Chatham Debates Affordable Housing and EV Charging Station Policies

The Chatham Select Board meeting was dominated by discussions on the transparency of affordable housing projects and the implementation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Key decisions included the examination of the proposal review process for two housing developments, the appointment of new members to local boards, and the establishment of a policy for the management of public EV charging stations.

The Select Board grappled with the balance between transparency and confidentiality concerning the evaluation and negotiation of affordable housing proposals. The board debated whether to hold an executive session to review proposals for housing development on Main Street and zero Meeting House Road. Concerns were raised about public engagement and the board’s role versus the Affordable Housing Trust’s authority in such matters. Residents voiced apprehension about the lack of openness in the selection process, fearing a loss of control once a developer is chosen and raising issues about the accountability of the Affordable Housing Trust’s decision-making.

The discussion also called into question the possible expansion of the Affordable Housing Trust’s authority through pending legislation and how it might affect the decision-making process. The board eventually agreed to an independent executive session, potentially jointly with the Affordable Housing Trust, to review proposals and make informed decisions.

In addition to housing concerns, the introduction of a broad policy for the management of public EV charging stations sparked a comprehensive debate. The policy aimed to establish guidelines covering the management aspects of EV charging stations, including those at the Chatham Municipal Airport Commission and the Chatham Municipal garage redevelopment.

The board deliberated on the infrastructure, management, and fee structure for EV charging stations, which was seen as crucial for the town’s environmental goals and infrastructure development. They discussed the costs and subsidies for level two and level three charging stations, the vendors’ local connections, town costs for electricity, maintenance, and warranty agreements. Suggestions were made to involve the Energy and Climate Action Committee in considering fee structures and to ensure coordination with parking management services.

The Select Board considered appointing Anne Ryan to the Council on Aging Board of Directors and Jonathan Avery to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees, though final decisions were made without citing specific board members who voted.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Manager:
Jill R. Goldsmith
City Council Officials:
Cory J. Metters, Michael Schell, Jeffrey S. Dykens, Shareen Davis, Dean P. Nicastro, Shanna Nealy (Executive Secretary)

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