealth has an investment. The bill insures that both the Commonwealth's interest in the developments and the people living in the developments are protected. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 25.

Transportation Bond Bill Includes Housing Development Money

An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth's Transportation System (H.4507), filed by Governor Romney on February 10, 2004, includes $54 million (line item 6001-0421) to promote "transit oriented developments."

In his letter to the legislature, Governor Romney said, "This bill authorizes a new program to support Transit-Oriented Development, which will help promote housing and commercial development around transit centers, thereby reducing automobile traffic on our congested roadways."

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Governor Names Members of Commonwealth Coordinating Council

Last summer, the Legislature created the Commonwealth Coordinating Council (created as an outside section of the FY 04 budget and can be found in Section 8B of Chapter 6A of the General Laws). The role of the Council is to advise the Administration in preparation of a coordinated development policy that addresses housing, transportation, capital development, economic development, and the preservation of natural resources.

In February, Governor Romney announced the formation of the Council, chaired by Doug Foy, Secretary of the Office of Commonwealth Development. Members of the Council include: Director Jane Gumble (DHCD); Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder (EOEA); Secretary Daniel Grabauskas (EOTC); Commissioner David Perini (DCAM); and Commissioner David O'Connor (DOER).

Non-state agency members include: Tim Brennan (Pioneer Valley Planning Commission); Joseph Costanzo (Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority); Marc Draisen (Metropolitan Area Planning Council); Lynn Duncan (Town of Wilmington); and David Lee (Stull & Lee).

Upcoming Hearings

Jobs and Housing: House Task Force on Jobs and Work Force Development, Wednesday, March 3, 10:00 a.m., Gardner Auditorium. The hearing will focus on the impact of high housing costs on the state's economy.

Rent Escrow and Water Metering: HUD Committee's Subcommittee on Rent Escrow and Sub-Metering, Thursday, March 4, 10:00 a.m., Room A-1.

Chapter 40A Reform: Joint Committee on Local Affairs, Wednesday, March 10, 10:00 a.m., Gardner Auditorium.