Massachusetts Offered a Solution to Housing Shortages – Is It Working?

Background

For years, the Bay State has grappled with a chronic shortage of affordable housing, especially in regions that depend on seasonal tourism. Workers in hospitality, retail, and essential services often struggle to find homes within a reasonable commute to their jobs.

The Affordable Housing Act’s “Seasonal Communities” Provision

In an effort to address the crisis, the Affordable Housing Act introduced a new classification for certain high‑demand locales. By labeling areas such as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, the Berkshires and other popular resort towns as “seasonal communities,” the state created a streamlined pathway for developers to construct housing specifically for the year‑round workforce.

What the Designation Means

Under the seasonal‑community status, municipalities can:

• Relax zoning restrictions that previously limited multi‑unit construction.
• Accelerate permitting processes for projects that include a minimum percentage of affordable units.
• Access state‑funded grants and tax incentives aimed at low‑ and moderate‑income housing.

Early Results

Since the policy’s rollout, several pilot projects have broken ground:

• A 120‑unit mixed‑income complex in Falmouth that reserves 40% of its apartments for local service workers.
• A renovated historic building in Berkshire County now offering 30 affordable units for seasonal staff.
• New townhouse developments on Martha’s Vineyard that include rent‑controlled options for year‑round employees.

Proponents argue that these initiatives are beginning to ease the housing squeeze, while critics warn that the supply is still far short of demand.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite the legislative boost, obstacles remain:

• Local opposition to higher density in traditionally low‑rise neighborhoods.
• Limited availability of land that meets the new zoning criteria.
• Ensuring long‑term affordability once tax incentives expire.

Stakeholders continue to monitor occupancy rates, rent trends, and community feedback to gauge whether the “seasonal community” model can be scaled statewide.

Conclusion

The Affordable Housing Act’s targeted approach offers a promising tool for tackling Massachusetts’ housing shortage in tourist‑heavy regions. Whether it will deliver lasting relief remains a question that policymakers, developers, and residents are watching closely.