By Aprell May Munford | Masslive
Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson, Springfield City Councilor Michael Fenton and other leaders statewide are speaking out against a proposed rent control ballot question, saying it could hurt local budgets and slow the construction of new housing.
The three Western Massachusetts officials are aligned with Housing for Massachusetts, a statewide coalition working to defeat the ballot proposal, the group said in a statement on Wednesday. Fellow opponents include the mayors of Everett, Lawrence, Revere, Quincy and Worcester, to name a few.
Opponents say the measure would limit local control by applying the same rules across the state. They also warn that communities already facing housing shortages and tight budgets could struggle to cover the costs.