Housing Articles at Town Meeting

Concord Town Meeting Photo c/o The Concord Bridge

June 2 is just around the corner! Three articles are of particular interest to housing advocates

Article 45: The CHF submitted this proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment, which would allow developers to qualify for an increased number of units if they include moderately affordable units in their projects. Previously, they needed to offer at least one low-income unit to get a density bonus. The CHF is requesting the change because the existing incentive isn’t working. Focusing on moderately affordable units rebalances the cost-benefit equation, which could motivate developers to build affordable housing without subsidies.

CHF is sponsoring this bylaw amendment to counter the loss of moderately affordable houses due to tear-downs, as we continue to push for other low-income and moderate-income housing programs. This effort also aligns with the Select Board’s goal of increasing the number of moderately affordable units in Concord.

Article 46: New England Deaconess, the non-profit that operates the Newbury Court senior living community, submitted this petition warrant article. It proposes a new Continuing Care Overlay District for a 12+ acre plot of land that they purchased near their existing facilities. The new zoning would enable them to develop approximately 190 new independent living units.

The CHF worked with NE Deaconess to add affordable-housing provisions to their zoning proposal. The final warrant article specifies that up to 10% of the units be “attainable” to residents making 70%-140% of Area Median Income. CHF continues to work with NE Deaconess to clarify qualifying asset limits and tracking of attainable units. We expect further developments in the run-up to Town Meeting.

Article 47: This year’s CPC appropriations include $740,000 for the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, and $43,500 for the Regional Housing Services Office. CHF strongly supports these expenditures.