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40 years + 40B = 49th

The intent of the state’s housing law (Chapter 40B) was to ensure that the state would produce affordable housing. From urban neighborhoods to rural communities across the state, 40B has produced mostly expensive market-priced housing. Each of the last four decades has witnessed severe declines in the percentage of affordable units being produced by 40B. This site answers common misconceptions about 40B and provides actual facts using state & national data and reports that detail the laws underlying flaws. Whatever the problems are, one thing is clear: Massachusetts is the only state to use 40B and after 40 years, we rank 49th in the nation in housing affordability.

People and Places "" » more stories                  » 40B in your community	Test Your Knowledge Question: True or False, more than 172 cities and towns would have to grow their total size by 40%-75% in order to meet the growth mandates of 40B? Answer [x] True. 40B forces growth on all communities but approximately half of all the cities and towns in Massachusetts would have to grow their total size by between 40%-75%! » more questions
News & Statistics 9.30.08 40B shows true colors: no longer just a housing law 9.19.08 Senate 40B hearing uncovers $100 million abuse	Myths & Facts Myth: 40B does not waste taxpayer dollars. Fact [x] Overwhelmingly, 40B developments - like all new developments - cost taxpayers huge sums of money. All objective research shows that each additional housing unit built costs the host community between $30,000 and $80,000 more than taxes and fees collected. That generates a net loss to taxpayers and causes higher taxes and heavy burdens on services. In addition, 40B also costs taxpayers $200 million per year in production costs alone! » more myths