State Rep: Where They Stand On 40B

As a way to inform our readers about the candidates, Patch asked the two candidates for state representative five questions that focused on topics affecting Marblehead. 

Where do you stand on the proposed law that would repeal the existing law allowing qualified organizations that want to build government-subsidized housing to apply for a single comprehensive permit from the town's Zoning Board of Appeals instead of separate permits from each agency?

Rep. Lori Ehrlich

What I have heard from my constituents regarding 40B has been mixed at best. We have had some very high profile developments in town that have built resentment and controversy.

Though we certainly need more affordable housing in Massachusetts, I am a strong proponent of local control when it comes to zoning. There is a part of the affordable housing law known as 40R, which allows the local community some measure of control of its destiny by creating an overlay district where new developments can be sited.

I have attended several meetings where this process has gone forward and feel that even that approach is imperfect but adequately addresses my concerns over local control. 

Dr. Kate Kozitza

I am voting "No" on ballot question 2. It goes too far.  

Contrary to what many believe, 40B is not a government entitlement program. I do not support the repeal of 40B in its entirety for a number of  reasons.  

First, it is difficult to imagine worse timing for this ballot question in terms of the state of our economy. Second, despite its flaws, it has enjoyed widespread bi-partisan support, including from Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker. It is important to understand that the majority of housing built under Chapter 40B since the 1970s has been paid for by nonprofits and private builders -- builders whose profits are actually capped under this law.  

As things stand, residents are fleeing the commonwealth in search of more affordable living. Repealing this law would dramatically exacerbate this trend, and would further devastate an entire segment of our population -- primarily seniors and working families.  

Over the past decade, 80% of affordable housing outside of major cities across Massachusetts, has been built due to the existence of 40B. Repealing it would amount to throwing out the baby with the bath water. It would be much more prudent for legislators to change the pieces of this law that are problematic, rather than removing the provision in its entirety. 

Check back for question 4 -- where the candidates stand of the sales and alcohol tax.