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Bill

H 3934

An Act establishing the town of Plymouth Land Bank

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger

Plymouth, Massachusetts establishes a municipal land bank to acquire and redevelop vacant or underutilized properties for community and housing development.

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 3934

Legislative bill overview

H 3934 establishes a municipal land bank authority for the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. A land bank is a quasi-public entity that acquires, holds, and manages vacant or underutilized properties to facilitate community development, affordable housing, and economic revitalization. The bill creates the legal framework and governance structure for Plymouth to operate this property acquisition and development tool.

Why is this important

Land banks have become increasingly popular tools for municipalities facing vacant property blight, property tax delinquency, and lack of affordable housing. For Plymouth specifically, this could enable the town to strategically acquire distressed properties and convert them into housing, parks, or community assets rather than allowing them to deteriorate or remain abandoned. The authority would give Plymouth more control over its development trajectory and potential revenue generation through property sales or leases.

Potential points of contention

  • Property acquisition authority and costs: Questions about how the land bank funds property purchases, whether it uses eminent domain, and the fiscal impact on the town budget
  • Governance and accountability: Concerns about who controls the land bank board, how decisions are made, and transparency in property transactions and development priorities
  • Land use priorities: Disagreement over whether the land bank should prioritize affordable housing, commercial development, open space, or other community goals, and whether current zoning restrictions apply

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

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