Affordable Housing Trust — June 18, 2026

Key points included LexHab's difficulty with local ADU bylaws requiring owner residency, RHSO's marketing for the Ready Renter program, and the Housing Partnership Board's involvement in CHAPA's Municipal Engagement Initiative regarding form-based zoning. There was also discussion about the 80 Bedford Street proposal and concerns regarding the historical preservation of properties.

Members were updated on various organizational activities; no formal decisions were made during this segment.

The developer reduced one-bedroom units (from 37% to 20%) in favor of three-bedroom units. The Trust argued for a mix closer to 1-2-3, but the Planning Board maintained the old 2-2-2 allocation, seemingly satisfied by the increased square footage of the remaining units.

The Trust was unable to convince the Planning Board to change the unit allocations.

The board debated the complexity and 'onerosity' of the application. Arguments were made for a 'pre-app' process to vet projects before a heavy lift, and for ensuring the language covers rehabilitation and potential buy-downs. There was also discussion on whether to require detailed per-square-foot data in the pro formas.

The board agreed the forms need simplification and refinement. They will not approve a final version today.

Linda will refine the forms based on the discussed changes; the board will attempt to approve a version at the next meeting.

Using the Arlington model, the board identified three key pillars: Preservation, Creation, and Building Financial Strength. Members debated how to define 'preservation' (e.g., managing aging capital needs vs. repositioning single units) and emphasized the necessity of leveraging outside funds rather than relying on unleveraged creation.

The board reached a consensus on the three primary pillars/goals for the strategic plan.

Further discussion on developing a formal housing preservation plan.

a speaker and a speaker argued that while leveraged opportunities create the most units, the town should not wait years for ideal scenarios like an overlay district. a speaker emphasized prioritizing leveraged opportunities when funds are scarce, but suggested considering unleveraged projects (like home buy-downs) when capital is available. There was also a discussion regarding the maximum amount the town should be willing to pay per unit.

The board agreed that leveraged opportunities should be the priority, but they need to develop a more structured strategic plan to bridge the gap between high-level goals and specific actions.

Board members will develop specific strategies and actions to be reviewed at the next meeting.

a speaker argued that current planning items are 'strategies' rather than 'measurable goals' (which should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound). The board discussed how to present these to the Select Board by providing high-level goals for approval while maintaining a separate, more granular 'implementation plan' for internal use. They also discussed identifying potential sites, such as 173 Bedford Street, and the importance of being proactive in the real estate market.

The board decided to strip sub-bullets from the formal goal document presented to the Select Board to maintain a high-level view, while keeping those details in a separate internal action plan.

Members are tasked with proposing specific strategies and actions under the established high-level goals.

The primary update to the letter involved the funding terms: a loan of up to $1 million at 0% interest for a term to be mutually agreed upon. The board noted that the final term length (potentially 30 years) is still a point of negotiation between the lender and borrower.

The motion to approve the final version of the commitment letter to Lexhab passed unanimously.

The signed letter will be routed to Lexhab for their signature.