Nantucket Select Board discusses strategic planning for affordable housing initiatives

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) of Nantucket convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding affordable housing and the strategic planning necessary to address the ongoing housing crisis in the area. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among various town entities, including the planning board, the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), and the select board.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the future of affordable housing on Nantucket. A committee member emphasized the need for a strategic planning session that would bring together all relevant stakeholders to explore potential solutions. The urgency of the housing situation was acknowledged, with committee members noting the complexity of the issues at hand and the ongoing efforts by the housing office to alleviate these challenges.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the ownership and management of housing covenants. It was clarified that the housing authority holds the covenant, which is crucial for implementing affordable housing initiatives. There was a call for adjustments to the existing covenant program to better align with current market conditions, as the existing framework was deemed inadequate.

The committee also addressed the recent authorization of $5 million in bonding for future housing projects. Members expressed the necessity of having these funds readily available to respond quickly to emerging opportunities in the housing market. The discussion underscored the importance of flexibility in funding, allowing the CPC to engage in timely conversations with developers and other stakeholders without the delays associated with waiting for town meeting approvals.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain open lines of communication among committee members and to provide regular updates on progress and developments in affordable housing initiatives. The CPC plans to reconvene quarterly to ensure ongoing collaboration and to address the evolving needs of the community.