The Marion Affordable Housing Trust held a substantial discussion during Tuesday night’s public meeting on a potential bylaw revision to the existing one governing accessory dwelling units, but movement is not imminent.
“Norm (Hills) wants to slow down on this, (but) the thing is, if we wait for the Codification Committee, what do you feel in this bylaw needs to be tied to any other bylaw? Toby (Ast) did a nice little rendition here,” said AHT Chairperson Terri Santos.
Hills explained that many of the bylaws that he has spent countless hours sifting through are problematic because they conflict with other overlapping bylaws. He doesn’t want the same thing to happen with the bylaw that addresses accessory dwelling units.
Referencing the last Planning Board meeting that engaged in a discussion with concerned residents regarding short-term rentals in their neighborhoods, Hills said, “they’re all tied together. I don’t think we can do one without the other. Short-term rentals basically suck up any affordable units.”
Santos countered that most of the properties in Marion that are being rented are high end.
“They all get swept under the same rug,” said Hills. “A bylaw is written without consideration of impact on others … then the building commissioner is trying to (weigh) … doing this in a vacuum is not a good idea.”
Santos believes that the whole short-term, rental issue can be addressed by adding to the governing bylaw. Hills noted the Planning Board’s intentions to write a short-term-rental bylaw.
Eileen Marum, the AHT’s newest member but no stranger to municipal government or housing matters, referenced existing rental bylaws in Barnstable and Alford.
Ast noted that the last Planning Board meeting saw several residents criticizing short-term rentals. Santos estimates that there are 50 short-term rentals in Marion. Ast and Hills plan to work together on the accessory-dwelling bylaw.
The trust voted to approve the draft letter of reply to former Select Board member John Waterman’s letter recommending the town do away with the Affordable/Inclusionary Housing Bylaw.
Member Susan Miller’s effort to fast-track Marion into a rain-barrel water program meant to assist the needy has met obstacles.
Ast consulted with Community Preservation Committee Chairman Jeff Doubrava, whom he says does not think CPA funds can be used for the rain barrels. Ast reported the same general response from the nonprofit Community Preservation Coalition.
Miller said the number of Mattapoisett homeowners taking advantage of the program is up from 47 to 57. “It’s something that’s meant to help with the water bill, but it’s not for everyone,” she said.
Santos suggested a look into grant-funding opportunities.
The AHT potentially has two new members, including applicant Chris Collings, a former member of the Planning Board.
The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.
Marion Affordable Housing Trust
By Mick Colageo