HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-14-AHTBT-minAffordable Housing Trust
Meeting Minutes of March 14, 2025 9:00 am
Virtual Meeting on Zoom
Affordable Housing Trust Board Members present: Elaine Tung, Chair; William Erickson, Mark
Sandeen, Linda Prosnitz, Tiffany Payne
Ms. Tung chaired the virtual meeting and called the meeting to order at 9:06 am.
1. Special Town Meeting Article 2
The Trustees had a detailed discussion on the compromise amendment for Article 2.
The Trustees discussed the potential consequences of the motion. They shared concerns over
the unintentional consequences of the amendment that may cause the number of inclusionary
units to -be -developed to decrease. They acknowledged the challenge of being neutral in the face
of the changes while maintaining their commitment to affordable housing.
There was discussion on the economic feasibility study being conducted for the town. The
Trustees expressed their support for the compromise amendment, acknowledging the town's
unity and the improved position it has achieved. They appreciated the proponents of the
amendment and the Planning Board working together to come up with a compromise.
There was discussion on the limit for the number of units, zoning freezes and the amendment's
impact, the feasibility study's potential impact on inclusionary housing, the State's decision on
15% requirement for inclusionary units and the impact if it were to be lowered to 10%. There was
emphasis on the importance of affordable housing in the Town Center due to its accessibility to
amenities including transportation and retail establishments as well as contributing to a vibrant
economic center and community.
The Trustees discussed the need for walkable communities where people should be able to walk
to amenities such as schools, stores and restaurants. They felt affordable housing should be a
priority with respect to zoning changes that affect housing. They mentioned the importance of
community togetherness, and communication with the Planning Board and developers.
Dawn Mckenna, one of the proponents of the citizen's petition, acknowledged the Trust's
concerns about reduction in inclusionary housing due to the 'compromise'. She highlighted the
positive aspects of the compromise and the need for a community conversation about the right
level of inclusionary housing.
Charles Hornig, Planning Board member, explained the provisions of the compromise
amendment and how it intended to protect the town's housing goals.
The group discussed how the changes might affect ongoing and future development projects.
Mr. Sandeen moved that the Affordable Housing Trust recommend approval of the Article 2
Compromise proposal endorsed by the Planning Board and proponents, and to authorize the
Chair to draft a position statement on Article 2 reflecting the views expressed by the Affordable
Housing Trust members during the meeting today. Mr. Erickson seconded. The Trustees voted
in favor of the motion 5-0-0, by a roll call vote (Erickson — yes, Payne — yes, Prosnitz — yes,
Sandeen — yes, Tung — yes).
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Ms. Tung agreed to draft the position statement before March 17t", to share it with Trustees, and
to post it on TMM. Ms. Tung will read the Trust's position statement on the night of Town
meeting.
2. Other items that could not have been reasonably anticipated
The next Trust meeting will be on March 25, 2025. The Trustees agreed to present the draft write
up of resident support programs at the meeting. The Trustees will review the draft Housing Needs
Assessment and share their comments at the next meeting.
3. Adjourn
Mr. Erickson moved to adjourn the Affordable Housing Trust Meeting. Ms. Prosnitz seconded.
The Trustees voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0, by roll call vote (Payne- yes, Erickson- yes,
Sandeen — yes, Prosnitz — yes, Tung- yes)
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 am.
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