PDP legislators file bills to address housing shortages
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
In a move to address Puerto Rico’s deepening affordable housing crisis, the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) delegation in the island House of Representatives introduced a comprehensive legislative package Wednesday aimed at easing access to decent housing for working families, young professionals and senior citizens.
Led by House PDP Minority Leader Rep. Héctor Ferrer Santiago and Rep. Gretchen Hau Irizarry, the initiative seeks to confront the rising cost of living and housing shortages with targeted measures that reduce construction costs, streamline financing and repurpose abandoned properties.
“The cost of living in Puerto Rico has skyrocketed, and with it, the possibility of not having a safe roof over one’s head,” Ferrer Santiago said. “These measures respond to the urgent need to ensure that families can build their future here, without having to leave the island due to a lack of opportunities.”
The legislative package includes four key proposals:
House Bill 953 – Municipal Housing Rescue Act: Empowers municipalities to acquire and rehabilitate abandoned properties using Emergency Reserve Fund loans. The homes would be sold at affordable prices, primarily to residents aged 21 to 35.
House Resolution (HR) 235 – Tax Exemption for Construction Materials and Permits: Eliminates the sales & use tax and permit fees for high-impact social housing projects, providing relief to developers, small contractors and self-builders.
HR 234 – Exemption from Mortgage Fees for First-Time Homebuyers: Waives notary fees for young workers purchasing their first home, lowering legal costs and promoting financial stability.
HR 236 – Housing and Transportation-Oriented Development Program: Encourages the development of affordable housing on underutilized public lands, such as Urban Train parking lots, integrating residential areas with public transit.
“We want a country where housing and transportation don’t compete, but rather complement each other,” said Hau. “Where young people can live close to their work, their university, or the train.”
The lawmakers emphasized that the proposals not only aim to resolve the housing crisis but also stimulate local economic growth, revitalize urban centers, and curb the emigration of young professionals.