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HD 6077

A communication from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (see Section 12 of Chapter 40R of the General Laws) submitting an update on the Chapter 40R Smart Growth Program for fiscal year 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The update reports 40R districts’ activity through 6/30/2025, including occupancy, permits, construction, and anticipated FY2026 density bonus and other payments.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 6077

Overview

  • Bill: HD 6077
  • Session: 194th
  • Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
  • Title: A communication from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities submitting an update on the Chapter 40R Smart Growth Program for fiscal year 2025
  • Status: Placed on file (2026-05-26)

This bill conveys an annual update from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on the Chapter 40R Smart Growth Program, covering districts, activity, and anticipated payments for fiscal year 2025.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To report on the status and activity of approved Chapter 40R Smart Growth Districts through June 30, 2025.
  • To provide fiscal-year 2026 anticipated payment and project data related to 40R development, including occupancy, permitting, and density bonus (DBP) activity.
  • To inform stakeholders about construction activity, units in the pipeline, and Economic/financial incentives within the 40R program.

Key Provisions and Data Highlights

  • The document lists all approved 40R districts through 06/30/2025, detailing:
    • District name and community
    • District area (acres)
    • Zoning status: acres zoned for 40R development
    • Bldg. permits issued and total permits (cumulative)
    • Total units (Single, Two- or Three-Family, Multi-Family)
    • Zoning density bonus (DBP) activity and associated payments
    • Occupancy data: total occupancy (units built or in construction)
    • Anticipated FY 2026 payments
    • DBP (density bonus payment) activity and number of anticipated DBPs
    • Construction activity and related payments
  • Totals provided for all districts:
    • Total occupancy (units): 7,333
    • Total permits issued: 431
    • Total permits (including all construction activity): 1,337
    • Total 40R construction activity (units built or in construction): 7,796
    • Total program payments: $38,016,000 (DBP and other payments combined)
    • Total anticipated DBP payments: $18,645,000
    • Total anticipated other payments: $19,371,000
  • Examples of districts and activity:
    • Boston Olmsted Green: 52 acres; 29 permits issued; 368 occupancy; DBP payments $600,000; anticipated payments $1,380,000
    • Brockton Downtown: 127 acres; 42 permits issued; 354 occupancy; cumulative construction 400; anticipated DBP payments $1,656,000
    • Danvers TND: 17 acres; 17 permits; 169 occupancy; anticipated payments $584,000
    • Reading Downtown: 41.5 acres; 16 permits; 205 occupancy; anticipated payments $992,000
    • Plymouth Cordage Park: 56.8 acres; 57 permits; 302 occupancy; anticipated payments $1,506,000
  • Notable patterns:
    • Districts with higher occupancy and more permits typically show larger anticipated DBP payments (examples: Boston Olmsted Green, Brockton Downtown, Reading Downtown, Plymouth Cordage Park).
    • Several districts show “0” occupancy or minimal activity, indicating ongoing or planned development with future impact.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Municipalities and communities covered by Chapter 40R districts (e.g., Boston, Brockton, Reading, Plymouth, etc.).
  • Developers and property owners within approved 40R districts seeking to maximize density bonuses.
  • Local planning boards and housing offices responsible for implementing 40R districts and reporting activity.
  • Taxpayer community stakeholders interested in smart growth, affordable/workforce housing, and zoning efficiency tied to the 40R program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The report provides fiscal year 2025 status updates and fiscal year 2026 anticipated payments.
  • Data is organized as of June 30, 2025 (thru 06/30/2025) for 40R district approvals and construction activity.
  • The bill is an informational communication from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, not a bill proposing new law or funding, but a formal update to the Legislature.
  • Action history indicates the bill was placed on file on May 26, 2026.

Implications

  • Provides transparency on the impact of Chapter 40R districts, including construction activity, unit production, and the use of density bonus payments.
  • Assists in evaluating program effectiveness, informing future policy decisions, and guiding municipal planning strategies to promote smart growth and affordable housing.
  • The financial figures outline the scale of private activity and public incentives associated with the 40R program for the 2025-2026 horizon.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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