[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6236494,"mediaKeyId","3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9","parentId",3357458,"title","Committee votes to enter executive session to discuss potential property acquisition under M.G.L. c.30A ———————————section 21","audioSeconds",57,"startMs",3391000,"endMs",3448000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9&start=3391&end=3448","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9/thumbnail_3391000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6236494/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Committee-votes-to-enter-executive-session-to-discuss-potential-property-acquisition-under-MGL-c30A-section-21","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236494-7b3a90b90682a22ddd83c42a7248f62b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427954&Signature=GgJqfuEfWFxvIA4OVvDwFG5zqzVkNlVH9SEdpgN2~k5m5ZObUQxlGEeFyajw5nq4ErGnY16ozEKY6PLYrVlCzuFzGgHYBfjCEGKxmZlxjq5eWazxSwciIO2gQ8WUs66nMLRrp6iGAExAvdu8-brX1aQBxxOf5XpCvkpiyGbk-OUoHJGtQZTqsLObyTZjem38relwAFC8Y4S7qkT4Abds71M8O0-HbmYN8eSMiwUzPoSLpiU565-1hbP1-EEXTp2brMVqEmg9Qw1bJAxyng--59krEhLm7kpZ4~QI-Y-WU~1Ax8J4Skhzof68PGozbqNR7e5hXrDutAP2RtZDxnzq0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Southborough, MA","date","2025-05-17T19:18:50.377Z","article","The committee moved into executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition and did not return to open session, citing the exemption in Massachusetts open-meeting law for negotiation strategy.

Chair or presiding member read the executive session citation aloud: \"The board will be entering into executive session for MGL chapter 30 a section 21 and not returning to open session to discuss potential property acquisition exemption number 6 as the chairs determined that open meeting may have detrimental effect on the town's position.\" A motion to enter executive session was made and seconded.

A roll-call vote to enter executive session recorded the following responses: Ellen, \"Aye\"; Al, \"Aye\"; Paul (committee member), \"Aye\"; Jesse, \"Aye\"; and Doug, \"Aye.\" The chair instructed public attendees that the committee would proceed in executive session and thanked them for attending.

Ending: The meeting transitioned to executive session and public attendees were excused; no further public details on the acquisition were discussed in open session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust 5/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Affordable Housing Committee voted unanimously to enter executive session under the exemption for negotiations on potential property acquisition and did not return to open session; members recorded aye votes.","taxTitle","Town of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",56453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236499,"Committee reviews possible town parcels for housing, considers perk testing and Atwood parcel options",467,2907000,3374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9&start=2907&end=3374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9/thumbnail_2907000.jpg","/articles/6236499/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Committee-reviews-possible-town-parcels-for-housing-considers-perk-testing-and-Atwood-parcel-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236499-e710d5dc7b8be37136b5b3c4f95a2fcd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427954&Signature=JfShNj9y49uUQtftfzZhjuFtbE~ecBoUHD4xmFpIWsqXt9DyWON6EFhyQsaVANhbVEH7GdRURUhaY6QD~EWW~Nh70VWAxOa8id0DTBVjj9xT2td0rCs0Oh93GXIzITFb8eJtuicCOecxcow~hu5KqvmCEgVD1ZUxJwNpeWbUvVEvxw1S21ZBKRzGbyAfiz8nehWoMU2efi1fbXqvAE0aQDLYGB6chUxxC8giqjQHYDN2JMBje9VjnZIx75UH9Fknru1ow-ece48ZxHQGcbEIJVOLLDvZtJrCrdqIeaSOpLBv6ISPg~HcU676UbOQavgUpfT9y~nWUyD~K5iZKKs-8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members reviewed potential town-owned parcels that could be used for affordable housing and discussed next steps for evaluating site feasibility, including additional perk testing and records review.

Paul (committee member) said he had investigated a lot at the corner of Pine Cone and Maple Crest and found records at the Board of Health showing earlier perk tests in a few locations but not a comprehensive set. He said a drain on the western edge of the lot empties into a reservoir and that regulatory setbacks may prevent placing a septic within 100 feet of the drain. \"There were perks were done in a couple of locations on the lot. There's ledge on the western edge of that lot, but it also looked like there were some areas that had not been explored,\" he said.

