04:23During the meeting, a resident, Andrew Malia, expressed appreciation for the Council’s efforts to meet affordable housing requirements by utilizing existing properties rather than developing new sites. He suggested considering existing rental properties for rehabilitation to meet obligations while preserving open spaces. Council members explained that although the plan allows for some adjustments over time, the current strategy is constrained by limited flexibility and an absence of rehabilitation obligations in this round. They emphasized that while the plan identifies potential development sites, it does not grant immediate permission for projects, which would still require planning board approval and site assessments.

08:23The council also clarified that the plan involves overlay zones on certain properties, allowing current operations to continue unless the property owner decides to pursue development. This strategy provides a framework for future affordable housing projects without imposing immediate changes on existing property uses.