State Senate approves crumbling foundation amendment

BOSTON (WWLP) – It’s an issue our 22News I-Team has been following for years… crumbling foundations. Now, a new movement on legislature could help homeowners pay for this major defect.

Advocates lobbied at the State House in Boston Thursday in support of an amendment that would establish a fund to help homeowners pay for foundation damage due to crumbling concrete. This major issue, particularly prevalent in the western part of the state, is not covered by insurance and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The amendment is looking to ease that financial burden and give homeowners their home equity back.

Senator Peter Durant, a main sponsor for the bill, says this legislature is urgent for homeowners in western and central Massachusetts, “All of a sudden you find out that you have a foundation that’s crumbling underneath you and your house overnight becomes worthless. We have a ticking time bomb on our hands and we have to do something about it.”

One Monson homeowner has been advocating for state government assistance with the costs associated with replacing crumbling foundations for seven years since she found out that her home was crumbling beneath her.

“When you find out that you’ve now lost all the equity in a house that you’ve just paid off a year and a half ago… you’re sick. Sick to your stomach. And now what do I do? You have to somehow ask for help. Because we have no other options,” said Michelle Loglisci, Founder of the Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Foundation.

Massachusetts looks to join Connecticut as a state that tests concrete for the mineral that causes damage and provides financial assistance. On Thursday afternoon, the amendment was accepted in the State Senate and will soon be voted on as part of a larger bill. This is the farthest this legislation has ever made it in the process.

Local News

Suit Up Springfield helps veterans get suited up at no cost

Meet the local riders in this weekend’s Pro Motocross Southwick National

Hungry Hill Golden Age Club celebrates 4th of July early

Solid Sound Festival kicks off at MASS MoCA, featuring 30+ acts, comedy, and more

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.