Voice Writing

Inclusionary zoning mandates that developers provide affordable housing if they create market rate housing. Incentive zoning allows developers seeking special permits to obtain favorable zoning treatment, usually in the form of increased density and/or reduction in regulatory requirements, in exchange for affordable housing.

Homebuyer Counseling and Education

Homebuyer counseling and education are valuable marketing and outreach tools that can bridge the information gap and expand the pool of potential homebuyers, preparing them for a successful application and ownership experience. The Dukes County Regional Housing Authority maintains an Affordable Homebuyer Clearinghouse. For more information on homebuyer counseling and education see the Housing Assistance Corporation website at http://www.haconcapecod.org/

Building on Town/ County/ School Land

The use of land or buildings for affordable housing development through long-term ground leases for below market value, helps reduce the cost and is one of the most valuable contributions a community can make. If a municipality owns property, it can make it available at no cost, or low cost for deed-restricted low or moderate income housing. M.G.L. Chapter 30B (Section 16) spells out the process to be used in finding a suitable developer, in what is essentially a reserves of the usual procurement process required for a long-term ground lease (more than 30 years).

Resident Homesite

Each Island town has a Resident Homesite Program that transfers vacant developable land controlled by the towns to income eligible town residents with affordability restrictions for the construction single family homes.