The Southborough Board of Trustees for the Affordable Housing Trust is facing a pressing challenge as they discuss the urgent need for funding to address lead contamination issues in town properties. During a recent meeting, trustees highlighted the significant financial burden of cleaning up contaminated sites, which is currently hindering their ability to acquire existing single-family homes for affordable housing.

Trustees emphasized that without immediate access to funds, the town risks losing opportunities to purchase properties that could enhance its affordable housing inventory. One trustee pointed out, “If we don’t have access to the funds, it effectively means that we can’t… acquire these projects.” This urgency underscores the critical nature of the town's housing needs and the importance of timely financial support.

The discussion also touched on the due diligence required when acquiring properties, including home inspections and title checks, to avoid environmental or legal issues. The goal remains clear: to increase the availability of affordable homes in Southborough and keep pace with the community's housing demands.

In addition to the funding concerns, the trustees noted the upcoming Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting, where they plan to address these issues further. The CPC's rigorous standards for funding applications were acknowledged, with one trustee recalling their own experience on the committee and praising its diligence.

As the town navigates these challenges, the trustees remain committed to finding solutions that will ultimately benefit Southborough's residents and enhance the community's affordable housing landscape.