United Interfaith Action of Southeastern MA: Fall River needs more affordable housing; here is what needs to happen

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern MA has released the following letter:

“Fall River has a housing crisis, and the City is not doing enough to address rising rents, increasing home prices, and growing numbers facing displacement and homelessness. In a city with the third highest eviction rate in Massachusetts, where at least 24% of households spend more than half of their income on housing; 6,000+ people on the City’s waitlist for public housing (with a 9 year wait); over 500 students experiencing homelessness this past school year; and more than 200 people in shelters, transitional housing, or on the streets, MORE must be done, especially in light of the City’s recent passage of an ordinance allowing fines for people experiencing homelessness, residing in public spaces.

“In June 2024, United Interfaith Action of Southeastern MA (UIA) held a public action meeting and offered concrete proposals to address the crisis. Mayor Coogan was non-committal on many of these proposals.

·      Pass Inclusionary Zoning (requiring at least 10% of all new housing development be affordable)

·      Create 156 public housing units Fall River is eligible for through the Faircloth Amendment, making more units available to those most vulnerable at 30% AMI

·      Reform zoning laws such as allowing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) with lessened restrictions

·      Rebuild Watuppa Heights with affordable housing

·      Spend at least 30% to address affordable housing and homelessness with the city’s CPA, CDBG, and ARPA funds.

“The need is great. If the City utilizes more opportunities to address affordable housing, it will also be poised to benefit from the historic $5Billion Housing Bond Bill from the State. The opportunity is NOW!

“A recent report from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) provides additional support for UIA’s demands. The report, Fall River Needs a Balanced Housing Strategy, draws on a wide range of public resources to document what UIA has long stressed: while low income and working class residents struggle with rising rents, evictions and fears of displacement, the City of Fall River prioritizes market rate and luxury projects, has overseen a reduction in the affordable inventory, failed to utilize millions in affordable housing funds, and has no comprehensive plan to address the affordable housing crisis in the city. The report includes specific recommendations, many of which UIA has proposed, urging the city to shift priorities and implement a truly balanced housing policy.

“The report implies what many in the city quietly acknowledge – for years Fall River leaders have claimed that the city has more than enough affordable housing, has done its part, and it is up to other communities to do more.  The facts tell a different story – the scarcity of lower rent housing is undeniable. 

“Though officials may claim they have a “balanced” housing policy – we read almost weekly about the city-supported steady stream of high-priced apartments. When Fall River abandons affordable housing options, it abandons low-income and working class Fall River residents. As it welcomes higher income newcomers, it will freeze out low-income residents who now go – where? The mayor and the City Councilors should start NOW on the urgent work to re-balance the city’s approach to housing.”

United Interfaith Action