Can Granny Flats Help with Stockbridge's Housing Affordability?

by Christine Rasmussen

The character of Stockbridge and its heritage is what appeals to those of us who live here.

However, the ability to maintain, rent, or buy a home is a struggle for many people. That is the reason I salute the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board members who during the last year have been discussing a proposed bylaw that will enable property owners to add new separate living spaces in single-family homes or in existing outbuildings.

These spaces are called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), or "granny flats" which are secondary to and smaller than the main house and have a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.

An updated bylaw would provide an opportunity to convert unused spaces, perhaps a second floor, basement, or a barn into small (less than 900 square feet) apartments that can produce income if they are rented or provide children a place to live while they save to purchase their own home. After selling her large home, I have a friend who is using her equity to convert a space in her daughter's house into a small but efficient ADU, supporting intergenerational living.

There are numerous advantages to these units. They have minimal local service costs, use fewer resources to build than new construction, and can provide income allowing homeowners to make needed improvements, and/or pay property taxes, etc.

If you follow the debate at the recent Selectmen's meeting, you understand the challenges in developing a bylaw to allow ADUs while ensuring neighborhood safeguards and determining residency requirements.

In the latest census data, Stockbridge is listed as an Environmental Justice Community because of census blocks with a median income annually of approximately $31,875. While residents, who are struggling financially, may not be vocal at meetings, I am glad to live in a community with leadership that works for inclusiveness and urges leaders to continue to plug away at finding ways to keep Norman Rockwell's diverse hometown alive.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne