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SD 1913

An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill eases zoning restrictions to accelerate residential housing development and increase supply in restrictive areas.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1913

Legislative bill overview

Bill SD 1913 is a Massachusetts proposal designed to facilitate residential development by reducing zoning restrictions and streamlining approval processes for housing projects. The bill promotes "Yes in My Back Yard" (YIMBY) policies, which aim to increase housing supply by making it easier to build residential units, particularly in areas that historically restricted such development.

Why is this important

Housing affordability and availability are critical issues in Massachusetts, particularly in the Boston metropolitan area and other high-demand regions. By lowering regulatory barriers to residential construction, the bill could increase the housing supply, potentially moderating price growth and expanding homeownership and rental opportunities for residents across income levels.

Potential points of contention

  • Community character concerns: Opponents worry that reduced zoning restrictions could lead to overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and changes to neighborhood character without adequate community input or infrastructure planning
  • Equity questions: While intended to increase housing, critics question whether the resulting units will be affordable to low- and middle-income residents or primarily benefit developers and affluent buyers
  • Infrastructure capacity: Rapid housing development may strain local schools, utilities, public services, and transportation systems if not coordinated with infrastructure investment
  • Implementation details: The bill's specific mechanisms for zoning reform, timeline, and local government flexibility remain unclear from the basic description and would significantly impact effectiveness and community acceptance

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

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