FAQS & More Info

There have been many questions about affordable housing in Winchester. Here are a few questions we have answered about our mission:

Q: Is there a state requirement for affordable housing?

A: Yes. Massachusetts sets a goal that 10% of a town's year-round housing be affordable under state guidelines (Chapter 40B). Winchester currently has about 2-3%, which is well below the state goal. 


Q: What housing is considered “affordable?"


A: Affordable housing is reserved for households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Greater Boston Region. Income limits vary by household size. These homes are approved by the state, have long-term affordability protections, and are listed on the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) 


Q: Who benefits from affordable housing?

A:


Q: Is affordable housing only rental apartment units?


A: No, affordable housing can include condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, and multi-family buildings.


Q: How will affordable housing change Winchester?


A: Housing projects in Winchester are typically small-scale and carefully designed to fit into existing neighborhoods or use underutilized buildings. Careful design and planning ensure that traffic and other impacts are minimal. This is to preserve the character of the town and provide housing options for families, seniors, and local workers. 


Q: Why can’t the housing market just solve this?


A: In high-cost communities, land prices, construction costs, and zoning laws make it difficult to build moderately priced homes. The market favors larger, more expensive homes unless policies or incentives encourage it.


Q: What happens if Winchester remains below the 10% threshold? 


A: Towns that have under 10% have less local control over certain housing developments under state law. Communities closer to or meeting the threshold generally have more flexibility in shaping where and how new housing is built. 


Q: Are there any current housing developments being finished?

A: Yes! There is currently a development nearing approval at Washington and Swanton St.


Q: Will new housing units significantly increase traffic?


A: No, each project undergoes traffic and infrastructure review. In general, affordable housing developments in Winchester are smaller in scale and tend to have minimal traffic impacts. 


For more questions/inquiries, please check the resources tab to answer any extra questions you may have!