The Board scrutinized the proposed legislation’s capacity to strain local resources, including schools, roads, and the electrical grid. Members debated the necessity of including these concerns in their communication to the subcommittee. The potential for increased investor activity was also a point of contention, with fears that investors could acquire multiple properties, thus altering the fabric of residential neighborhoods.

During the meeting, the Board members evaluated the requirement for at least one of the units in new developments to be owner-occupied. This provision was seen as a means to maintain neighborhood stability and prevent the emergence of exclusively rental communities.

The topic of owner-occupancy requirements led to further discussions about how the proposed bills could enable overcrowding and consequently impact the character of single-family neighborhoods. The Board members underscored the importance of maintaining local control over such developments and ensuring that the town’s infrastructure could support any potential increase in population density.

The Board’s apprehension extended to the legislative process itself, with concerns raised that decisions were being made hastily at the state level without sufficient local input. The urgency with which housing bills were being pushed through the legislature was a point of concern, with members advocating for a more measured and locally-driven approach to housing development.

As the Board members deliberated on the content and recipients of the letter, they contemplated the inclusion of various government officials and organizations. The Massachusetts Municipal Association’s executive director and legislative director, along with the Governor’s office, were among those considered to receive copies of the correspondence.

In the course of addressing the potential impact of the housing bills, the Board broached the topic of digital signatures for the letter to the legislature.