In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a proposed development at 228 Route 28, which includes a retail space and 13 residential apartments. A key point of contention was the absence of the required affordable housing units, specifically one-bedroom apartments of 700 square feet, as mandated by local standards.

The planning board had previously reviewed the project and noted that the proposed one-bedroom units ranged from 397 to 635 square feet, falling short of the 700-square-foot requirement. This discrepancy raised concerns about setting a precedent for future developments if the project were to be approved without meeting the established size criteria.

Scott, a representative from the planning board, clarified that while the state standards dictate a minimum size for affordable one-bedroom units, there is flexibility in the approval process. The committee discussed the possibility of granting a waiver for the size requirement, emphasizing that even smaller units could be preferable to having no affordable housing options at all.

The committee also considered the implications of allowing smaller units, including potential adjustments to rental prices to reflect the reduced size. A suggestion was made to set rents at approximately 70% of the fair market rate, which would position them around $1,050 per month, a significant reduction aimed at making the units more accessible.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges in balancing affordable housing needs with regulatory standards, as well as the importance of ensuring that future developments align with community expectations. The committee is expected to vote on the waiver request in the coming sessions, which could pave the way for the project to move forward despite the size limitations.