This is BAD NEWS. This should NOT be part of the GOP platform! It’s socialism, or as we at CNHT.org like to call it, “Housing DEI”.
We will suggest primarying all who vote for this nonsense.
The Governor needs to VETO some of these bills because she does not understand the unintended consequences of ‘solving the housing crisis’ (one of her campaign promises) which are:
– These bills chip away at local control, which is people voting in their own towns on how they want their towns to be organized
– Prevents towns from controlling their own growth w/regard to services
– One-size-fits-all central planning is not good for 254 towns that are all different with different needs and wants
– Raises taxes on SF zoned homes because apartments are often given tax subsidies and do not have to pay property taxes for 9 years and even when they start paying taxes, I am told by my town council that they never pay their fair share even when they do start paying
– Will eradicate all SF zoned areas eventually, the ultimate goal of those who think this is about ‘property rights’. They would even like to outlaw HOAs
– None of this stuff helps the supposed ‘housing crisis’ and removes choices
=== ORIGINAL MESSAGE FROM THE NH SENATE ===
From: Peter O’Neill
To: Peter O’Neill
NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2025
Senate Passes Housing Package for New Hampshire
CONCORD, NH– Senator Keith Murphy (R-Manchester) released the following statement today on the Senate passing, with bipartisan support, a series of bills designed to address the ongoing housing shortage by removing red tape and obstacles that delay or stop builders from expanding the housing supply:
“We heard the voters loud and clear: the cost of housing is too high, indicating a lack of supply. Housing prices are up 59% in just the last four years. A coalition of builders, realtors, housing advocates, and employers suggested legislation to get the government out of the way and lower prices by increasing supply. For too long, regulations have made it financially impossible for builders to construct starter homes, which is exactly what our citizens need. I call upon our colleagues in the House to take up these bills and pass them without delay. These bills combined will begin to restore normalcy to the housing market and lower costs for our constituents. Our message to the construction industry, home builders, and realtors is this: “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
Background:
SB 163 blocks cities and towns from blocking all new building permits.
SB 170 and SB 173 update the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and will be assessed as an amount equal to 10% of the net rental income.
SB 174 prohibits planning boards from using the number of bedrooms to deny housing developments.
SB 281 streamlines the local permit approval process for property adjacent to class VI roads.
SB 283 requires municipalities to exclude below-grade areas, such as basements or underneath parling, from floor area ration calculations.
SB 284 limits local residential parking space mandates.
###
Media Contact:
Peter O’Neill, Communications Director
peter.oneill@gc.nh.gov
603-271-3043