Members noted at least one abutter who strongly opposes redevelopment and discussed the risk of community pushback if crews perform new excavation on a currently vegetated lot. Paul offered to ask the Board of Health to locate any existing records and to seek permission for additional perk testing; he said the Board of Health might not charge the committee and DPW could assist with a backhoe.

The Atwood parcel was also discussed. Committee members said one side of Atwood has lead contamination while another side may be buildable by right for two houses; they raised the option of acquiring a landlocked parcel behind Atwood to create a larger developable area. \"The North end of the parcel you could put land, you could put something on, that would require the town meeting transferring the parcel to us or to an affordable unit like Habitat,\" one member said.

Ending: The committee asked a member to follow up with the Board of Health about existing perk-test records and to request permission for targeted additional testing; information will be reported at the next meeting.","Members discussed a town-owned lot at Pine Cone/Maple Crest (previous perk tests inconclusive), the Atwood parcel with contamination on one side and the possibility of acquiring adjacent land; committee will ask the board of health about existing records and whether additional perk testing can be done at low or no cost.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236504,"Committee discusses 40R proposal, bonding and ADUs as tools to grow affordable housing",0,2501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9&start=2501&end=2501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9/thumbnail_2501000.jpg","/articles/6236504/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Committee-discusses-40R-proposal-bonding-and-ADUs-as-tools-to-grow-affordable-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236504-5e6ca8c3b649ccb54129baa0a54daa00/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427954&Signature=TsQ4WriYKCxCxk2CNgv4DvJwq-2w03N21RVCV2WoCgA3FZE76PnMvWQ4chqmE-2A9OIHU5fdMpbQPdCmvQzp6J3X-PHsTr1C8bvp3L1c80aY4obsHPfwSCnrjqH~bK8z4BgZPe~9R5ONREwvCFl0oygqMqcTgVB-LcFDnuRhQwb~kpnJ6YGHsqp9UO3GSiu22klElQTgOE7gj9KdblPF2K6Rtn4lPVSWf6nJ-bvb6rQHke62BRk14OReGBBh4okRx63E6A1Ryp2u6mPZEvOVzjsKMGqPjN7oNL3L6i6Yi77thl-15LqyjrTTze3K9E03ORy2VejW2WrfbDyYCk0FIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Affordable Housing Committee discussed several potential strategies to increase housing supply, including a 40R-style redevelopment concept for the commuter lot, town bonding to finance subsidies, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and lifting a cap on senior housing units.

Al, a committee member, said he would invite Mark Davis to the next meeting to explain a \"40R\" idea that could allow the commuter lot to be moved into a parking garage and the existing lot to be redeveloped under 40R advantages. \"Mark Davis...has an idea about, it's called a 40 r,\" Al said, and the committee agreed to invite Davis to present.

Committee members also agreed to ask the town treasurer to give a brief presentation on bonding options. \"I can certainly ask the treasurer because bonding is his domain,\" Al said, offering to request a 15-minute discussion about borrowing authority and implications for housing subsidies.

On ADUs, committee members noted statewide changes that expand ADU allowances and discussed whether Habitat or the committee could implement ADUs as additional affordable units. Paul Rebello said Habitat is \"in the process of building a plan for ADUs\" and is testing footprints in the 700 to 900 square-foot range; he also questioned the owner-use case if Habitat sold a home with an ADU.

Members raised the idea of lifting the town's cap on the percentage of senior housing units. Doug and others noted prior warrant-article attempts and suggested that removing the cap could provide another source of housing supply. Jesse and other members said the housing production plan consultant (Community Scale) should identify zoning barriers, including limits on senior housing and other restrictions.

