Housing Committee | Jan 23, 2025
The meeting focused on reviewing and approving a regulatory agreement application from Short String Properties for inclusionary affordable housing units. A discussion centered on the proposed relocation of units from the Dockside project to the 310 Barnstable Road location.
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The meeting focuses on reviewing and approving a regulatory agreement application from Aaron Bornstein's company, Short String Properties LLC, for inclusionary affordable housing units. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the proposed relocation of units from the Dockside project to the 310 Barnstable Road location.
Key Points
- Regulatory Agreement Application: The applicant, represented by Michael Princey, proposes consolidating inclusionary unit commitments from three projects (Dockside, Cape Cod Times building, and 310 Barnstable Road) into the 310 Barnstable Road project.
- Unit Relocation and Upgrades: The proposal involves replacing smaller one- and two-bedroom units at Dockside and Cape Cod Times with larger one- and three-bedroom units at 310 Barnstable Road. The 310 Barnstable Road units offer significant upgrades, including larger sizes, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, upgraded heating, etc.), and ample parking.
- Immediate Occupancy: A key advantage of the 310 Barnstable Road units is their immediate availability for occupancy, unlike the Dockside units, which face potential delays due to ongoing legal appeals.
- Committee Deliberation and Approval: The committee members discuss the proposal's merits, addressing concerns about location and unit size. They ultimately approve the amended proposal, recommending it to the planning board.
- Housing Needs and Challenges: A substantial portion of the meeting is dedicated to a broader discussion of the town's housing crisis, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing and the challenges faced by low-income families.
- Other Updates: The meeting also includes updates on the town's subsidized housing inventory (81 new units added), the cancellation of a Cape Cod Ready Renters lottery, and ongoing efforts to identify additional land for affordable housing development.
Highlights
- The applicant's willingness to address the committee's concerns and revise their proposal to offer a more beneficial outcome for the town.
- The committee's thorough deliberation and thoughtful consideration of the proposal's implications.
- The passionate discussion about the broader housing crisis and the need for innovative solutions.
- The collaborative spirit among committee members and the applicant in finding a mutually acceptable solution.