Affordable Housing v. Open Space: A Proposal for Reconciliation

Abstract

This Article describes the friction in Massachusetts—largely inspired by controversy surrounding the State’s affordable housing law, Massachusetts General Laws chapter 40B—between housing advocates and open space advocates. The sources of this breach are embedded in the State’s land use statutes. This Article reviews the current law and the symptoms of the feud, and it suggests various legislative proposals for the reconciliation of these progressive forces.