Committee Reports Permit Extension Act Favorably
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The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business has reported the “Permit Extension Act of 2009” favorably. The act extends municipal development permits for two years that have expired or are set to expire between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2010.
“This bill will help jumpstart our economy as we emerge from this recession,” said Chair Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Milton). “Due to the financial crisis and credit freeze, many construction projects that went through the community process and received local approval were not able to begin construction. Now that credit is loosening, we don’t want to force developers to again go through the process, which takes time and money, for projects that have already been approved. This act will help accelerate the Commonwealth’s recovery. ”
The bill was slightly redrafted in committee. Section 3(c) was removed because it was found to be redundant. All development permits will be extended but are still subject to the same guidelines, regulations and agreements at the time in which the permits were granted.
We are currently involved in a project where the Permit Extension Act would expedite its development. Can you please provide an update on the status of implementing this legislation?
Thanks