WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester City Council is fast tracking a proposal by District 3 councilor George Russell that could help with solving the city's housing issue.

Russell's proposal, which received unanimous support from the council, would have the city allow in-law apartments for owner-occupied single family homes through special permits. At Tuesday's city council meeting, Russell used finished basements as an example of a space that could be used as such an apartment.

"This is one way to generate extra cash flow for owner occupants, to encourage owner occupants to stay in the home, not to sell to investors, but to stay in the home and to make extra housing units that can provide housing, good, clean, safe housing," Russell said at Tuesday's meeting.

By fast tracking the proposal, Russell is hoping a process that would normally take years could be done in a matter of months.