Bill to ease way for elderly, disabled would be a concrete interim housing step

Dante Ramos (“Give us more granny housing”) points out the role accessory dwelling units (”granny units”) could play in helping to alleviate the housing crunch. However, the only option he cites for relief is comprehensive zoning reform. A simpler interim step that could help improve matters for the elderly and people with disabilities is Senate bill 2132. It was approved by the Joint Committee on Housing last July, and has been sitting before the Senate Committee on Rules for a year.

While this measure on accessory dwelling units is not a comprehensive zoning bill, it would represent a solid win for the elderly and disabled, it is achievable, and it would relieve pressure on affordable-housing waiting lists, by allowing families to create housing for their family members with disabilities.

It is priority legislation for The Arc of Massachusetts, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and Autism Housing Pathways.

Catherine Boyle

President

Autism Housing Pathways

Winchester