Affordable Housing Growth & Development Trust Fund Board 10-19-2026

The Affordable Housing Growth & Development Trust Fund Board met on October 19, 2026. The board was advised that a $75,000 payment from WS Development had been received, with a further lump-sum payment expected October 1, 2027. Members noted that the trust’s administrative account was running low and that the funding sources have different eligible uses; any transfer for administration was left for further consideration at the next meeting. No new contract awards or spending approvals were made. The board also reviewed the status of housing projects that had received or been offered trust support: a predevelopment grant offer remained unsigned and may be rescinded, construction was underway at 307 Main Street, and questions about monitoring and ownership transfers at other properties were deferred pending legal input and additional reports.

During public comment, developers of two affordable units at 83 Main Street asked the trust to consider helping pay fair-housing marketing and lottery costs, citing a $17,800 lottery expense and examples of subsidies in other towns. The board agreed to take the request under advisement and have staff research other communities’ practices, funding sources, and eligibility before a possible future discussion; no funding decision was taken. A presentation on the town’s former accessory affordable apartment program described its CPA loan requirements, including that homeowners solicit three quotes from Massachusetts-licensed contractors, but the program’s CPA appropriation was canceled in 2023. The board also approved the September 21 meeting minutes by roll-call vote.