After reading these various stories about mega-housing development proposals in Braintree (752 units – B&T), Dedham (644 units – B&T) and Cambridge (2,000 units – Boston.com), I actually entertained the idea that maybe, just maybe, we had turned a mysterious corner when it comes to housing production in Massachusetts. That maybe an early trend was emerging of towns and developers finally working together for the greater common good. And then … and then I was brought to my senses with news of a possible rent-control referendum on next year’s election ballot. When it’s not NIMBY types getting in the way of new housing developments, it’s “housing advocates,” via antiquated policies that discourage new housing developments. … I hate to say it, but the whining real estate groups (via Globe) are right about a statewide rent control law: it would be disastrous for Massachusetts. Those housing plans mentioned at the outset of this post? Not going to happen if one of the most restrictive rent-control policies in the nation is passed next year. 

In an ideal world, “housing advocates” would read this WSJ article about how New Rochelle, NY, is actually bringing rents down — without affordable-housing requirements, rent controls, etc., etc — and perhaps adjust their strategies. But that’s not going to happen. It’s not how ideological minds work.