THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, August 16, 2019 Page 5 Rep. McGonagle testifies to streamline housing production Urges colleagues to support H.3397 to combat housing crisis S tate Representative Joseph McGonagle testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary to urge his colleagues to support H.3397, his bill titled “An Act to streamline housing production through abutter appeals reform” and raise it for a vote. In McGonagle’s leadership role as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, he is actively exploring every policy solution to combat the housing crisis facing the Commonwealth. McGonagle’s bill is a simple, yet effective step to streamline housing production by helping to prevent frivolous litigation against development. McGonagle’s bill would allow judges, in their discretion, to impose a bond requirement of up to $15,000 on plaintiffs who file abutter appeal cases if the judge thinks the case lacks merit and is only being used to delay a housing development. By allowing judges to impose a bond, frivolous abutter appeals lawsuits would be discouraged, while still ensuring the right of abutters to testimony McGonagle revealed that over the past nine years the Metro Boston region has added 245,000 new jobs, while only permitting 71,600 housing units. “At the present moment, the Commonwealth simply cannot afford to wait to create new housing units, especially low-income and senior units,” McGonagle stressed to his colleagues. McGonagle also emphasized that his bill does not discourage neighbors who have valid concerns about adjacent developments. He testified, “This bill is not meant to dismiss the rights of abutters who want to bring legitimate concerns about a development to court. Instead, the intention of this bill is to dissuade frivolous lawsuits that are meant only to delay or stop a housing development.” McGonagle’s bill currently awaits committee action. State Rep. Joseph McGonagle testifies before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of his bill H.3397. (Courtesy Photo) bring legitimate concerns about a development to court. “Over the years, we have seen how abutting neighbors with a ‘not in my backyard’ or NIMBY mentality negatively impact housing production and development, especially developments with affordable units. These abutting neighbors often employ land use appeals as a tactic to prevent any new development,” McGonagle asserted during his testimony. While there is no simple solution to solving the housing crisis, McGonagle wholeheartedly believes that increasing the Commonwealth’s housing supply is paramount. During his Enjoy Everett’s Unique Steak House We offer an authentic dining experience featuring homemade recipes from Brazil, passed down from generations. The main attraction is the Rodízio which is an all-you-can-eat traditional Brazilian barbecue that you may enjoy as much as you like for one fixed price, served table-side in a skewers of beef, chicken, pork and lamb. Accompanying the barbecued meats is a full-course exceptional salad bar and a delicious Brazilian hot side dishes made from typical Brazilian ingredients updated daily. Beside the Rodízio we also offer an option to pay by weight and delicious homemade desserts. Karaoke and Sports in our Lounge Bar Experience the best Brazilian steakhouse in the Boston area! Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 IL. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles) Only $59.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE FULL LIQUOR BAR Enjoy our selection of drinks and coming to join us our sport bar atmosphere with a large variety drinks and try out traditional Caipirinha. Enjoy the Karaoke night every Tuesday and live music from Thursday to Sunday. 749 Broadway, Everett * (617) 389-8615 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11AM-11PM/Fri-Sat 11AM-12AM/Bar Open until 1AM Call Now for Reservations or UBER EATS Delivery! Auto., Leather, Loaded, Excellent Condition, Clean Title, Warranty, ONLY 72K Miles! Trades Welcomed READY TO GO! 781-321-8841 2009 MERCEDES BENZ ML550 4Matic, AMG Package, Loaded with Options, Excellent Condition, Clean Title & Car Fax, 118K Miles LUXURY & STYLE! $6,995 $11,900 Easy Financing Available! 1236 Eastern Ave • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle!
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