BOSTON — Despite the Massachusetts State Senate approving legislation that would help homeowners with crumbling foundation issues, the House of Representatives failed to act on the issue, leaving the legislation to be refiled for the upcoming legislative session.
Crumbling Foundations have recently been discovered in over 40 communities in Massachusetts, with experts saying that the problem will only worsen, causing lower property values and prompting local tax abatements to impacted homeowners.
Many homeowners have been unable to file insurance claims to fix damages to their homes. Those damages stem from a chemical known as pyrrhotite, which causes concrete to easily fail.
Damages can cost up to $200,000, and homeowners often find it difficult to accumulate the funding to replace these foundations due to a lack of equity in their homes.
Many state senators have expressed their disappointment with the House of Representatives.
“This legislation is very important to certain residential homeowners in Dracut and to many homeowners in Worcester County,” Sen. Ed Kennedy, D-Lowell said. “I am very disappointed that the House failed to take any action on the legislation that would have set up a commission charged with addressing the crumbling concrete foundation problem.”
Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, was also trying to pass the bill, saying that the passage in the Senate, “marks an important step toward providing relief for homeowners with crumbling concrete foundations,”
Senator Michael Moore, D-Millbury also expressed his displeasure with the House, due to the faulty foundations in homes, many residents are put at unnecessary risks that aren’t their fault.
Sen. Moore also went on to say that he’s proud to collaborate with fellow politicians, making it a “first step to making homeowners whole for foundation repairs and replacements due to the presence of pyrrhotite. While I am incredibly disappointed we were not able to get this legislation past the finish line this term, I am hopeful that we will finally address the crumbling foundation crisis next session.”
State Senator Peter Durant, R-Spencer, has analogized the crumbling foundation issue to a natural disaster.
“It is extremely disappointing that our colleagues in the House have let down the residents of Massachusetts who are struggling to keep their homes,” State Sen. Durant, said. “Anyone who has seen the devastation caused by crumbling foundations can understand the urgent need for this legislation.”
Senator Durant has said that the passage of the bill will remain a top priority for him in the upcoming legislative session.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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