Story highlights need for 40B reform

SINCE I filed an initiative petition for the repeal of sections of Massachusetts General Law 40B, I have been asked about my motive. The Aug. 22 front-page story "State agency ignores own guidelines in condo loans" is an example of my motivation.

Despite audit findings by the inspector general and reports of other developer abuses, our Legislature and the Patrick administration continues to ignore the fact that Chapter 40B is a failure, and they remain oblivious to the need for reform to our affordable-housing programs.

Despite hundreds of bills seeking reform of 40B filed and ignored over the past two years, our state government continues to ignore the need for oversight.. What MassHousing did by awarding millions of dollars that should have been available for affordable housing to the upscale Columbus Center condo project is outrageous. Instead of catering to developers, our government should be demanding an investigation and accounting from the agencies involved.

If the government can't fix 40B, then the citizens can by working to place the issue on the ballot.

JOHN BELSKIS, Arlington
The writer is chairman of the Coalition for the Reform of 40B.