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HD 2181

An Act protecting neighboring communities from deleterious construction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Requires a buffer area between municipalities within 1,500 feet for major construction projects to protect neighboring communities and conserve/open space.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2181

Summary: An Act Protecting Neighboring Communities from Deleterious Construction (HD 2181)

Overview

  • Bill number: HD 2181 (House Docket No. 2181)
  • Title: An Act protecting neighboring communities from deleterious construction
  • Introduced: 2025 (House filed January 15, 2025; associated material notes a 2025-2026 session)
  • Purpose: To require a buffer area between neighboring municipalities when major construction projects occur within 1,500 feet of a municipal border, with the aim of preventing harm to adjoining communities from such construction.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 40 of the General Laws: Adds a new Section 70.
  • Trigger for buffer requirement: Major construction projects located in a municipality within 1,500 feet of another municipality’s border.
  • Definition of “major construction project”: Any public or private construction totaling more than $5,000,000; road or highway construction; or erection of any bridge over navigable or tidal waters.
  • Buffer zone mandate: The project must create an area of land between the two municipalities to serve as a buffer to prevent harm to a neighboring municipality caused by the other municipality’s major construction.
  • Allowed buffer uses: The buffer area may include parks, gardens, trails, wetlands/open space, or a specifically protected area.
  • Conservation and resource-use restrictions: The buffer zone would impose restrictions on resource use and development to enhance open space and conservation objectives within the protected area.
  • Purpose of buffer: To mitigate adverse impacts on nearby communities resulting from neighboring construction activities.

Scope and Applicability

  • Applies to municipalities within 1,500 feet of each other.
  • Applies to both public and private projects that meet the $5,000,000 threshold or fall into the defined categories (roads/highways, bridges over navigable/tidal waters).

Potential Impact

  • For Developers/Projects: Projects near municipal borders would need to designate and establish a buffer—potentially affecting site planning, land acquisition, and compliance costs.
  • For Municipalities: Encourages cross-border consideration of land-use planning and environmental buffers; may require inter-municipal coordination.
  • Environmental/Open Space: Could expand or formalize protection of buffer-area open spaces, with ongoing restrictions and maintenance needs.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Status in the provided materials is not specified beyond introduction in the 2025-2026 session context.
  • The bill would add a new statutory requirement; implementation would depend on subsequent committee action, potential rulemaking, and funding authorization if enacted.

Who Is Affected

  • Neighboring municipalities separated by borders within 1,500 feet.
  • Developers and owners undertaking major construction near municipal borders.
  • Residents in areas surrounding contemplated buffer zones, including open-space and conservation advocates.

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

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