Amendment #16 to H4306

Rural Congregate Micro-Housing Commission

Ms. Andrews of Orange moves to amend the bill by adding at the end the following two sections:-

SECTION XX. There is hereby established a special commission consisting of the undersecretary for housing and community development or designee, who shall serve as chair, the chair of the board of building regulations and standards; the chair of the architectural access board; the western region coordinator for the green communities division of the department of energy resources; the executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, or a designee; the executive director of the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority, or a designee; the executive director of Franklin County Home Care Corporation, or a designee; 2 members to be appointed by the governor that are registered architects and reside in either Berkshire, Dukes, Franklin, or Hampshire County; 1 member to be appointed by the governor that is a tenant residing in elder public housing, 1 member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and 1 member to be appointed by the senate president for the purpose of making an investigation and study relative to the feasibility of a pilot program for rural congregate micro-housing, hereinafter referred to as RCMH housing.

SECTION XY. Such investigation and study shall include: (1) an evaluation of the current rural congregate elder housing models in Massachusetts, including but not limited to (a) an analysis of the business models and management structures of such housing; (b) an examination of rules and requirements governing design and potential public financing of RCMH housing; and (c) an analysis of the best practices currently in existence for developing net zero energy consumption, LEED-certified congregate elder housing in Massachusetts; and (2) an evaluation of the feasibility of establishing a pilot program for developing congregate micro-housing in four municipalities with populations fewer than 4,000 residents.

Said commission shall report to the general court the results of its investigation and study, together with its recommendations and drafts the legislation necessary to carry said recommendations into effect, by filing the same with the clerk of the senate and the clerk of the house of representatives and the house and senate chairs of the committee on substance abuse and mental health on or before January 1, 2013.