Even before opponents begin celebrating the official vote pronouncing the death of the city’s proposed ADU ordinance, far more imposing proponents are emerging; specifically, the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Maura Healey.

A number of bills winding their way through Beacon Hill, both in the House and Senate, seek to address Accessory Dwelling Units, with some even allowing for “movable tiny houses.” One of those bills, H.1296, includes 17th Middlesex State Representative Vanna Howard of Lowell as a co-signer. That particular piece of legislation calls for either the resident of the single-family dwelling or the ADU to be either elderly or disabled.

In addition, Governor Healey is holding a press conference Wednesday morning to unveil her Housing Bond Bill, which sources tell us will include ADU “by right” provisions far more inclusive than the measure the Lowell City Council is about to kill. ADU’s are seen by many as the “lowest hanging fruit” in dealing with the state’s housing crisis.

There will likely be changes to whatever the Governor proposes, negotiated to include aspects of the House and Senate bills under consideration.  The guess here, however, is that the final product will throw enough money around in an effort to ease the housing crisis, that killing ADU’s in Lowell will be a far more difficult task next time around.