Committee hears that state already tracks property but bill would target parcels for affordable housing study

Montpelier — On Feb. 20, the Vermont House Corrections and Institutions Committee heard testimony on House Bill 50, legislation that would direct the commissioner of Buildings and General Services to study state-owned real property and report on parcels “suitable for conversion into affordable housing.”

The bill matters because state- owned land is one tool lawmakers and the administration are considering to help meet housing goals including the governor’s call for increased housing production. Committee members and the commissioner discussed what data already exists, how much land the state holds and practical limits on converting state property into housing.

Wanda Manoli, Commissioner of Buildings and General Services, told the committee BGS already compiles an annual “space book” that inventories state real property and space use. "I believe that the information is already available," Manoli said, adding the current inventory does not tag…