Notes from the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), June 19, 2023, Hybrid

Jed Bramwell brings ten years of experience in the Department of Neighborhood Development (Boston office), and experience developing housing in the private sector, to the table — recommended as Advisory Group member. Dr. Bruce Auerbach will be proposed to the Select Board as a new member to AHT.

Mark Mills arranged a public program on Habitat for Humanity to be held in the library on June 29th from 6:30pm — 7:30pm.

The Chair suggested AHT build a new playground at Pine Woods. Chair suggested $10,000. Patrick White said perhaps AHT could use the unspent portion of the HPP money from American Rescue Program Act (ARPA). That could be as much as $30,000. Michael Canales was once Parks and Rec Director in North County and could be relied upon for guidance.

Funds for a Housing Production Plan (HPP) were approved by the Select Board and HPP is moving forward under the auspices of AHT.

Janet Ackerman and Mccaela Donovan are working with consultant Karen Sunnarborg on step one of the HPP which is the Housing Needs Assessment. A survey and perhaps a Community Housing Workshop will follow — both to elicit ideas from the public.

As a part of the Housing needs assessment, White pointed out that right now Stockbridge meets the Commonwealth's requirement for affordable housing (10% of all housing). However, that is because the state only counts primary houses — estimated at 700. The real number of houses in Stockbridge, including the second homes, is closer to 1700. Therefore, Stockbridge would need 170 affordable houses to satisfy the state requirement if we counted all houses.

Editor's note: 1. $50,000 was approved for a consultant to AHT paid out of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund. Consultant Karen Sunnarborg 's fee was $20,000 leaving a balance of $30,000 to be returned to ARPA or remain with AHT for the playground. SB will decide. 2. Stockbridge met the Commonwealth requirement for affordable housing — 10% of primary houses. If, in addition, we accept a new goal of 10% of all Stockbridge houses, that would be 170 units rather than 70. In that case, we are committing to building/providing many more units. Stockbridge will be able to house more Town workers, firemen, policemen, and teachers. On the other hand, all development is a tradeoff and care should be taken to maintain the beauty and low density that makes Stockbridge so desirable. 3. Chapter 40B is a state statute which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne