Ad Hoc Committee on Housing Strategies | Jan 29, 2025

Watch the meeting. AI generated summary of meeting video below. Corrections are welcome; see contact page.

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This meeting focuses on assessing and recommending strategies to increase housing creation, specifically affordable housing, within the town. The discussion heavily involves exploring various avenues to address the town's housing shortage and affordability crisis.

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Key Points

• Public Comment Highlights: Residents raised concerns about market inefficiencies pricing out residents, the impact of short-term rentals, and the need for more diverse housing options (duplexes, townhomes) to increase housing availability. One resident shared insights from other towns (Provincetown and Nantucket) that successfully implemented housing initiatives, including land acquisition, tax incentives, and trust funds.
• Town Council's Request: The Town Council requested a report outlining opportunities for affordable housing using state funding and detailing the associated processes. The committee discussed the complexities of this request, particularly regarding the nuances of 40B projects and their impact on affordability requirements.
• Marson Mill School Property: A significant portion of the discussion centered on the potential use of the Marson Mill school property for housing development. The committee debated the types of housing (ownership vs. rental, income restrictions), feasibility studies, and the process of requesting proposals while adhering to state regulations.
• Strategies for Increasing Housing: The committee reviewed and refined a list of strategies categorized into three areas: increasing revenue for affordable housing, aligning town resources to support housing creation, and adopting/revising zoning ordinances to increase housing supply. Specific strategies included exploring a transfer tax on real estate transactions, optimizing state and federal funding, designating town assets for housing, and increasing zoning flexibility and density.
• Short-Term Rentals: The impact of short-term rentals on the housing market was discussed, with suggestions for regulation to potentially free up year-round housing units.
• Market Rate Housing: The committee acknowledged the oversupply of market-rate housing and the need to prioritize affordable options while recognizing the interconnectedness of both types of housing development.
• Next Steps: The committee agreed to continue the discussion with a fuller committee membership, refine the list of strategies, and present a more detailed report to the Town Council.

Highlights

• The meeting showcased a collaborative effort to address a complex housing crisis.
• The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with various housing initiatives.
• The committee demonstrated a commitment to finding practical and effective solutions.
• The meeting revealed a nuanced understanding of state regulations and funding mechanisms related to affordable housing.
• The discussion underscored the importance of community engagement and addressing public concerns regarding housing development.