Massachusetts Housing Partnership Explores CPA Funding for Affordable Housing in Lakeville

In a recent meeting of the Lakeville Community Preservation Committee, discussions centered on leveraging Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address local housing needs. The committee welcomed Shelley Goering from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) and Taylor Perez from Serp Ed, who provided insights into various strategies for utilizing CPA funds effectively.

Goering outlined several ways communities across Massachusetts have successfully employed CPA funds to support affordable housing initiatives. She emphasized the importance of understanding the CPA statute, which allows for activities such as acquiring, creating, preserving, and supporting housing. Notably, the "support" category is exclusively applicable to housing, highlighting its significance in the context of local housing challenges.

One key focus was on the acquisition of existing multifamily housing. Goering shared a successful case from Barnstable, where a nonprofit used $500,000 in CPA funds to acquire a 124-unit development, ensuring that most units remained affordable. This example illustrated how local funds can be leveraged to attract additional state and federal resources, thereby maximizing the impact of CPA investments.

The committee also explored various homeownership programs that assist income-qualified individuals in purchasing homes. These programs, while often high in subsidy per unit, provide essential pathways to homeownership in a competitive market. Goering noted that communities typically manage these programs in diverse ways, from lotteries to direct negotiations with sellers.

In addition to acquisition and homeownership, the meeting highlighted the potential for new construction and adaptive reuse of existing buildings for affordable housing. Goering provided examples of successful projects across the state, including the redevelopment of surplus municipal sites and underutilized buildings into rental housing. These initiatives not only address housing shortages but also repurpose existing structures, often with less community resistance than new developments.

However, the meeting also revealed challenges faced by Lakeville, particularly regarding the formation of a housing trust. The absence of a town planner has hindered progress, and there was noted resistance from some select board members regarding the establishment of the trust, which is essential for managing CPA funds effectively. This situation underscores the complexities of local governance and the need for community engagement in discussions about affordable housing.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the importance of continuing the conversation around housing strategies and the role of CPA funds in addressing Lakeville's housing needs. The discussions not only highlighted successful models from other communities but also emphasized the necessity of local collaboration and commitment to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of affordable housing solutions. The committee's next steps will likely involve further exploration of these strategies and addressing the concerns surrounding the housing trust's formation.