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.
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.
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
- Addressing common misconceptions about housing developments' impacts on communities
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.” |
“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. |
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"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." |
“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.' |
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