For over a year, the Marion Affordable Housing Trust has been editing the Housing Production Plan for the community. In partnership with the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), the plan will stand as a roadmap to aid those seeking affordable housing options in Marion.
On October 11, Tobey Ast, Norm Hills, Nancy McFadden and Chairperson Terri Santos met to finalize edits to the production document.
With the 120-unit, Heron Cove 40B housing project on the horizon, the Town of Marion, Santos noted, will reach 11-percent of all housing stock as being “affordable,” a number slightly above the state’s suggested 10 percent.
But that doesn’t mean the work stops for this committee.
Santos said that of their stated goals for rental and real estate, down-payment assistance plays a part in the overall housing scheme.
Also noted was the importance of continuing the pursuit of affordable units, given that agreements between the town and developer or unit owners oftentimes have a finite “dropout” date, the date when the unit is no longer required to remain affordable.
Santos mentioned that the Heron Cove units may list for approximately $116,065. She also commented that “any affordable units” are good units.
Another area of interest for the committee is finding ways to modify or change zoning requirements so that units not currently qualified become qualifiable. Santos suggested that accessory structures, primarily family-related additions, become convertible to affordable rental units. Hills commented that this proposal has been brought before Town Meeting in the past but was not proven acceptable to the voters.
Another area being reviewed is the possibility of development on town-owned parcels. However, Hills stated such lands are primarily deeded to open space.
The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at 6:00 pm.
Marion Affordable Housing Trust
By Marilou Newell