Bylaw Modernization Grants awarded to assist improvement of reasonably priced properties

$264,000 awarded to replace zoning for wanted properties in walkable neighborhoods.

Vermont Enterprise Journal The Division of Housing and Group Growth (DHCD) introduced $264,000 in Bylaw Modernization Grants to assist statewide municipal bylaw modernization tasks.  The funding was handed in Act 182 and championed by the Senate Committee on Financial Growth, Housing and Common Affairs and the Home Committee on Atmosphere and Power.  It’s meant to assist municipalities confront the State’s housing scarcity by enabling new housing investments in sensible areas.

“These grants present a method for municipalities to modernize bylaws that may improve their manufacturing of reasonably priced properties in development-ready locations,” mentioned DHCD Commissioner Josh Hanford. “It’s a approach for Vermont’s communities to confront the State’s housing disaster head-on and assist communities turn into extra equitable, environmentally resilient, and economically sturdy.”

“The housing disaster is statewide and impacts many demographics, with older Vermonters on mounted incomes; working households and younger adults discovering the state more and more unaffordable,” mentioned Consultant Seth Bongartz, of the Home Committee on Atmosphere and Power. “This grant program builds on the Zoning for Nice Neighborhoods Information and ensures all communities are working to create circumstances for Vermonters to have a spot to name dwelling.”

The grants will assist 15 Vermont communities start wanted reforms meant to extend housing alternatives and pace the development of reasonably priced middle-income housing. Most of the awardees are utilizing these grant funds to replace their zoning bylaws along side an inflow of one-time federal restoration monies to construct development-supporting infrastructure and improve pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

“Vermont has one of many largest racial homeownership gaps within the nation,” mentioned Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Chair of the Senate Committee on Financial Growth, Housing and Common Affairs. “If we’re going to be a extra numerous and welcoming state, in addition to an economically stronger one, we have to get rid of laws that exclude and restrict wealth-building alternatives.”

For a full record of grant award recipients go to the DHCD web site.

MONTPELIER, Vt. — 1.17.2023. Division of Housing and Group Growth