The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) provided an update with examples of successful housing types elsewhere, including a 45-unit development in Brewster and a 39-unit project in Mashpee designed to resemble a traditional New England farmhouse. Members showed consistent interest in single-family homes with a “New England kind of single-family look,” aligning with the architecture of surrounding areas.

However, practicality concerns arose regarding costs and layout efficiency. Some members questioned whether larger buildings could be more cost-effective than single-family homes. The conversation included praise for layouts that provide road access while situating common areas behind the homes, arranging units in pairs or triplets to preserve the single-family home appearance. There was a discussion on offset porches, which create privacy between connected units, and the potential for two-story dwellings for senior accessibility.

As the dialogue evolved, some members expressed a preference for parking behind homes to allow for more communal green spaces, referring to a nearby successful development model that integrated common areas with a looped road design. The group also debated the merits of mixing different housing types within the development, noting that while it may offer variety, it could compromise the neighborhood’s visual coherence. Ultimately, the need to articulate clear preferences for housing designs was emphasized, with feedback from designers anticipated within weeks following the submission of the trust’s preferences.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the revision of Townsend’s inclusionary zoning bylaw. A draft proposal was presented. The bylaw would be reviewed every five years to adapt to market changes. Additional proposals included allowing special permits for non-conforming lots to increase density while ensuring at least one affordable unit and extending the affordability period to a minimum of 40 years. If affordable units were sold at market rates, the price difference would contribute to a fund for new affordable housing. A discussion about HUD’s Metropolitan Statistical Area calculations also took place, with members advocating for a localized approach to defining affordability.

The meeting also addressed the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, with a member noting that Falmouth allocated nearly a million dollars towards similar projects, highlighting potential financial resources for Townsend. Meanwhile, the conversation about the forestry contract for Han Road revealed concerns about proposed buffer zones and their adequacy in providing visual screening and avoiding encroachment on neighboring properties. The group planned a site visit to better assess the necessary buffer zones and the impact of logging activities.

Concerns about access routes for a development at Where’s Landing were raised, emphasizing the need for a proper entry and exit point for future projects. The trust discussed the potential use of existing logging roads for access, which could alleviate some concerns about new pathways. A proposal for the Appointment of Agent form to be reviewed by Town Council before any signatures were made received unanimous approval.

The meeting also revisited open meeting law complaints, with members expressing frustration over the distraction from their primary mission. They decided to undergo open meeting law training to address these complaints proactively. A motion to accept a prepared response to an October 24th complaint was approved unanimously.