Whereas, notwithstanding the general good accomplished by such increase in home ownership,
many people of limited means, particularly the elderly, the handicapped, and persons
and families of low and moderate income, are suffering thereby in that they have difficulty
in obtaining alternative rental housing at prices which they can afford when evicted
for condominium conversion; and
Whereas, the untoward effects of condominium conversion evictions on tenants can be
adequately dealt with by providing potentially displaced tenants with sufficient time
to examine the housing market, evaluate available housing alternatives, formulate
future housing plans, secure any necessary financing and decide whether to purchase
the condominium unit or relocate; and
Whereas, this emergency cannot be dealt with solely by the operation of the private
rental housing market, and unless evictions for condominium conversions and cooperatives
are regulated and controlled, such emergency and the inflationary pressures and displacement
resulting therefrom will produce serious threats to the public health, safety, and
general welfare of the citizens of New Bedford;
Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in it by law, including without limitation,
Chapter 527 of the Acts of 1983, as amended by Chapter 170 of the Acts of 1984, be
it ordained by the City Council of the City of New Bedford as follows:
(b)
Definitions. As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires
otherwise, have the following meanings:
Condominium unit. A unit in a housing condominium as that term is defined in M.G.L.A. c. 183A.