“Scattered site” housing developments comprise multiple units built on multiple parcels, often in single-or multi-family homes. This model is in contrast to affordable housing development in which all affordable units are built in the same location, either as a stand-alone development or integrated into a development with market-rate units. Scattered site housing construction has advantages because developers can recognize some economies of scale that go along with construction of multiple units, without concentrating low-income residents or needing large parcels. The affordable units can involve new construction or rehabilitation of existing units. This can be a useful model where there are multiple tax title or foreclosed properties within a municipality or other opportunities for acquiring multiple parcels.
An effective strategy for the development of scattered site public housing (especially in suburban locations) may involve partnerships between local housing authorities and nonprofit housing developers with more experience in project design and management.
8.a MAPC and allied organizations should study ways to increase collaboration between local housing authorities and nonprofit housing developers
8.b MAPC should support the efforts of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and other allies to encourage housing development and preservation by local housing authorities