A central item on the agenda was the proposal for real estate transfer fee legislation. The Acton Community Housing Corporation had requested the board’s endorsement of this legislation, which would enable towns to impose a fee on high-value real estate transactions to support affordable housing. A proposed fee of 0.05% could generate approximately $557,000 for the town, providing significant but not overwhelming support for housing initiatives. The flexibility of the proposed funds was a key advantage, allowing for broader applications than the current community preservation funds.

Board members discussed the potential implications of the legislation, including its application to residential and commercial transactions. Concerns were raised about the possibility of taxing multifamily housing developments, which could counteract efforts to promote affordable housing. However, the legislation’s allowance for local flexibility, including potential exemptions, was seen as a positive aspect. Members emphasized the necessity of tailoring the fee structures to suit Acton’s specific needs and planning a town-specific bylaw if the legislation passed.

Public comments revealed a range of opinions, with some emphasizing the importance of local control and suggesting exemptions for long-term property owners. Others warned against the introduction of new taxes, fearing that the scope of the fee might expand over time. The board ultimately voted in favor of supporting the legislation, acknowledging that plansning and community input would be essential for its implementation.

Another topic was the discussion of a new housing program targeted at addressing Acton’s high living costs. The program, still in the planning stages, would make Acton one of only two towns in Massachusetts to implement such an initiative. The conversation focused on the verification processes for low-income tenants, requiring lease agreements and income tax returns for applications. The board debated the flexibility within the guidelines set by the Department of Local Services and the logistics of implementing the program, stressing the importance of clear procedures to avoid misunderstandings between tenants and landlords.

The board also addressed concerns about potential rent increases on other units to compensate for reduced rents on qualifying units. A suggestion was made to develop a mechanism where landlords agree to provide rent reductions for qualifying tenants. A bylaw would be necessary to formalize the program, with discussions highlighting the importance of analyzing how exemptions would apply across different property types.

The meeting transitioned to a public hearing regarding Santa Fe Burrito Grill’s application to pledge its liquor license as collateral for a loan. The board sought assurances that the town would retain authority over the license in case of default. The pledge agreement, a standard form from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, added complexity, prompting the board to request written assurances before proceeding with a vote.

The board also considered an application for a common victualer license for HDR Holdings LLC, operating as Wonder, a new dining concept offering meals through an app-based delivery service. Concerns about parking due to shared space with existing businesses were noted, but the delivery option was seen as a mitigating factor. Following the approval of the license, a mistakenly listed public hearing for Riverlife Church’s site plan special permit was addressed, with updates about a fossil fuel waiver request being postponed for a future meeting.

Later, the board discussed a request from Let’s Roll LLC to amend its operating hours. The business sought flexibility to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday to Saturday, based on customer demand. Neighboring businesses expressed concerns about the potential impact of extended hours, leading the board to approve a temporary expansion of hours for Let’s Roll LLC, allowing for further negotiations between tenants.