The most significant topic was the affordability of housing in Ayer, highlighted by a presentation from Pat Latimore and Ron Mor of New England Real Estate. They reported that the average home price in Ayer had reached $605,000, requiring an annual income of around $150,000 to afford a mortgage. This stark figure underscored the financial strain on families, particularly those in middle-class professions like teaching, where dual-income households still struggle to secure housing. The discussion noted that rising home prices have outpaced income growth, creating a widening affordability gap.

Latimore and Mor also shared that many potential homebuyers in Ayer are individuals priced out of neighboring towns such as Acton and Westford. The average mortgage payment, excluding property taxes, was approximately $3,136 per month, with property taxes adding an additional $5,600 annually. The presenters emphasized the growing disparity between housing costs and potential buyer incomes.

The board’s conversation turned to how zoning laws, particularly parking requirements, hinder development. Current regulations require one parking space per residential unit, which developers argue makes projects in Ayer less attractive compared to towns with more flexible policies. The discussion included suggestions to update these zoning laws, particularly in transit-oriented areas, to better reflect modern development needs and ease the development process.

The meeting also addressed the state of Ayer’s commercial landscape, particularly on Main Street. Despite its proximity to the train station, commercial interest remains low, with empty lots and businesses struggling to thrive. It was noted that establishments like coffee shops have not been able to attract commuters, who often head directly to the train. The absence of a major supermarket was also flagged as a hindrance to attracting both residents and businesses.

A proposal was discussed to eliminate the one parking space per unit requirement to encourage downtown development. The board considered that easing these restrictions could make Ayer more competitive and attractive to developers, potentially boosting local commerce and housing availability.

The board also reviewed the status of new construction projects and the implications of rising costs. It was observed that while Ayer has an amount of new construction, the costs associated with land and materials continue to rise, limiting the feasibility of affordable housing projects. The Planning Board explored the potential for developing smaller, more affordable homes, with suggestions to incentivize units ranging from 900 to 1,200 square feet.

Additionally, the board examined the impact of public transportation on housing demand. The limited train service to Ayer was cited as a barrier to attracting potential residents, despite the area’s growing appeal due to remote work trends. Participants expressed frustration over the inadequate train services, noting that improvements could increase interest in Ayer as a residential area.

Another topic was the ongoing project involving National Grid and its impact on local wetlands. Concerns were raised about the environmental implications of filling wetlands, with skepticism about the necessity of a proposed access road. The board discussed the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and ensuring that any changes to the project are carefully reviewed.