In a recent government meeting, officials moved to authorize a $1 million grant agreement with Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POA) to support a significant housing project in Wellfleet, known as the Residences at Lawrence Hill. This initiative, funded through the county's allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aims to create 46 new affordable homes at 95 Lawrence Road.

Vera, a representative from the housing trust, highlighted that this project is part of a broader series of affordable housing efforts supported by ARPA funds. She noted that the $1 million grant is a fraction of the total project cost, which is approximately $34.4 million, translating to about $750,000 per unit. The project is expected to leverage additional funding sources, including state and federal low-income housing tax credits and over $5 million in subordinate funding from the state.

Corey Fellows from POA emphasized the project's importance, not only for increasing affordable housing inventory but also for its integration with a stormwater infrastructure project that will benefit nearby public facilities, including the fire station, police station, and elementary school. The groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for October 30, with construction anticipated to begin shortly thereafter.

The meeting also addressed the financial sustainability of the project, with discussions on how rental revenues will be utilized to service long-term debt while ensuring affordability. The officials expressed optimism about the project's potential to serve the community effectively and acknowledged the long-standing efforts that led to its approval. The motion to proceed with the grant was unanimously approved, marking a significant step forward in addressing housing needs in the region.