Gov. Maura Healey is taking a swing at one of Massachusetts’ most entrenched building rules, signing an executive order Thursday to explore whether the state’s long‑standing two‑stair mandate can be safely loosened for mid‑rise apartment buildings. Supporters argue that letting some projects use a single stair could make small lots and “missing‑middle” buildings finally pencil out, opening up new homes where the housing crunch is most severe.
Healey said the new technical advisory group will pull together fire‑safety officials, architects, accessibility advocates and public‑safety representatives, with a mandate to weigh safety against the urgent need for more housing. As reported by The Boston Globe, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus put it…..