Committee discusses 40R proposal, bonding and ADUs as tools to grow affordable housing
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Summary
Members discussed inviting Mark Davis to present a 40R redevelopment option for the commuter lot, asking the treasurer about bonding options, exploring ADUs and reconsidering a cap on senior housing units as strategies to increase housing supply.
The Affordable Housing Committee discussed several potential strategies to increase housing supply, including a 40R-style redevelopment concept for the commuter lot, town bonding to finance subsidies, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and lifting a cap on senior housing units.
Al, a committee member, said he would invite Mark Davis to the next meeting to explain a "40R" idea that could allow the commuter lot to be moved into a parking garage and the existing lot to be redeveloped under 40R advantages. "Mark Davis...has an idea about, it's called a 40 r," Al said, and the committee agreed to invite Davis to present.
Committee members also agreed to ask the town treasurer to give a brief presentation on bonding options. "I can certainly ask the treasurer because bonding is his domain," Al said, offering to request a 15-minute discussion about borrowing authority and implications for housing subsidies.
On ADUs, committee members noted statewide changes that expand ADU allowances and discussed whether Habitat or the committee could implement ADUs as additional affordable units. Paul Rebello said Habitat is "in the process of building a plan for ADUs" and is testing footprints in the 700 to 900 square-foot range; he also questioned the owner-use case if Habitat sold a home with an ADU.
Members raised the idea of lifting the town's cap on the percentage of senior housing units. Doug and others noted prior warrant-article attempts and suggested that removing the cap could provide another source of housing supply. Jesse and other members said the housing production plan consultant (Community Scale) should identify zoning barriers, including limits on senior housing and other restrictions.
Ending: The committee agreed to invite Mark Davis for a presentation, request a briefing from the treasurer on bonding, flag ADU and senior-cap issues for the housing production plan, and ask the consultant to identify zoning barriers during its work.