Edward Augustus, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, was presented with the “Defender of Housing Award” at the association’s recent Annual Installation and Awards Banquet at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. Augustus was presented the award by out-going HBRAMA President Michael Duffany for his leadership and commitment to expanding housing opportunities for all the citizens of the commonwealth.
In his remarks, the secretary thanked the association for its help in getting the historic Affordable Homes Act passed by the Legislature. He said his office is excited about the provision in the law that allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under 900 square feet by right in every city and town. He announced that his office is hosting a series of webinars to get feedback from municipal planners and staff. This part of the law goes into effect on Feb. 2 and he is committed to creating regulations and developing model bylaws to help communities with implementation. He said his office estimates that 8,000 to 10,000 ADUs will be built in the next five years.
Secretary Augustus said the Affordable Homes Act creates a process to help free up state surplus land to be used for housing. He noted that the law also established a new Homeownership Production tax credit. He said the Healey-Driscoll Administration is supporting affordable homeownership opportunities through both increasing the production of those homes and providing help to first-time homeowners through programs like MassDreams.
The secretary also spoke of the importance of the MBTA Communities Law to ensure the development of more multifamily housing in the places that make the most sense – near public transportation. That’s good housing policy, but also good transportation policy and good environmental policy, said Augustus. Although the law itself doesn’t require building, Augustus announced that more than 2,800 housing units are already in the pipeline in these new districts.
Finally, Secretary Augustus said that while while taking action now is important, he recognizes the need to be planning for the future. In this regard, he cited the important work of the Housing Advisory Council and the Unlocking Housing Production Commission to suggest additional programs, policies and regulatory reforms to address the state’s housing shortage.
At the Annual Installation and Awards Banquet, a new slate of officers for the coming year were sworn into office. They are: David O’Sullivan, President; Susan Kadilak, President-Elect; Matthew Teague, 1st Vice President/Treasurer; Jason Denoncourt, Secretary.
A copy of Secretary Augustus’ remarks can be found HERE.
