The meeting’s primary focus was the RFP concerning Hannes Road, a town-owned property identified as lot 34-80-0. Members discussed the need for thorough preparation and procedural compliance before the RFP could be presented to the town council for review. Tentative dates proposed included making the RFP available by September 15th, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for October 6th and questions due by October 9th. The importance of limiting the inquiry period was highlighted to streamline the process.

The trust aimed to finalize the RFP swiftly so it could be forwarded for council review. Members agreed on the significance of having clarity in the RFP to avoid future complications during the land disposition process.

In addition to the procedural aspects, the meeting touched on community relations, particularly concerning abutters of the Hannes Road property. There was a consensus that informing neighboring property owners through letters would be more effective than signage. The deed registration for the property was also identified as a prerequisite for advancing the project, with a commitment to ensuring this step was completed before further actions.

Another substantial topic was the town’s compliance with MBTA zoning requirements. The board underscored the necessity of meeting these requirements to access over $1.25 million in grants. The town’s proximity to an MBTA community necessitates certain zoning obligations, particularly designating areas for family housing near transportation hubs. A dedicated public hearing is scheduled for September 15th to elucidate proposed zoning changes to residents.

The board acknowledged that without compliance, the town risked losing crucial funding for various projects, highlighting MBTA compliance as essential for the town’s financial health. Members stressed that failure to approve necessary zoning could jeopardize both their positions and the town’s funding opportunities. It was noted that the planning board holds jurisdiction over these zoning matters, separate from the affordable housing trust’s responsibilities.

In the realm of inclusionary zoning, discussions revealed a need for further refinement and input before addressing it at a special town meeting. There was a concern that previous planning board discussions had not adequately incorporated affordability requirements, raising questions about whether density alone could ensure affordability in new developments. Future discussions and collaborations with the planning board were deemed necessary to finalize the inclusionary zoning bylaw effectively.

The meeting also explored regional collaboration possibilities with neighboring towns to tackle affordable housing challenges collectively. The idea of forming a coalition with towns like Prol and Graten was proposed. This approach could enhance local efforts and create regional goals for affordable housing development.

Additional administrative matters were addressed, such as updates to the trust’s website and the organization of board sections. The need to contact a forester for scheduling work related to the forestry plan was identified, aligning with the trust’s goals of utilizing the timber account for future projects or land surveys.