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Councilors warn expanding off‑site radius for IDP could reduce nearby affordable units
Summary
During the same committee hearing councilors questioned a proposed change to Article 39 that would increase the permitted radius for off‑site affordable units from one‑half mile to two miles, saying it risks distancing affordable units from market‑rate projects and transit; staff said the tighter radius supports mixed‑income neighborhoods. No decision was made.
At the May 30 committee hearing on Docket 0968, multiple councilors raised concerns about a separate planning proposal to amend Article 39 and expand the permitted radius for off‑site inclusionary units from one‑half mile to two miles.
A councilor described worries that an expanded radius would allow affordable units to be located farther from market‑rate development and transit, potentially undermining the program's mixed‑income goals and neighborhood access. Councilors also said civic groups—including the Fenway Civic Association—expressed similar concerns for neighborhoods with active development.
Rick Wilson and Andy Feldman of the Mayor's Office of Housing responded that the existing tighter radius aims to promote mixed‑income neighborhoods by keeping affordable and market‑rate development near one another. "One of the goals of the IDP program is to create mixed income neighborhoods and I think that's why you have that tight radius," a staff member said.
Staff did not announce a formal administration position on the Article 39 amendment during the hearing. Councilors asked staff to consider neighborhood impacts and to follow up with analyses that show how a two‑mile radius would change the mix and siting of funded units.
The committee took no action on Article 39 at the hearing; the matter remains under committee consideration and will be discussed in future committee business.
