Massachusetts municipality prohibits natural gas usage, yet housing growth persists
In the heart of Massachusetts, the town of Lexington has been making strides in promoting sustainable living and affordable housing. The town's recent developments have been the subject of much discussion, mirroring similar debates seen in states like California and New York.
In late 2023, the planning board in Lexington approved nine new housing projects, ranging from a seven-unit building to a complex with 312 residential units and 2,100 square feet of retail space. This move came after changing its zoning rules in the same year. Notably, the new zoning requires 15% of the units in private projects to be affordable.
One of the most significant developments is a municipal project aimed at creating a 40-unit affordable housing development. This initiative, coupled with other projects in the pipeline, brings the total number of affordable units on the horizon to about 200.
Despite the energy-efficiency standards and the town's decision to ban natural gas, Lexington has managed to permit 1,100 new units of housing over the past two years, including 160 affordable units. Most of the new housing will be market-rate, with a median condo price of $915,000 in the first quarter of 2025.
The municipal project will be designed to be energy-efficient, with solar panels on the roofs of the buildings' offsetting the electricity consumed by the building's heat pumps. This approach aligns with Massachusetts' goal of getting off natural gas and its aim to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential increase in housing costs due to all-electric construction, especially in a time when Massachusetts is facing an acute housing shortage. However, evidence suggests otherwise. A study by think tank RMI found that all-electric homes in Boston are slightly less expensive to build and operate than mixed-fuel homes. Similarly, Massachusetts-based advocacy group Built Environment Plus found that building larger multifamily and affordable housing developments "net-zero ready" costs about 4% less up front than the conventional approach.
Mark Sandeen, a member of the town select board and the board of the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust, affirmed that the energy-efficiency standards did not stop the development of affordable housing. The new construction will increase available housing in town by 9%, with a mix of rental units and condos.
The municipal project will include four residential buildings designed to be energy-efficient and to minimize the square footage of halls and other common areas, reducing the cost of heating and cooling. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to making these homes more affordable for residents.
In conclusion, Lexington, Massachusetts, is setting a strong example for other towns and cities in the United States by pushing forward with affordable, energy-efficient housing developments. The town's initiatives not only address the need for more housing but also contribute to the state's goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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