Another way to protect tenants from eviction and rent hikes could be legislation called the Tenants Opportunity To Purchase Act (TOPA), CLVU organizers said.
Yvette Moore, a 65-year-old yoga instructor living in Dorchester, is one such case of what TOPA could look like in Massachusetts.
After months of open houses, multiple purchase attempts, and negotiating, the landlord of Moore’s building finally accepted an offer in December from the Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust, a nonprofit that works to combat displacement and to create permanently affordable, community-controlled housing in the Boston area, particularly in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. When the purchase is complete, Moore’s rent will never go up, and the building will remain affordable even if she moves.
“We’re hoping we can get more of these in Boston. Hopefully this fight will continue opening up the door for others,” Moore said.
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Thank you for your leadership Yvette, Laura, and Betty! You are the movement leaders we have been dreaming of.
Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust is such an important anchor for our community; thank you for your partnership Meridith Levy.
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