Medford Community Brief: Extending Deed Restrictions

On the issue of extending deed restrictions to cover our fourth-round affordable housing obligation, we have consulted with both our legal team and the Fair Share Housing Center. They confirmed that a municipality cannot extend deed restrictions that have not yet expired, as municipal authority is set by statute and governed by established affordable housing frameworks.

In simpler terms, using deed restrictions that are still active toward a new obligation would essentially be considered “double dipping,” and is not permitted. While we would absolutely take advantage of that option if we could, we are already preparing for the 5th round.

We encourage residents to bring any questions or concerns to tonight’s Town Hall meeting; we welcome the conversation.

~ Deputy Mayor Voorhees