The housing strategy calls for 44,000 new homes by the 2030 (over 2010 levels) to make the South Shore more competitive.
The Housing Initiative is a major component of South Shore 2030. The Initiative uses housing as a strategy for economic and community development by introducing residential development in downtowns or other centers of activity (like retail districts). We need to start building housing products that help shift our demographic trends, products that meet the needs of young people (and families) and downsizing baby boomers who want to stay on the South Shore. This will be critical in improving our region's economic competitiveness. In short, our approach is to build more of what the market wants rather than what past anti-growth zoning has produced.
Interested in learning more about how you can support our efforts? Contact Courtney Bjorgaard by email at cbjorgaard@southshorechamber.org or by phone at 781.421.3915.
Interested in learning more about how you can support our efforts? Contact Courtney Bjorgaard by email at cbjorgaard@southshorechamber.org or by phone at 781.421.3915.
What are we doing?
- Tracking regional residential development
- Collaborating with local officials on zoning changes to allow for smart growth, higher density home options
- Highlighting & endorsing specific developments on 2030 Housing page - Check them out here!
- Addressing common misconceptions about housing developments' impacts on communities
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
The South Shore Chamber & South Shore Economic Development Corporation continue to support Governor Baker’s Housing Choice Initiative & proposed housing legislation, An Act to Promote Housing Choices (H.3507).The legislation encourages cities & towns to adopt zoning best practices related to housing development by a changing the threshold from a super-majority (66%) to a simple majority vote (51%) on 9 types of zoning reform. It does not mandate towns to make zoning changes, but gives them the tools to introduce new housing types and support local economic activity and growth. Read more about it here.
If you support this legislation and the economic growth of the region, please contact your legislator and let them know.
The South Shore Chamber & South Shore Economic Development Corporation continue to support Governor Baker’s Housing Choice Initiative & proposed housing legislation, An Act to Promote Housing Choices (H.3507).The legislation encourages cities & towns to adopt zoning best practices related to housing development by a changing the threshold from a super-majority (66%) to a simple majority vote (51%) on 9 types of zoning reform. It does not mandate towns to make zoning changes, but gives them the tools to introduce new housing types and support local economic activity and growth. Read more about it here.
If you support this legislation and the economic growth of the region, please contact your legislator and let them know.
“The state’s housing crunch is not just a Boston problem, but also a suburban problem. The legislation will help communities allow the type of housing in the right area that helps promote community stability and economic growth. It is as much an economic development bill as it is a housing bill,” said Peter Forman, President & CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Housing Initiative Funders
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Why Businesses Need Housing
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"The success of every business depends on the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. The lack of adequate housing is a growing challenge to our economic well-being and we’re proud to support the Chamber’s efforts in bringing all the stakeholders together to resolve this issue.” |
"At Conway we know deep in our hearts that we don't assist people in buying or selling a house. It's much, much more than that. We assist people and families, when going through a transition in their lives, find their landing place, their happy place, their home and most of all their community. These communities on the South Shore are rich with roots and character and in order to protect this character and make sure future generations have can experience these communities, we need to address some of the key challenges in the region. The Chamber and the South Shore Economic Development Corp. are taking the lead to strike a balance between preserving the way of life and helping our businesses and communities to grow. At Conway, we believe in the South Shore because we live here and we want to help people build lives here." |
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“With the new residents and new restaurants, there’s been a huge change in the last five years in the Weymouth & Braintree Landing. It’s vibrant and you can feel the excitement. |
"Our firm is in the business of helping individuals and companies plan for growth, risks, and remedies. The core of our work is planning to minimize problems or strategizing an exit after problems happen. The biggest risk, however, is lack of planning. Our economy depends on a wide range of income earners to operate cohesively. It is important that we create housing options suitable for everyone in that range. If people need to pay a burdensome amount to afford a livable home, they are less able to contribute to the economy and community. It is not a question of finding everyone their dream home. That’s not feasible. It’s a question of whether there are options available for people to downsize, upsize, or simply find a livable home within a reasonable distance of their career. If we can plan to develop housing in locations that make sense – near highways or transit for example – we can support growth and still maintain the charm of our fabulous South Shore communities. We cannot create new land, but we can plan for appropriate use of the land we have available." |
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“I live and work in Braintree, so housing and business opportunities are always top of mind for me. A few years ago, I went to hear a report from Barry Bluestone, a Sociologist at Northeastern University. The report was about the demographics in Braintree, projections and contained specific recommendations. The zoning and housing initiatives coming out of Town Hall, recently, seem to be following the course of action in the report, similar to efforts of the South Shore Chambers' 2030 Committee, all good for Braintree and the South Shore. What I have heard from local business owners and companies, '... we cannot find individuals to work in our stores, our offices. We cannot fill entry level and trade positions.' |
