Read the full stored bill text
×
Bill H.1521
Section 34 of chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-
“Notwithstanding any provision in this section, the tenants of projects transferred under this section shall, at a minimum, maintain the rights as provided under the provisions of the federal, state, and local subsidy programs originally applicable to the project including tenant contribution, lease terms, eviction, right to return, grievance, resident participation, preference in hiring, and privacy rights, except as may be required to secure financing necessary for the feasibility of the project, or to meet associated programmatic eligibility requirements subject to clause (ii) in the following paragraph after notice to affected tenants with an opportunity to comment. Provided further, the redevelopment shall not be the basis for re-screening of existing tenants or termination or reduction of assistance or eviction of any tenant in a subject property, and such a tenant shall not be considered a new admission for any purpose, including compliance with any income targeting requirements. Provided further, such projects under this section shall have at least the same number of low rent housing as the number of low rent housing in the existing project.
Provided further, the requirements for such projects under this section shall be implemented through contracts, use agreements, regulations, or other means, as determined by the department, so long as they remain consistent with this section and all local, state and federal subsidy programs applicable to the project pursuant to this section and delineate: (i) the roles of the housing authority and other agencies in monitoring and enforcing compliance, including tracking temporary and permanent displacement; (ii) how the housing authority will rehouse tenants so there is no displacement from affordable housing programs operated by the housing authority, and (iii) how tenants will be provided with technical assistance to allow them meaningful input into the development of the proposed project; provided further the benefits of any use agreement shall inure to any tenant who occupied the project at time of redevelopment or to present or future tenants or applicants of the project, who shall have the right to enforce the same as third-party beneficiaries provided that nothing in this section is intended to create a separate or new administrative process of appeal or review for any grievance governed by the lease of any tenant.
Provided further, that there shall be an opportunity for comment from tenants of such projects to be proposed under this section and an opportunity for public comment to the owners, controlled entities, designated private entities, or public housing authorities responsible for such projects with adequate notice.”
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Close