Cambridge Overhauling Affordable Housing Law

Harvard University’s affordable housing neighbors could soon be living in much taller and denser confines than before.

On Monday, the Cambridge City Council passed changes to the Massachusetts community’s affordable housing law, the Boston Globe reported. The changes were contentious, reflected in the slim majority that voted in favor of the update.

Under the changes, projects that are entirely affordable can be built up to 15 stories in the city’s major squares and 12 stories on major corridors.

Objectors to the affordable housing overlay voiced concerns about the limited community input into the changes and fears about the possible proliferation of taller buildings across the city. Councilor Dennis Carlone referred to the changes as “Russian Roulette zoning.”

Proponents, however, don’t foresee a sharp increase in 12-to-15 story buildings due to prohibitive costs and timelines, instead suggesting more eight-to-nine story properties may be possible.

There was also a debate about allowing tall projects by-right, rather than with special zoning board approval. Opponents wanted residents and boards to weigh in to prevent projects that might feel out of place, but the process can be costly for affordable housing developers, who resist proposing a project where the process will be too onerous or expensive.

Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay came into existence in 2020 as a means to assist developers in overcoming financial and political hurdles that come with affordable housing projects. Since its inception, AHO projects have accounted for 616 approved units.

Affordable housing isn’t easy to come by in Cambridge, thanks to the presence of tech and biotech companies, which have remained strong during the pandemic. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $2,750, according to Zillow.

The issue is expected to play a key role in next month’s City Council elections. Progressive city councilors have been behind several land-use changes in recent years.

— Holden Walter-Warner