Take Action! City Council Hearing on Deed Restrictions
Stand in support of long-term protections for affordable housing by testifying at the upcoming City Council Hearing on Deed Restrictions!
When: Thursday, September 19th 10am
Where: Boston City Hall or connect virtually
The Boston City Council is holding a hearing is about the impacts of the City of Boston's Homeownership Program, which is designed to provide affordable homeownership for first time home buyers who are income eligible, and to continue to offer this opportunity for many years to come by keeping the homes affordable. The hearing is about the role and value of deed restrictions, which are rules that protect the affordability of affordable homeownership.
The hearing is a chance to share our ideas about the value of maintaining and investing in long term affordable homeownership in Boston. Some want to limit deed restrictions so that homeowners in the program can sell their home at market rate after 15-30 years. The idea is that selling the home at market rate (not at an affordable rate to a new buyer) will help close the racial wealth gap. However:
We need to see deed restrictions/ affordability protections maintained for a long time so that the existing affordable housing stays affordable for decades, in order to fight back against gentrification and displacement.
We do not want to weaken policies that preserve affordable housing in Boston, because we are facing a major displacement crisis that especially affects Black, Latino and immigrant communities.
We want to stand in support of long term protections for affordable housing.
Those who wish to speak about the importance of maintaining and investing in long-term affordable homeownership in Boston are encouraged to speak during the hearing or to submit written testimony. Here are the participation options (**top three ways will have the most impact, but all are helpful).
**Testify in person during the hearing: Come to Boston City Hall Boston, MA 02201 -- Iannella Chamber, 5th Floor
**Testify Online during the hearing: email cora.montrond@boston.gov for a link and instructions to do so (Cora Montrond phone: 617-635-3040)
**Record and submit video: instructions here
Email written testimony to ccc.housing@boston.gov and cora.montrond@boston.gov, which will be made a part of the record and available to all Councilors.
Come in person, but not testify: Come to Boston City Hall Boston, MA 02201 -- Iannella Chamber, 5th Floor
Livestream the hearing: boston.gov/city-council-tv