Rep. Conor Casey introduces H.50 to study converting state property into affordable housing

Representative Conor Casey on Wednesday introduced H.50, a one-sentence bill asking the state to study whether underused state property can be converted to affordable housing and to report back annually.

The bill, Casey told the House Corrections & Institutions Committee, would require an annual January 15 report identifying state land, parking lots or other property that might be suitable for housing and urging the state to consider transfer or sale to local housing partners. "We need more housing," Casey said. "I think it's not an exaggeration to say it's a crisis at this point."

Casey said the measure grew out of local needs in Montpelier after recent floods and changes in telework, and he cited near-zero vacancy rates in his city. He argued that long-term underuse of state buildings and parking could be repurposed to support downtown housing and local businesses. He noted examples of municipal practice, saying "Barre City just sold the parking lot for $1," as a model for how communities and the state might partner.

Committee members asked about scope and metrics. One member asked whether the bill would include undeveloped state land of any size; Casey said the bill explicitly references empty parking lots but that "everything should be on the table here." Another member asked what the report would look like; Casey said the committee could determine a useful format during consideration and that he expected to receive some utilization information from Commissioner Manoli and BGS (Buildings and General Services).

No vote was taken on H.50 at this hearing. Casey described the bill as a legislative directive to start a conversation and provide annual information to lawmakers rather than an immediate mandate to dispose of property. He emphasized that any conversions should be done "smart" and with attention to flood mitigation and other site constraints.

The discussion distinguished between committee inquiry and formal action: members pressed for clarity on the bill's metrics and scope, staff were reported to be preparing utilization data, and Casey said the legislature would use yearly reporting to identify opportunities. The bill, as introduced, does not specify sale terms beyond reporting and seeks to put conversion of state property for housing onto the state's legislative agenda.