The board’s most significant action was the approval of a $350,000 request to support a housing project that had previously received a $500,000 earmark from the latest housing bond bill. The funds from the bond bill are designated specifically for solar panel installation, which had been excluded from the current budget due to cost concerns. By securing this additional funding, the project aims to install solar panels before homeowners move in, thus avoiding complications from post-construction installations. This project is a multi-faceted effort, with ongoing discussions about reducing construction costs and developing marketing materials to expedite timelines.

The approval came after a thorough deliberation on the financial implications and strategic considerations. Concerns were raised about the board’s decision-making process, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach rather than addressing funding requests in isolation. There was a consensus that while the trust should scrutinize any future requests from the applicant after this round of funding, the current request could be approved due to its alignment with past funding practices. The board also discussed the importance of clarifying the limits of what the town can provide, especially given that this was the third request from the same applicant.

A motion was made to approve the allocation with the stipulation that the developer would not seek additional funds from the trust. The motion was seconded and subsequently voted on, with all members present expressing their support. This decision was seen as a step towards advancing the project while maintaining a strategic approach to future funding requests.

The meeting also focused on the ongoing development of an updated housing production plan, essential for addressing affordable housing issues in the community. The plan aims to comply with Massachusetts’s affordable housing law, Chapter 40B, and focuses on low and moderate-income households. Given that the last housing production plan was updated over ten years ago, this current update seeks to better reflect contemporary housing challenges. A community engagement plan was introduced, detailing outreach efforts and opportunities for public involvement throughout various stages of the project. The importance of community input was emphasized, with a statement noting, “the most important asset for this plan is the community itself,” indicating that public feedback will be critical to the plan’s success.

The board discussed the distinction between stakeholders and advocates within the community. Stakeholders are defined as individuals directly affected by housing issues, while advocates represent and serve the interests of these vulnerable populations. There was a recognition of the need to include a broader array of stakeholders, including students, the elderly, and families with children, to ensure diverse perspectives and needs are addressed.

Key components of the housing production plan include a housing needs assessment, the establishment of housing goals, and strategy development. The housing needs assessment is slated for completion by early November, with housing goals expected by December, and a complete draft of the strategies by late February or early March. A second community meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 3rd to report findings and solicit feedback on draft goals.

In addition to the housing production plan, the board deliberated on strategies for enhancing community engagement and outreach. The relationship between the Trust and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) was a focal point, with discussions on the proposal of adjusting the language around a proposed 15% transfer of CPC funds to the Trust. There was a suggestion to use terms like “minimum” instead of “automatic” to make it clearer and potentially more agreeable to members.

The board also considered the effectiveness of previous community engagement efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of Zoom meetings on topics such as fair housing and energy efficiency were well attended and notably increased awareness about the trust. This led to a proposal to replace the traditional annual meeting with more flexible community meetings, allowing for engagement with residents on the trust’s work.

Further, the board discussed the project on Amity Street, which includes 90 units with 12% designated as affordable housing. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the inclusionary units, particularly in light of reports that they are not being filled quickly. The board expressed the need for improved communication and awareness regarding developments that include affordable units, emphasizing the importance of being informed about ongoing projects.