Chapter 40B is a poorly executed, well-intentioned idea and should be repealed or changed. However, 40B or no 40B, the problem of affordable housing is a major one for Harvard. I would like to sell my home to a family that can take advantage of its location and space and still continue to live in Harvard. But there is nowhere to go in Harvard except $500,000 40-year-old houses needing $100,000 of repair. While 40B may not help low-income families come to Harvard, it may be the other 75 percent of the homes that make it possible for me to remain. The town houses and condos dragged along with the 40B units at least provide something that approaches affordability and value. Rather than wait to change 40B, I propose that Harvard take control of its own affordable-housing dilemma by examining its planning codes. These bylaws are outdated and need major overhauls to permit multiunit dwellings on modest acreage that use shared infrastructure. If Harvard wants to retain long-term residents who wish to downsize and want to make lasting contributions to the town for the next 20 years, then do something locally to show it rather than taking on Beacon Hill.
Roy Moffa
Oak Hill Road
