In the Greater Boston area, two major trends are currently taking place: the high price tag of housing and an increase in vacancies in malls and strip malls. Developers will need multifaceted solutions to continue prospering in a post-pandemic world.

One potential solution for developers? Finding innovative ways to repurpose affordable housing in old buildings, malls, and — as recently reported by the Boston Herald — strip malls.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) recommended rethinking strip malls as multi-use buildings, including affordable housing adopted in areas like Woburn.

In addition to their call-to-action, the MAPC identifies barriers that could slow the redevelopment process. Among these barriers are obsolete zoning issues that have plagued Massachusetts for decades. Development in municipalities has suffered from instability over the past few decades, with zoning laws forcing developers and town officials into boxes that disrupt the process of rethinking and building thoughtful development plans.

At BG, we specialize in communication and strategic plans that help towns and communities reimagine the development process to make it more equitable for everyone and ultimately leave the zoning box behind. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you with your housing project.