Red Brook board discusses affordable housing plans amid community concerns

During the recent Plymouth Planning Board meeting held on February 12, 2025, discussions centered around the ongoing challenges of affordable housing development in the Red Brook neighborhood. The meeting highlighted the complexities involved in fulfilling the town's obligations to provide affordable housing while addressing community concerns.

A key point of contention arose regarding the proposal to relocate 12 affordable housing units from their originally designated neighborhoods to a different area. Board members expressed confusion over this decision, questioning why the units could not be built in their intended locations while still meeting the town's housing obligations. One board member articulated a concern that this approach felt like a "bait and switch," emphasizing the importance of fulfilling existing commitments to the neighborhoods.

In response, planning staff explained that the current housing market presents significant challenges. They noted that maintaining a 2,000 square foot house as affordable is difficult for low-income families, especially when factoring in homeowners' association fees. The staff argued that a different model is necessary to attract qualified buyers, as previous attempts to market affordable units in the area had not succeeded.

The board also discussed two potential options for completing the affordable housing requirements: a smaller project of 12 units and a larger development of 35 to 40 units. The latter option is seen as more economically viable, as it would allow for better financing and potentially lower income restrictions. However, the board acknowledged the urgency of addressing the immediate need for affordable housing, suggesting that pursuing both options could be beneficial.

Several board members expressed support for the larger Grantham model, which has previously received substantial funding from the town. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new developments are not only affordable but also integrated into the community in a way that meets the needs of residents.

As the meeting concluded, the board agreed on the necessity of continuing discussions with the community and stakeholders to refine the proposals. They underscored the importance of balancing the town's financial commitments with the pressing need for affordable housing, ensuring that the residents of Red Brook are not left waiting for solutions.

The Planning Board's deliberations reflect a broader challenge faced by many communities: how to effectively provide affordable housing while navigating regulatory, financial, and community dynamics. The next steps will involve further analysis of the proposed models and continued engagement with residents to ensure that the final plans align with the community's needs and expectations.