A town meeting that was held on May 7 showed robust support for two affordable housing projects. Although there was some opposition, both proposals were approved, and the housing projects will receive funding of over $6 million combined.
Highlights
- A Town meeting convened to vote on the granting of the Community Preservation Committee’s funds towards various projects.
- Two affordable housing projects received a total of $6 million, with overwhelming support from the community.
- Four other projects were funded, resulting in a total of six funded initiatives and $6.5 million in grants.
Affordable Housing Projects Get Strong Support from the Community
The town’s Community Preservation Committee manages funds collected from a 2% surcharge on local property taxes. The committee allocates these funds only for protecting green spaces, historic sites, housing access, or public recreation.
The CPC has been receiving around $4 million in funds annually in the past few years. However, since the entirety of the funds is not used every year, it has accumulated a reserve. Hence, as part of this year’s funding cycle, the committee approved $6.5 million for six projects.
Charles River Center Receives Funds to Build Housing and Education Centre, Despite Opposition
The Charles River Center has received $2.84 million for its affordable housing project. The centre has partnered with the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Boston for a development project that will primarily serve adults with intellectual disabilities.
The project, which will cost $50 million, plans to build 86 new affordable housing units. Half of the units will be reserved for people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The remaining half, barring 5 units, will be offered to the public as part of a general affordable housing scheme. The five units will be set aside for the staff at CRC as workforce housing.
The main opposition to the Charles River Center receiving the funds came from the Finance Committee. It argued that approving the amount would drain out the entire CPC reserve funds. It also presented the position that the funds be allocated as a loan, instead of a grant.
There was a long deliberation that followed the Fincom’s opposition to the project. Some town meeting members and registered voters also came out in support of the opposition.
However, strong support rose against the opposition. The Select Board offered unanimous support for the article, stating that the town does not have the provisions for offering loans. A member of the board also presented the argument that granting the funds could attract other sources of funding for the project, especially from the state.
After over an hour of debate, the article passed by voice vote, with minimal audible opposition.
Affordable Public Housing Units at Seabeds Way to Get Upgrades
A second affordable housing project received $3.2 million in funding from the CPC. The money will contribute to the Needham Housing Authority’s plan to renovate the affordable public housing units at Seabeds Way.
The property, which was built back in the 80s, has not received any significant upgrades since. The NHA has put out a $20.5 million plan to preserve the 46 units at the property. The project will build an envelope and replace windows, roofs, siding, and outmoded building systems that pose risks to tenants.
In the meeting on May 7, the project received funding after it had the full support of the Fincom and the select board. Following a brief discussion, the Town Meeting gave unanimous approval for the grant.
Other Projects that Have Received CPC Funding
On Wednesday, the town meeting also approved granting $300,000 for the design of an action sports park and pickleball courts. The design will be for a project that the Park & Recreation Department plans to construct near Claxton Park, across from the town’s Recycling and Transfer Station.
Previously, during Monday’s opening session, three other articles were passed. The first one granted $104,000 to the Conservation Department and the Conservation Commission of the town. The fund will be used towards improving trail signage and other amenities at 11 spots on 25 miles of town trails.
Another article was passed, which gave the Park & Rec and the Department of Public Works $69,960 towards the design for renovating the Eliot Elementary School fields and playground. Further, a third article that was passed gave Needham History Center & Museum $46,712 for shelving, storage equipment, basement dehumidifiers, and related shipping, setup, and disposal costs.
