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Fair‑share housing study numbers due; COG urged to weigh in as several housing bills move through legislature
Summary
RiverCOG reviewed a bills tracker covering measures such as a 'towns take the lead' bill, SB 12, SB 1313 and grants for preapproved building plans; OPM/legislative staff said municipal numbers from the fair‑share housing study will be released soon and encouraged towns to contact their legislators about possible implementation.
RiverCOG reviewed a non‑comprehensive tracker of housing legislation and flagged several bills moving through the General Assembly.
Eliza Lopusti summarized items on the tracker including a House bill described as a ‘‘towns take the lead’’ proposal, SB 12 (a study of barriers to starter home construction), HB 6960 (a public infrastructure grant program for water, sewer and roads tied to deed‑restricted housing), and SB 1313 (transportation‑oriented development). RiverCOG also noted bills that would allow residential uses in commercial zones as‑of‑right and others proposing exemptions from 8‑30j for towns with aquifers; staff linked DOH testimony where available.
Philip Shatuck and other OPM/legislative representatives said the fair‑share housing study will publish municipal numbers imminently and stressed that the study itself is research and not an adopted policy. ‘‘Talk to your legislator with your thoughts on how that might impact your town,’’ a representative said, urging local outreach because any implementation would be a legislative decision. Panelists added that budget negotiations this year complicate prospects for many bills and that housing measures might be folded into budget implementer language.
Speakers expressed concern about proposals that would permit by‑right conversion of commercial uses (including motels) to residential, citing land‑use conflict risks and the potential loss of operating motel capacity. Others welcomed proposals to formalize DOH technical assistance and to create an infrastructure fund that supplies municipalities with funding to support housing infrastructure.
RiverCOG will summarize the fair‑share numbers when released and circulate guidance; staff encouraged municipal officials to review the numbers promptly and to engage their legislators if they have concerns about potential implementation.
