The most pressing topic during the meeting was the regional housing strategy presented by Christopher Hayes from the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments. The “At Home in Greater L” initiative aims to tackle the housing crisis by addressing homelessness and the burdensome cost of housing that affects many Chelmsford residents. Hayes emphasized the need for strategic planning to manage decreasing vacancy rates and the increasing number of households that are struggling with affordability. He noted that over a quarter of households in the region spend more than 30% of their income on housing, which negatively impacts not only residents but also local businesses and economic stability. This situation risks pushing young adults to relocate to more affordable areas.

In response to these challenges, the board discussed several strategies, including missing middle zoning and inclusionary zoning. Missing middle zoning would allow for the development of smaller multi-family units, such as duplexes and triplexes, to fill the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. This approach aims to cater to small families and seniors looking to downsize, thereby making housing more accessible. Inclusionary zoning, on the other hand, requires a percentage of new developments to include affordable housing, with Chelmsford’s requirement set at 25%. The board acknowledged that while inclusionary zoning can sometimes hinder development, it is necessary to ensure affordable units are available alongside market-rate ones.

The board also delved into the complexities of increasing housing density, particularly concerning infrastructure demands such as utilities, schools, and public safety. They recognized the importance of considering these factors to prevent additional crises stemming from hasty development. The potential for increased housing density in specific areas, like Vinyl Square, was discussed as a possible solution for senior housing due to its amenities and accessibility.

Another portion of the meeting was dedicated to legislative proposals, notably the Municipal Empowerment Act. The board considered sending a letter of support for this act, which aims to enhance local governance capabilities. The act includes provisions that could make public meeting flexibilities permanent and streamline municipal procurement processes. These changes are seen as ways to reduce administrative burdens and improve operational efficiency without significant drawbacks.

In addition to legislative discussions, the board explored local tax measures, particularly property tax exemptions and collection processes. There was a push to increase exemptions for seniors and veterans through cost-of-living adjustments. The board also considered introducing means-tested exemptions for seniors to provide financial relief for those who are asset-rich but income-poor, allowing them to remain in their homes despite rising costs.

The potential zoning changes for a property on Mil Road to allow standalone drive-thru establishments also garnered attention. This proposal seeks to attract businesses like Starbucks or McDonald’s to leverage the location’s accessibility from Route 3. The board discussed the need to adjust zoning regulations to accommodate such developments while considering community needs and market conditions.