Housing Investment Plan To Benefit Vineyard

Governor Maura Healey's housing investment plan is receiving support locally.

The Affordable Homes Act includes four-billion dollars in capital spending, with a goal of reducing the barriers to producing new housing but also preserving existing homes. Included is a housing transfer fee, which is welcomed at Martha's Vineyard.

The local option fee would permit municipalities or housing commissions to take a percentage of high-price real estate transactions to fund a housing bank. I

n a statement, Representative Dylan Fernandes says the idea is one that has been supported for years, while Senator Julian Cyr called the measure a "game changer."

Several state committees must examine the bill before it goes to lawmakers.

(Photo by Cate Gillon/Getty Images)