06/26/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Mashpee Select Board-Affordable Housing Trust Minutes June 26, 2023 Town Planner,Evan Lehrer: Discussion o f Affordable Housing TrustMissionw& Goals with Consideration wofthe Update of the HouslnProductionPlan: (continued) Thereafter, it is anticipated the Plan would meet filing deadlines by December 31,2023. An approved Plan at the state level will initiate grant funding opportunities. It was agreed the Affordable Housing Trust would assist in the update of the Housing Production Plan in consideration of existing conditions and future needs as well as community interests for submission to the Department of Housing and Community Development. A meeting to define goals and policies will be held in approximately one month. Discussion and„Possible,Vote to Authorize a Traffic 1mlact Assessment foru2U9,„Old_Barnstable Road: Evan Lehrer updated the Affordable Housing Trust on 209 Old Barnstable Road, a Town owned site suitable for affordable housing. After surveying residencies in the three communities abutting the site, the majority of residents do not support an affordable housing project at this location. Key issues of concern include safety and security, impacts to traffic, unsafe roads, too small of a site with clustered affordable stock in this area and water and sewering concerns. Mr. Lehrer recommended the Select Board vote to authorize a traffic impact assessment study to better understand the traffic impacts that would be created or exacerbated by a 48-bedroom affordable housing development. Mr. Lehrer further added that it is important to propose solutions to mitigate the impacts by making recommendations intended to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. As the Trust discussed this matter, it was conveyed the feasibility work has been completed. The Town is in a housing crisis, and the availability of sustainable year-round housing is worsening. Opportunities are limited and relatively finite. Mr. Lehrer has indicated that utilizing Town-owned land is one of the most attainable goals of meeting Mashpee's needs. It is critical to define the next steps of engagement. With the understanding of traffic conditions,mitigation options would be identified. Discussion followed with respect to the complaints and concerns of the neighborhood voicing their opinions during public comment. It was agreed there are heavy vehicles traversing this area, and there is a potential need for sidewalks. Wastewater would be evaluated, most likely to require denitrification. A study of native species habitat would follow in normal course of review. The road has challenges with vehicles driving at a high rate of speed where children would reside. The proximity to the Mashpee River is also a priority of concern. The 48-bedroom count is the maximum density the site can sustain on the 3.7-acre lot. In comparison, the LeClair Village affordable housing project currently underway at 950 Falmouth Road is comprised of three separate parcels. One for mitigation, one for septic and the other for 39 units of affordable housing on 2.9 acres. 6