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H 4296

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle DuBois and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 4296 allows the state to transfer land in Brockton to the Catholic Charitable Bureau for affordable housing and community services, enhancing local quality of life.

New draft substituted, see H4768
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Bill Summary · H 4296

Summary of Bill H 4296: An Act Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to Dispose of Certain Parcels of Land in Brockton

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4296 aims to authorize the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to convey specific parcels of land in Brockton, Massachusetts, to the Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc. The primary intent of this legislation is to facilitate the development of affordable housing and a community multi-services center on the conveyed land.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Affordable Housing: Multi-family housing where 100% of units are affordable to households earning at or below 80% of the area median income.
    • Community Multi-Services Center: A facility providing various public services, including food distribution, childcare, and vocational training.
  2. Land Conveyance:

    • DCAMM, in consultation with Massasoit Community College, is authorized to convey a specific parcel of land in Brockton to the Catholic Charitable Bureau for the purposes mentioned above.
    • The land is described as being bounded by Beaumont Avenue, Quincy Street, Crescent Street, and Burrill Avenue (also known as Christo’s Way).
  3. Conditions of Conveyance:

    • The land will be conveyed by deed without warranties or representations.
    • The deed will include a reversionary clause, allowing the Commonwealth to reclaim the land if it ceases to be used for affordable housing or community services.
    • The consideration for the conveyance is set at $1.
  4. Timeline for Development:

    • The Catholic Charitable Bureau must complete the purchase by December 31, 2030. If not, DCAMM may sell or lease the property for up to 99 years under competitive bidding processes.
  5. Appraisal and Oversight:

    • An independent appraisal of the property must be conducted, reviewed by the Inspector General, and submitted to relevant legislative committees before the execution of the conveyance.

Affected Parties

  • Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.: The primary beneficiary of the land conveyance, responsible for developing affordable housing and community services.
  • Residents of Brockton: The bill aims to provide affordable housing and essential services to the local community.
  • Massasoit Community College: Involved in the consultation process regarding the land conveyance.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on July 24, 2025, and has undergone several legislative actions, including a recommendation for passage with amendments on November 18, 2025.
  • A new draft of the bill (H4768) has been substituted, indicating ongoing legislative refinement.

Conclusion

Bill H 4296 represents a significant step towards addressing housing and community service needs in Brockton, Massachusetts. By facilitating the transfer of state-owned land for these purposes, the bill aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents while ensuring accountability through oversight and reversionary clauses.

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

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