The Town of Concord's Planning Board is taking significant steps toward enhancing workforce housing in the community. During a recent meeting on November 12, 2024, board members discussed a proposal aimed at adjusting incentives to encourage the development of affordable housing units. This initiative aligns with the town's broader goals of diversifying its housing stock and addressing workforce housing needs.

Keith Bergman, chair of the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, expressed strong support for the proposal, highlighting its consistency with the trust's objectives. He noted that the trust has unanimously voted to back the initiative, which seeks to utilize both a $500,000 ARPA grant and other unrestricted funds to bolster workforce housing efforts. Bergman emphasized the importance of this zoning change in meeting the town's housing goals.

Select Board members echoed this sentiment, advocating for the proposal as a practical solution to the current housing shortage. They underscored the urgency of implementing these changes, suggesting that the town has ample time to refine the regulations without needing immediate trigger mechanisms.

The Planning Board is now considering a straw vote to gauge interest in moving forward with the proposal and sending it to the town council for review. This step is crucial for determining the viability of the proposed incentives and ensuring that the language aligns with legal requirements.

As discussions progress, the Planning Board remains focused on fostering an environment conducive to the development of affordable housing, which is increasingly seen as essential for the community's growth and sustainability. The next steps will involve further deliberation and collaboration with the town council to finalize the proposal and prepare for potential implementation.