The housing production plan, developed in collaboration with Taylor Perez, director of housing and research at Serpent, targets several issues, including Westport’s aging population, high housing costs, and the concerning number of residents facing housing-related financial burdens. Perez highlighted that nearly one in four homeowners and nearly one in two renters experience some form of cost burden. The plan identifies significant barriers to development, such as environmental constraints, limited public utilities, restrictive zoning regulations, and negative perceptions of affordable housing.

The ultimate goal is to produce more units eligible for the state’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. Key strategies include collaborating with housing developers, modifying zoning regulations, and promoting community outreach to support affordable housing initiatives.

A crucial aspect of the board’s discussion was the Commonwealth’s mandates and their implications for local development. Concerns were raised about developers imposing projects despite local opposition, emphasizing the need for community input in the planning process. The board also clarified that Westport is not subject to the MBTA zoning act, which exempts it from specific housing mandates affecting other communities.

The board approved the housing production plan following Michael Burrus’s explanation of its benefits, including “safe harbor” status, which offers regulatory advantages if certain production requirements are met. The plan’s endorsement requires both planning board and select board approval, with the planning board having already endorsed it.

Another topic was the introduction of technological advancements across various departments. A new automated parking ticket system aims to streamline operations, allowing clerks to issue tickets more efficiently. The police and fire departments received software upgrades to enhance body camera functionality and storage capacity. Despite these improvements, challenges remain in data migration and resource allocation.

The meeting also addressed communication improvements, with discussions on the potential creation of a dedicated website manager or public affairs position. The absence of an official town Facebook page was noted, and the board considered the benefits of a unified communication strategy, especially during emergencies.

Other topics included a request from the harbormaster to adjust Deputy Director Rick Smith’s employment status to part-time during winter. The board also reviewed and approved a liability agreement with Liberty Utilities Corp. regarding street paving following new gas main installations.

Additionally, a contract reduction request for Engineered Concepts, Inc., was approved, freeing up $30,000 due to faster-than-expected project completion. Updates on various ongoing projects, such as the town hall HVAC project, were provided, highlighting challenges like asbestos discovery and necessary temporary closures.

The Town Administrator’s report detailed pressures on municipal budgets, citing constraints on local revenue sources and a decline in unrestricted general government aid. The board also discussed upcoming committee meetings and public concerns, such as intrusive solar company solicitations and streetlight malfunctions on Sanford Road.