Bill
HD 4504
Overview: Bill Number: HD 4504, Title: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston, Status: Introduced, I
Overview: Bill Number: HD 4504, Title: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston, Status: Introduced, Introduced: November 29, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This proposed bill aims to address the need for affordable housing and community resources in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. The legislation seeks to facilitate the development of a mixed-use project that would include both affordable housing units and a new branch library.
Key Provisions:
- Authorizes the city of Boston to enter into a long-term lease agreement with a private developer for the construction of the mixed-use project
- Requires that at least 50% of the residential units in the development be designated as affordable housing, with rents capped at a percentage of the area median income
- Mandates the inclusion of a new branch library facility within the development, to be operated and maintained by the Boston Public Library system
- Provides tax incentives and other financial assistance to the developer to help offset the costs of the affordable housing and library components
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Residents of Dorchester, particularly low-income and moderate-income households, will benefit from the increased availability of affordable housing
- The local community will gain access to a new branch library, providing educational and cultural resources
- The city of Boston will see an expansion of its affordable housing stock and public library network
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced in the Massachusetts state legislature but has not yet been assigned a status. If passed, the legislation would authorize the city of Boston to proceed with the development project, which would then need to go through the standard municipal planning and approval processes.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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