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HD 4879

An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hadley Luddy

HD 4879: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham OverviewBill Number: HD 4879 T

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Bill Summary · HD 4879

HD 4879: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

Overview

Bill Number: HD 4879
Title: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed legislation aims to expand the allowable uses of community preservation funds in the town of Chatham, Massachusetts. Currently, these funds can only be used for open space, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation projects. The bill seeks to add community housing as an eligible category, enabling the town to utilize these funds to support the development and preservation of affordable housing units.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the existing Community Preservation Act (CPA) in Chatham to include "community housing" as an allowable use of CPA funds
  • Defines "community housing" as low- and moderate-income housing for individuals and families, including housing for the elderly and persons with disabilities
  • Allows CPA funds to be used for the acquisition, creation, preservation, and support of community housing projects
  • Permits the town to appropriate up to 80% of its annual CPA revenue for community housing purposes, up from the current 10% cap

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • The town of Chatham and its residents would be the primary beneficiaries, as the expanded use of CPA funds could significantly increase the availability of affordable housing options in the community.
  • Local developers and housing organizations would have access to additional funding sources to support the construction and preservation of community housing units.
  • Low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Chatham, as well as the elderly and persons with disabilities, would have greater access to affordable housing opportunities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The proposed bill, HD 4879, has been introduced in the Massachusetts state legislature and is currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Housing. If passed, the legislation would take effect immediately, allowing the town of Chatham to begin appropriating CPA funds for community housing projects in the next fiscal year.

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

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