A major topic was the proposal for the development of 114 affordable housing units, which includes an affordability covenant to maintain accessibility for individuals earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This initiative is projected to increase the town’s subsidized housing inventory from just over 7% to approximately 9.5%. An important aspect of this discussion was the inclusion of 35 Massachusetts state project-based vouchers, similar to Section 8 housing assistance but tied to specific units. Concerns were raised about the potential impact if the property purchase fell through or if the vouchers were not obtained, which could jeopardize funding and progress.

The committee clarified the breakdown of the affordability levels within the project. Currently, 79 units are designated at the 80% AMI threshold. There is an anticipated number of four to five units at 60% AMI, contingent on funding sources such as the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds and the Affordable Housing Trust.

The Devon Crest project had previously been sold in a private transaction without town intervention. The current proposal aims to safeguard residents through an affordability covenant, granting the town leverage with state authorities for future developments. The project has received prior approval from the Affordable Housing Trust, contingent upon the successful acquisition of the property. This contingency ensures that town funds will only be disbursed once the property is acquired, mitigating financial risk.

Another proposal discussed was the request for $250,000 to purchase and install generators for Buildings B and C at the Ayer Housing Authority located on Pond Street. This installation aims to provide backup power during severe weather events or failures from National Grid, as only Building A currently has a generator. The funding for this project would be drawn from the town’s budget reserve category. The committee corrected a typo in the explanatory note, confirming the total funding request as $250,000.

The committee moved to formalize their recommendations on these articles. A motion to support the Devon Crest affordable housing project passed with four votes in favor. Another motion to recommend the article requesting funding for the generators resulted in three votes in favor and one abstention.

Looking ahead, the committee noted the upcoming town meeting scheduled for October 27th, where these funding articles, along with others related to zoning bylaw amendments and easements, will be discussed. The senior center proposal was highlighted, requiring a two-thirds majority approval at the town meeting to proceed to a town vote on November 4th. If the senior center article fails to achieve this majority, no vote will be held on November 4th.

The discussions also touched on the anticipated format of the town meeting, where straightforward articles would be addressed first to allow ample time for deliberation on the more complex senior center proposal. Concerns were raised about the potential for lengthy discussions during the voting process, particularly if a secret ballot is employed. However, it was acknowledged that patience would be necessary as votes would need to be counted thoroughly.

The committee debated how to represent differing opinions within the Finance Committee, given the non-unanimous votes. It was suggested that the chair could summarize the committee’s discussions and votes, with an invitation for members who opposed the recommendation to explain their positions. This approach aims to provide clarity for the audience while respecting individual members’ choices to speak.

Discussions also addressed logistics for questioning during the town meeting. Members expressed a desire to avoid lengthy back-and-forth debates. The chair emphasized the importance of being prepared, noting that there had been ample discussion in previous meetings to inform the public.