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Massachusetts House Okays Bill Allowing Residential on Church-Owned Land
The Massachusetts House of Representatives has voted to approve a bill that would allow churches, synagogues and other religious institutions to build housing on their property. Known as Yes in God’s Back Yard (YIGBY), the measure passed as part of a $561-million economic development and competitiveness bond bill. It needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Maura Healey before becoming law.
The YIGBY bill would allow religious entities to override local zoning and build housing on their properties without needing a special permit, reported the Boston Business Journal. It would add to a state program to build housing on surplus state-owned land and initiatives such as Boston’s office-to-apartment conversion incentive program.
The Citizens’ Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA), which endorsed the YIGBY measure, applauded its passage in the House. CHAPA communications director Jenna Connolly called it “one of many innovative, creative solutions we need to provide more affordable housing across Massachusetts.”
- ◦Policy/Gov't
