Senate bill to promote ‘missing middle’ starter homes draws support as a tool to diversify housing types

Senator (testifying) and other witnesses urged the committee to consider legislation aimed at restoring production of smaller “starter” homes—duplexes, triplexes and small single‑family houses—that historically helped first‑time buyers build wealth and remain in place.

Senator who sponsored the measure described how post‑World War II neighborhoods once produced many starter homes that supported middle‑class wealth building. He said current market incentives push builders toward larger single‑family homes and luxury projects, leaving a gap for entry‑level ownership. The bill would pursue multiple strategies: reduce municipal minimum lot sizes, create tax‑incentive tools for starter home development, expand municipal use of Chapter 40Y starter‑home zoning, and create a trust fund to subsidize affordability and first‑time buyers.

Industry representatives said Chapter 40Y is underused because municipalities are unaware of or reluctant to adopt the by‑right starter home districts without incentives. Benjamin Fierro, representing the Home Builders and Remodelers Association, urged incentives and noted Chapter 40Y’s existing structure for quarter‑acre minimums and size limits (witnesses described 1,850 square feet as a common program cap). He and others said a mix of zoning fixes and a programmatic fund would unlock private‑sector production of starter homes.

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions emphasized the economic stakes: speakers said the commonwealth is losing young families and essential workers because there are no modest starter units available. Witnesses urged focusing on smart growth principles to produce starter homes without undermining neighborhood character.

No formal committee action was taken; sponsors and advocates said they would supply draft program language and municipal outreach plans for committee review.