Tax abatement changes could slow housing market  

Planned restrictions on a lucrative tax abatement for new developments could be slowing down the city’s housing market, developers and real estate lobbyists say. The new restriction, which will take effect July 1, will force developers to set aside 20 percent of their units as affordable housing in order to receive the 421a tax abatement. The change’s impact will be reviewed by the City Council in December.