In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant advancements in affordable housing initiatives, highlighting a successful partnership with Mass Housing that has expanded a local project from seven to 20 units. This increase was made possible through funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the collaboration of the developer, marking a notable achievement in inclusionary zoning efforts. The project now boasts a 25% inclusionary rate, surpassing the typical 10% seen in many municipalities.

Tom Skrowski, Chief of Planning and Community Development, detailed the ongoing down payment assistance program and the process for selecting applicants for the new units. Out of 131 applicants, 18 units were allocated through a lottery, while two units have been set aside specifically for veterans. However, no applications were received for these veteran-designated units, prompting the city to extend outreach efforts to ensure veterans are aware of this opportunity. An additional lottery will be held in three weeks to fill these remaining units.

The meeting emphasized the importance of clear communication and thorough logging of participant information, with officials committed to contacting all applicants promptly. The collaborative efforts between the city, housing trust, and developers were praised as a model for future projects, aiming to provide more housing options for the community.