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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sue</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My thoughts on this. Here in Madison WI the churches seem to be taking the need to serve their mission more seriously than in MA. There are several church related rental projects. I would argue that providing housing, even work
force housing fits the religious charge for the church, and would provide such projects with a Chapter 40A Section 3 exemption. I strongly believe homeless shelters meet the charge of religious organizations; I think it would be a no brainer to argue deeply
discounted affordable housing meets the charge; and I am beginning to think that, given the depth of the housing crisis, the argument can be made for work force housing. Looking at a recent series of articles from the Cape Enterprise, many working people cannot
find housing within their financial reach.</span>
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<div dir="auto">Another twist is, several of the former church properties here in Madison have maintained chapels or church offices on site, knitting the two much more closely together. </div>
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<div dir="auto">There are a number of church properties across the Commonwealth that could (should) be considered for housing. I could see a few big companies that would jump at the sites if regulatory hurdles, and NIMBY, could be overcome with the religious
exemption. </div>
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<div dir="auto">Maybe my thoughts will generate some feedback for you. Not familiar with court cases in MA except for serving the homeless.</div>
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<div dir="auto">Daniel Fortier, AICP</div>
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<div id="divRplyFwdMsg" style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>From:</strong> MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org> on behalf of Town Planner via MassPlanners <massplanners@masscptc.org><br>
<strong>Sent:</strong> Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 9:01 AM<br>
<strong>To:</strong> massplanners@masscptc.org <massplanners@masscptc.org><br>
<strong>Subject:</strong> [Massplanners] Zoning and housing units on Church Properties<br>
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Good morning All,</p>
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Applauding all who are working on solutions to our housing crisis!</p>
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Do we know (is there case law or local legal opinions) whether housing (temporary or permanent) is a Dover protected use if on Church/Synagogue property? With many religious institutions stepping up to house those in need, the question comes up regarding
the level of permitting or oversight that Zoning allows. Appreciative of any feedback, experiences etc.</p>
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Best,</p>
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<span style="font-family:"Segoe Script"">Sue Brown</span>, RLA</p>
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Town Planner</p>
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West Newbury</p>
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<a href="mailto:townplanner@wnewbury.org"><span style="color:#0563C1">townplanner@wnewbury.org</span></a></p>
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(978) 363-1100 x125</p>
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