Batista: Pausing Stretch Code Could Spur Housing Development in Worcester

“If we can pause it… does that help bring units and improve affordability?”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- Worcester City Manager Eric Batista stopped by the Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss the administration’s recommendation to pause the enforcement of the specialized stretch code for new construction, citing economic challenges and a desire to spur housing development. He said the pause may help let some smaller projects happen, “There’s a lot of people in this community; they may not be looking for these units that have all the amenities in a pool and a gym and all that stuff, right? They just want a roof over their head and a great unit.”  

The administration has proposed pausing the specialized stretch code until January 2028 due to changing regulations, the high cost of materials, and the reduction of federal and state incentives, which made development more difficult. In explaining the rationale behind the pause, Batista said, “If this code, based on what’s in our control, if we can be able to control the enforcement here and pause it for a period of time, does that help to spread development, bring units and help with the affordability of some of the units? That’s something that we wanted to explore and that’s why we put it forward.”