MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A new push is underway at the Vermont Statehouse to get at the heart of Vermont’s housing crisis.
Some developers have called Act 250 and some local zoning duplicative, discouraging the construction of desperately needed new housing.
A new bill with tri-partisan backing would completely exempt projects in downtowns and village centers and incentivize growth outside of downtowns by raising the cap of 10 units to 30 over two years in areas with water and sewer infrastructure.
Leaders say the proposal would incentivize housing outside of flood plains. “Housing is about more than just housing, it’s about workforce, equity, health, safety, community revitalization and much much more,” said Gov. Phil Scott Wednesday. He says allowing more construction will get at the root of Vermont’s housing crisis.
This bill also seeks to expedite the conversion of former hotels and other suitable buildings to shelters for the homeless.
Lawmakers are expected to take up the bill this week.
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