Ending: The committee agreed to invite Mark Davis for a presentation, request a briefing from the treasurer on bonding, flag ADU and senior-cap issues for the housing production plan, and ask the consultant to identify zoning barriers during its work.","Members discussed inviting Mark Davis to present a 40R redevelopment option for the commuter lot, asking the treasurer about bonding options, exploring ADUs and reconsidering a cap on senior housing units as strategies to increase housing supply.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236509,"Affordable housing consultants contracted; Community Scale begins work on town housing production plan",126,2334000,2460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9&start=2334&end=2460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9/thumbnail_2334000.jpg","/articles/6236509/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Affordable-housing-consultants-contracted-Community-Scale-begins-work-on-town-housing-production-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236509-1563bd1e83c52d77bc15e19641664dc9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427954&Signature=mlRD2gABpPcUS5LINZ0ZiX6KCYulf8ShUzZzWbiyctW1tK-C55kDrr20hvOSQMSBg27V6sP7NSaMbN3cVDaDgaLfnliJC73Htlv9Fg3nvNpCm5g7ui6NQmyrvIkcWLFwPTocr5UzcWsgtT3IVZJkpBd9j7IjUlYpPr91p6hwa7yAEvWoYmaaaACE2fZs6dDq3gDyOwRvStfR3iohAuZBGVNdRE6rCIyvdsfzyLMJ2Ki2pt4G~fWG-WoxdU9CGfeejgU25rHO7SKH~5hTlB47d~EEXAvmMtLH9yRNYqN4VVpYvOY~ei0Ar~0-1HFXKmEJjeIdkg4RP7wAsXZLnoqZ2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members reported that the housing production plan contract has been awarded to Community Scale and that the contract paperwork has been executed and returned.

Al (committee member) said, \"Community Scale was engaged, and awarded the contract. We voted on that, and, obviously, on May 1. Melanie did give me the over the contract, signed by them. So I did countersign it, and so that went back to them.\" Ellen and Jesse said they will coordinate with Community Scale to set interim meetings and clarify the consultant's timeline and when the firm should present to the full committee.

Ellen said she and Jesse would check in with the consultant about the proposal timeline and determine when Community Scale should appear at a full meeting. \"So I think probably the next step is for Jesse and I to check-in with community scale,\" she said. Jesse confirmed he will reconnect after travel and participate in follow-up discussions.

Committee members discussed scheduling an agenda item for a future meeting to receive an update from Community Scale and flagged that the housing production plan work should identify local zoning barriers (including whether caps on certain housing types exist) and possible strategies.

Ending: Committee members agreed to arrange interim check-ins with Community Scale and to place a housing production plan update on a future meeting agenda for a fuller presentation.","The committee confirmed that Community Scale was awarded the housing production plan contract, the contract was countersigned and committee members will schedule follow-ups to align timelines and plan for public engagement.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236514,"Habitat for Humanity Worcester affiliate outlines plan to expand affordable homebuilding in central Massachusetts",2042,65000,2107000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9&start=65&end=2107","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3357458-1a91dd0c66ec1b83569add35b9a4f1e9/thumbnail_65000.jpg","/articles/6236514/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Habitat-for-Humanity-Worcester-affiliate-outlines-plan-to-expand-affordable-homebuilding-in-central-Massachusetts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236514-1ebf8805e99ac10fdd3374a9358e646e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427954&Signature=n7vwYWmdnTBnecBqTII8st~MS90fnu9-EgmAHpfjiugNDOqUXuhca5qx6OJWA0v-qQvJY4DhU-X~FwRlrWUy6RQXqZghOHt9si8GJrjWohpu0N7Qsfh5unTbL~p4orHTrfekb~ucjVKLkYME0TRVntns6Bc~~~05dAVJSBnFSA3296qkvEu204gPy-0PucF4CKunWw~g~B7vucvH~IoFhaz5u5iSlHYtWOkRncGkLRpRxxVHP40hmR1SBGMbolSKabF4OhDnfKVBakx1YtkdTS8JKu~-cHubG46Fdiwixw8H4MhvZzzt32JAjwSmlPqksbZEpbkZQOjLRWJ~N5ZYxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Paul Rebello, construction manager for the Habitat for Humanity Worcester affiliate, told the Town of Southborough Affordable Housing Committee on Zoom that the affiliate is aiming to increase production and partnership with area towns.

