Housing surcharge increase sparks community debate

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community resources and addressing housing needs.

One significant topic was the potential increase of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) surcharge from 1.5% to 2%. The proposed half-percent increase would be earmarked specifically for housing projects. Officials noted that before moving forward, they must ensure that enabling legislation allows for this allocation and gauge community support for the change.

In a related housing initiative, the Concord Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) announced plans to name a road at the Assabet Bluff Affordable Housing Development \"Rother Mill Place,\" in honor of Terry Rothermel, a long-time advocate for affordable housing. This name is pending approval from the fire department, which may suggest alternative names if necessary.

The meeting also highlighted upcoming community events, including Ag Day on September 7, organized by the Agricultural Committee, and a \"stone soup dinner\" on September 22, which pairs local restaurants with farms to promote local agriculture and raise funds for farm programs.

Additionally, discussions touched on the potential renovation of a property at 249 Harrington Ave for affordable or workforce housing. While the idea was met with interest, concerns were raised regarding accessibility and safety issues, as well as the challenges of finding a buyer willing to accept the property with existing restrictions.

Lastly, the board addressed the ongoing negotiations with Comcast regarding a cable contract. A request for a 120-day extension to finalize the agreement was approved, with hopes of reaching a resolution by December.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to enhancing housing options and community engagement while navigating the complexities of local governance.