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Bill to let housing in commercial zones (HB 631) draws strong backers and detailed caveats from builders and municipal officials
Summary
HB 631 would permit residential and mixed‑use units on commercial lots in designated urban areas; supporters said it would unlock underused land and create walkable neighborhoods, while builders and municipal leaders urged clearer definitions to avoid unintended industrial conversions.
Representative Alessandra Murray introduced HB 631, which would allow creation of residential and mixed residential units within commercial lots in designated urban areas, including rehabilitation of existing structures.
Nut graf: Proponents framed the bill as a tool to increase housing supply, create walkable mixed‑use neighborhoods and retain young workers, while builders and municipal representatives asked for clearer definitions and narrower scope to avoid unintended impacts on industrial parks and financing feasibility for conversions.
Murray said the bill aims to expand opportunities for housing faster than incremental local zoning…
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