Rebello said the affiliate, headquartered in Worcester and serving 42 towns in Central Massachusetts, is targeting a goal of 30 new affordable housing units over three years and plans to scale its home-repair program to about 12 repairs per year. \"Our board set a new strategic agenda for us, and they would like us to achieve or grow to achieve 30 housing units over a 3 year period,\" he said.

The proposal matters to Southborough because Habitat typically partners with towns that own vacant lots or properties acquired through tax taking, transfers a site to Habitat (often for $1) and signs a development agreement that involves the local housing trust and review by the state agency Rebello identified as EOHLC. \"All of this is regulated by EOHLC, the state agency that covers affordable housing,\" he said, describing the required RFP and selection process for town-owned parcels worth more than $50,000.

Rebello described how Habitat prices homes to be affordable to households at roughly 30 to 60 percent of area median income (AMI), sells units rather than giving them away and limits monthly housing costs to about 30 percent of the household's income. \"There's a misconception that Habitat gives away homes. We do not,\" he said. He added that families selected for Habitat homes perform about 300 hours of \"sweat equity\" prior to closing and typically provide a 3 to 5 percent down payment.

On financing and operations, Rebello said the affiliate frequently sells homes at prices below construction cost and relies on donations, volunteer labor and grants to close the gap. He also said the affiliate has moved from holding 0 percent mortgages itself toward arranging discounted mortgages through partner banks; the affiliate currently works with four banks, he said.

Rebello reviewed typical project timelines and budgets: construction of a single-family house usually takes about 14 to 15 months; permitting and site approvals can add 6 to 9 months; and a total project cycle from initial engagement to occupancy can be about two years. He said housing trusts typically provide a development subsidy in the range of 25 to 30 percent of a project\u0000\u0000\u0000and that towns sometimes allocate Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to support those subsidies.

Energy efficiency and long-term maintenance were highlighted as central to Habitat's approach. Rebello described building details the affiliate uses to reduce operating costs: mini-split electric heating, hybrid hot-water tanks, 2x6 exterior walls with continuous insulation, dense-packed cellulose, double-pane low-E windows, and a target air-change rate he quantified as \"1.35 air changes per hour,\" well below a code limit he cited as 3. He said solar panels will be donated for an upcoming Sunderland Road project to offset monthly electric bills.

When committee members asked about unit types and lot capacity, Rebello said the affiliate will build duplexes, townhouses and multi-unit infill where zoning allows and said he is exploring accessory dwelling unit (ADU) footprints as a potential option. He described a recent donation from Mackenzie Scott that provided operating cash to help the affiliate undertake more projects without immediate external funding.

Rebello also described the standard Habitat plan used in Central Massachusetts (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, roughly 1,560 square feet) and noted the affiliate can adapt plans for three-bedroom ranches or smaller two-bedroom designs when sites require them. He said applications for units are often oversubscribed and that Habitat uses a lottery when multiple qualified applicants apply.

Committee members thanked Rebello and asked him to share the slide deck. Rebello agreed to send the presentation to the committee for posting and follow-up.

Ending: The committee did not take a formal vote on partnering with Habitat during this meeting; members indicated interest in identifying town-owned parcels that could be offered for development and in pursuing follow-up conversations with Habitat about specific sites and possible subsidies.

","Paul Rebello of Habitat for Humanity\u0000\u0000\u0000Worcester affiliate described the group's 3-year goal to build 30 affordable homes, ongoing energy-efficiency practices, financing model and how towns can partner on donated lots or RFPs governed by EOHLC rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee votes to enter executive session to discuss potential property acquisition under M.G.L. c.30A ———————————section 21

Committee reviews possible town parcels for housing, considers perk testing and Atwood parcel options

Committee discusses 40R proposal, bonding and ADUs as tools to grow affordable housing

Affordable housing consultants contracted; Community Scale begins work on town housing production plan

Habitat for Humanity Worcester affiliate outlines plan to expand affordable homebuilding in central Massachusetts