FILE - The Massachusetts Statehouse is seen, Jan. 2, 2019, in Boston. The Massachusetts Senate unveiled its version of a major housing bill Monday, June 24, 2024, following up on similar proposals by Gov. Maura Healey and the Massachusetts House. FILE - Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka speaks inside the Statehouse, Jan. 3, 2019, in Boston. The Massachusetts Senate unveiled its version of a major housing bill Monday, June 24, 2024, following up on similar proposals by Gov.
Wu has pushed for the conversions to add more housing after some office buildings failed to fill up again with clients after they emptied out during the pandemic. The conversion can often be costly due to the complexity of the projects. Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, praised Senate leaders for rejecting the proposal. He said lawmakers need to prioritize policies that “reduce barriers to housing creation, which will in turn help generate production of homes across all price points.”
Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka said the Senate bill is designed to help spur production and preserve and promote access to housing.