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If we want to house a changing city equitably, we need a housing plan based on our residents’ real needs. Half of all new construction should be designated for tenants and homeowners, making 60% AMI
Area Median Income
the benchmark used to determine income eligibility on affordable housing in Boston. It includes 114 towns and cities in 6 counties and two states. or below, reflecting Boston residents’ incomes. We will advocate for the funding we need and work to direct at least half of the housing funds from the recently passed increased linkage fees
linkage fees
A fee levied on all new commercial and institutional developments larger than 100,000 square feet, assessed at a rate of $8.34 per square foot. to housing for low-income residents with an income below 30% AMI. We will reduce land-use barriers by transforming zoning, deliver more permanent supportive and senior housing, include non-congregant shelter options, establish green standards for new housing, and expand City-funded rent subsidies, similar to Section 8.
Area Median Income
the benchmark used to determine income eligibility on affordable housing in Boston. It includes 114 towns and cities in 6 counties and two states. or below, reflecting Boston residents’ incomes. We will advocate for the funding we need and work to direct at least half of the housing funds from the recently passed increased linkage fees
linkage fees
A fee levied on all new commercial and institutional developments larger than 100,000 square feet, assessed at a rate of $8.34 per square foot. to housing for low-income residents with an income below 30% AMI. We will reduce land-use barriers by transforming zoning, deliver more permanent supportive and senior housing, include non-congregant shelter options, establish green standards for new housing, and expand City-funded rent subsidies, similar to Section 8.
We need our housing decision-making to better match the nature of our housing needs and to ensure racial, gender, and economic equity. More Black and Indigenous people, people of color, renters, women, lower-income and unhoused residents, seniors, and students should be represented in our housing decision-making bodies. I would support dedicated Housing Need Representation on the Zoning Board of Appeal
Zoning Board of Appeal
consists of seven members and hears requests for conditional use permits, variances, permission to expand/change nonconforming uses, and similar zoning relief. and require representation in zoning hearings, Boston Planning and Development Agency
Boston Planning and Development Agency
A public agency that serves as the municipal planning and development agency for Boston, working on housing and commercial developments. meetings, and other deliberative sessions to empower and hear directly from people who would benefit from affordable housing.
Zoning Board of Appeal
consists of seven members and hears requests for conditional use permits, variances, permission to expand/change nonconforming uses, and similar zoning relief. and require representation in zoning hearings, Boston Planning and Development Agency
Boston Planning and Development Agency
A public agency that serves as the municipal planning and development agency for Boston, working on housing and commercial developments. meetings, and other deliberative sessions to empower and hear directly from people who would benefit from affordable housing.
The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have compounded the threat of displacement for our neighbors. I will champion the passage of Article 91 of the City of Boston Zoning Code and establish anti-displacement overlays in high-risk neighborhoods, as an investment in a just recovery from the pandemic and an affirmation of the right to remain for Bostonian renters and homeowners. Anti-Displacement Zones
Anti-Displacement Zones
A neighborhood where current residents are protected from being displaced and is designated in the zoning code as a new type of zoning district with special standards and programs will designate a new type of zoning district with unique standards and programs to give current residents a meaningful role in shaping their neighborhood’s future.
Anti-Displacement Zones
A neighborhood where current residents are protected from being displaced and is designated in the zoning code as a new type of zoning district with special standards and programs will designate a new type of zoning district with unique standards and programs to give current residents a meaningful role in shaping their neighborhood’s future.
In tandem with delivering more homes across Boston, we need regional coordination to re-establish rent control options for our city. In collaboration with our state representatives and neighboring towns and cities, I will champion legislation that stabilizes renters and landlords through rent control.
We need community land trusts
Community Land Trusts
Resident-led and controlled, they preserve land for permanently affordable housing, economic development, urban agriculture, and open space. at scale to make a difference in Boston’s housing realities. To do this, I will propose expanding the Department of Neighborhood Development to include an office dedicated to supporting Community Land Trusts. To further democratize housing in the city, we will increase the budget to double the number of units purchased through the Acquisition Opportunity Program
Acquisition Opportunity Program
This program protects Boston’s rental housing stock from the market forces by giving loans to help responsible investor-owners buy occupied, multi-family rental properties. and double the per-unit subsidy for community land trusts.
Community Land Trusts
Resident-led and controlled, they preserve land for permanently affordable housing, economic development, urban agriculture, and open space. at scale to make a difference in Boston’s housing realities. To do this, I will propose expanding the Department of Neighborhood Development to include an office dedicated to supporting Community Land Trusts. To further democratize housing in the city, we will increase the budget to double the number of units purchased through the Acquisition Opportunity Program
Acquisition Opportunity Program
This program protects Boston’s rental housing stock from the market forces by giving loans to help responsible investor-owners buy occupied, multi-family rental properties. and double the per-unit subsidy for community land trusts.
Hostile architecture
Hostile Architecture
An urban-design strategy that uses elements of the built environment to restrict use. targets our unhoused neighbors and uses our built environment to discourage them from using public spaces. As we work toward delivering housing-first solutions for our city, we can start by treating our neighbors with the dignity they deserve and end the use of hostile architecture in the city’s public spaces. The City of Boston will no longer include requests for hostile architecture in new Requests for Proposals and modifications to existing public space. Any development proposals receiving public subsidy or seeking zoning approval will be prohibited from incorporating hostile architecture in their design.
Hostile Architecture
An urban-design strategy that uses elements of the built environment to restrict use. targets our unhoused neighbors and uses our built environment to discourage them from using public spaces. As we work toward delivering housing-first solutions for our city, we can start by treating our neighbors with the dignity they deserve and end the use of hostile architecture in the city’s public spaces. The City of Boston will no longer include requests for hostile architecture in new Requests for Proposals and modifications to existing public space. Any development proposals receiving public subsidy or seeking zoning approval will be prohibited from incorporating hostile architecture in their design.
Paid for by The Committee to Elect Kendra Hicks. All Rights Reserved © 2020.