Lakeville Housing Trust Explores CPA Funding for Affordable Housing Options

The Lakeville Community Preservation Committee convened on August 21, 2025, at the police station to discuss critical housing issues affecting the community. A significant focus of the meeting was a presentation by Shelley Gehring from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, who outlined various ways the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds can be utilized to support affordable housing initiatives.

Gehring emphasized the importance of leveraging CPA funds to create and preserve affordable housing, highlighting successful examples from other communities. She explained that CPA funds can be used for a range of activities, including the acquisition of existing multifamily housing, supporting homeownership programs for income-qualified residents, and funding new construction projects. The committee learned about various strategies, such as buy-down programs and adaptive reuse of buildings, which have proven effective in other towns.

A key discussion point was Lakeville's lack of a housing authority, which has hindered the establishment of a housing trust that could facilitate these initiatives. The committee acknowledged the challenges faced in forming this trust, particularly due to negative perceptions surrounding affordable housing in the community. Residents have expressed concerns about the implications of 40B developments, which has made it difficult to gain support for affordable housing projects.

The committee also addressed the urgency of preserving approximately 100 rental units in Lakeville that are set to lose their affordability status in 2039. Gehring suggested that engaging with the current property owner to explore options for extending affordability could be a viable first step. She encouraged the committee to consider negotiating with potential new owners who might be interested in maintaining the affordability of these units.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration with local stakeholders to address housing challenges effectively. The discussions underscored the importance of community involvement in shaping housing policies that meet the needs of Lakeville residents. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions and explore actionable steps to enhance affordable housing options in the community.