By Mrs. Poirier of North Attleborough, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3762) of Elizabeth A. Poirier and others for legislation to include certain long-term units in the town of Norton in calculating affordable housing. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Elizabeth A. Poirier

Steven J. D'Amico

F. Jay Barrows

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act relative to affordable housing in the town of Norton.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.   Notwithstanding any special or General Laws to the contrary, low and moderate income housing in the town of Norton shall include all 68 long-term units of affordable housing provided and operated by the North Cottage Program which conducts residential and day programs in the town of Norton for the purpose of housing and treating individuals recovering from drug and alcohol additions.  Because the housing provided by the North Cottage Program provides equivalent or greater affordable housing opportunities to group home units for clients and accessory apartments equivalent or similar to what is defined as low or moderate income housing under the General Laws and regulations, the number of such units shall be included in any calculation by the town of Norton or the Norton zoning board of appeals to determine the percentage of low and moderate income housing in the town.  This act shall also apply to any pending application submitted prior to its effective date.

SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.