Lakeville Committee Discusses Formation of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Lakeville Community Preservation Committee convened on August 21, 2025, to discuss the formation of a Board of Trustees for the Lakeville Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The committee members expressed a desire to ensure that the trust is established in accordance with existing bylaws and to consider the composition of the board.

During the meeting, members debated whether to vote on the formation of the trust immediately or to postpone the decision until the next meeting in September. Some members emphasized the importance of reviewing the bylaws to understand the required positions on the board, which includes one member from the select board, one from the board of appeals, one from the planning board, and two at-large members. The committee acknowledged that the bylaws mandate the formation of the board, yet it has not been established to date.

A significant point of discussion was the qualifications of the at-large members. Committee members suggested that the select board should receive recommendations on the types of expertise desired for these positions, such as professionals experienced in home rehabilitation or affordable housing development. This recommendation aims to ensure that the board is equipped to effectively manage the trust's resources.

The committee also discussed the importance of clarity regarding the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. Members agreed that they should specify their expectations for how these funds will be utilized, particularly in relation to the housing trust. They expressed a desire to have a clear agreement in place before the upcoming town meeting to avoid any ambiguity about the allocation of funds.

In conclusion, the committee decided to defer the vote on the trust's formation until September, allowing time for further review of the bylaws and to prepare a comprehensive recommendation for the select board. This approach aims to ensure that the trust is established with the necessary expertise and oversight to effectively address the community's affordable housing needs.