Diminution In Property Values No Basis To Challenge

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has severely restricted access to the courts for neighbors opposing affordable housing projects. The Andover zoning board granted Avalon a comprehensive permit under Chapter 40B for a 115 unit affordable housing project, with 29 of units designated for low and moderate income housing. Abutting neighboring residents appealed, claiming to be aggrieved because, inter alia, the proposed housing would diminish their property values.