Bob is in Mashpee, Massachusetts, where the affordable housing project is well underway with five of the eleven homes currently under construction. Bob talks with developer and general contractor Joe Valle about the pace of the project and the four homes that will be designated as affordable by housing agency guidelines. Valle introduces Bob to Zella Elizenberry of the Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee, Jamie Regan the chair of the Mashpee Zoning Board of Appeals, and Eric Smith, the Mashpee Assistant Town Planner. Together they explain the process that led to the approval and construction of Mashpee's first ever 40B affordable housing project. Regan explains that just 10 years ago zoning would have permitted the construction of four homes on this parcel of land, but today it is zoned for only two. While the board sees the need for affordable housing, they wanted to be sure there would be moderately priced housing, too. Elizenberry explains the original intent of the law, which was to prevent "snob zoning" or exclusion of lower-priced, affordable homes in wealthier communities. In exchange for the zoning relief, developers are required to provide 25 percent affordable housing in a development governed by Act 40B. Smith adds that the key areas where zoning relief was extended to the project are in reduced lot size and reduced frontage for the homes. They all agree that this development must speak well for Mashpee and its commitment to quality affordable housing. By law and by intent, the affordably priced homes must be identical to the market-priced homes in the same development, in terms of materials, workmanship, and design. Bob notes that the development is built on a cul-de-sac, which is perfect for young families.

Bob meets with Joe Valle, the developer and general contractor for the River Hill development in Mashpee, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Although Mashpee has zoning laws that restrict housing development to minimum two-acre lots, Valle found that this land could not be adequately broken up into two two-acre parcels. So, he applied for zoning relief through Massachusetts' Act 40B and was able to use the 4.5-acre parcel to build 11 homes, four of which are affordable. Valle shows Bob the plan for the new neighborhood, indicating where the affordable homes will be located. He also shows him the available house-plan options. Homebuyers may choose from a Colonial, a Cape, or a ranch model. All homes will be of the same size and specifications, ranging from 1,320 square feet to 1,600 square feet. They will be finished with wood siding, either cedar shingle or clapboard. Valle explains that 40B affordable houses may not differ in size, appearance, or materials from their market-priced neighbors. Valle is also limited, by law, to a 20 precent profit on the development. This will come mostly from the market-priced homes that should sell for around $345,000. He does remark that challenges, like the increase in building supply prices, may limit his profit even further. Still, Valle is excited to use the law as a tool to build beautiful, affordable housing for families who want to live and work in the community.

Bob visits with John Druley of Quaker Homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Druley is developing a parcel of land in Falmouth that will have eight homes, two of them affordable for families earing a modest income. Bob and Druley discuss the reality of housing in Falmouth, where one-acre building lots are required for new housing. A lot, Druley explains, will sell for around $300,000 with no construction. For this development, Druley has invoked Massachusetts' Act 40B to gain relief from zoning restrictions such as the one-acre minimum lot size. In return, Druley must make 20 percent of the homes available as affordable homes, for those earning up to 80 percent of the area's median income. The lots are 10,000 sqaure feet with a 40-foot setback from the road, 10-foot sidelines, and a 45 to 50-foot backyard. The homes are 1,800-square-foot Capes with attached garages, clad in white cedar shingles, with skylights, architectural-style roof shingles, and no-maintenance, energy-efficient vinyl windows. Druley explains that the affordable and market-priced homes must be indistinguisable in design, materials, and layout. The state assigns a 40B auditor to monitor the project and assure that no corners are cut on the affordable homes, and that the developer earns no more than 20 percent profit from the development. Druley explains that the market-priced homes in the neighborhood will sell for between $375,000 and $400,000, which will help offset the $119,900 selling price for the affordable homes.