A push for more construction amid a housing crisis across Massachusetts is clashing with the ability of cities and towns to control their own zoning regulations in Question 7 on Nov. 3 ballot.
A "Yes" vote on Question 7 would allow single-family homes to be built on any lot with at least 5,000 square feet, which has at least 50 feet of land bordering a street and has access to public water and sewer.
Proponents of the question argue that many cities and towns have prohibitive restrictions against new construction — including many that require 1 acre or more of land, which deter development — and that universal rules are needed to meet housing demand and stabilize costs for first-time and senior homebuyers.
Those against the question argue that it is yet another state mandate that takes control away from municipalities and does little to ensure that housing development is more affordable for those in need.
"That's a big concern for us," said Dave Koffman of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, speaking in opposition to the question at a recent Salem State University forum. "Because, for us, cities and towns are the closest to the residents. ... It's a one-size-fits-all approach where the state determines what's allowable."
Andrew Mikula, of the "Yes on 7" campaign, said that while there are "no silver bullets" to fixing the housing crisis in Massachusetts, this is a way to spur more development of inventory of smaller homes, which will, in turn, theoretically lower prices across the market.
The question would still allow local control over the height of housing and other aspects of zoning.
"Here is Massachusetts, we just don't have the kind of new supply coming online, or the turnover in the market, that you would expect in a dynamic economy," Mikula said at the Salem State forum. "As a result, a lot of people are leaving the state — especially when they are in their prime family-formation years of about 25 to 35. We've seen, in recent years, tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents, on net, move from here to other states seeking places with lower costs and more bang for their buck on amenities like housing."
Koffman allowed that there is no question that the state needs more housing options. But he said this law could result in building more "McMansions" that put a strain on local infrastructure without considering the capacity of individual communities. He also cited the financial backing of the "Yes on 7" campaign, which he said is made up of wealthy developers and the real estate industry.
"We know what drives developers and how this will actually result," he said. "That's not even saying it's a nefarious thing. They've got to make money. But that means you are going to have more units that are not affordable for what we need in this Commonwealth."
Opponents also claim this is another "state mandate" — similar to the MBTA Communities Act that required all cities and towns with direct and adjacent commuter rail access to expand local zoning to allow more multi-family home development or risk losing out on state funding and grants. Several cities and towns, unsuccessfully, fought that law that was held up by the state Supreme Judicial Court.
Mikula countered that this initiative will help the Gov. Maura Healey's stated goal of creating 220,000 new housing units by 2035 to help meet demand in a state where the average rental cost per month for an apartment is up to $2,500.
He also cited the widespread support for the measure from elected officials across the state.
"This is like the Dolly Parton of ballot questions," he said. "We believe that, at a baseline, in places that already have the infrastructure in place to support development, it should be allowed to help connect first-time buyers of all walks of life, young families, and downsizing seniors to more housing opportunities in the Commonwealth."
Early voting is underway across the state for the Nov. 3 state general election.
More on Patch:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Massachusetts Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.