[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6455840,"mediaKeyId","5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303","parentId",5731026,"title","Select Board backs local-option real-estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing; staff analysis shows modest potential revenue","audioSeconds",951,"startMs",5508000,"endMs",6459000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303&start=5508&end=6459","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303/thumbnail_5508000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455840/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Select-Board-backs-local-option-real-estate-transfer-fee-to-fund-affordable-housing-staff-analysis-shows-modest-potential-revenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455840-a8ccd52a9bc228a25ea320cdc5c1e652/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437931&Signature=TlGEPUrYGdhke4YEWR2iw-~lquVuGn3AB-IjiPLABfI0bY6pPf-QoN22AGv0EpDHWpiNOmDoNHqxQeMdSNIsZRdQrlbJqMsUYuLv-iH1TyB8bLm27cn1592qpfDeaHQQlNH45lMr6d1HUWtMs~51BTL0s9UWE9JjzrGbHq1Ed2CPrMP-M7nm-UznAKTXF~EPr74k2w-Cb6S6zkHuw4M0OzKWfB4Fr5dRiD1VQ3dely~OJhhibv1vyfRzUGmhFzL98KvDnHGbKEO4yNKU9Fxow0dhYsUBcCCAItEokNtXVwKkQMTj0sc-G9SNL7pcV0jRi~kzqJbKs-tHYj3uQ7Ui1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Acton","date","2025-09-05T15:15:26Z","article","The Acton Select Board on Sept. 8 approved a letter endorsing state legislation that would let cities and towns adopt a local-option real-estate transfer fee on high-value transactions, with revenues dedicated to affordable-housing programs.

Bob, speaking for the Acton Community Housing Corporation (ACHC), presented a preliminary town analysis: \"On that basis, in 2024, if a fee had been in place at that level, it would have generated about $557,000 for the town,\" he said. The figure assumed a fee set at the low end of proposals (0.5% applied only to the portion of the sale price above $1,000,000 or above the county median, whichever is lower).

Why it matters: proponents say the fee would create a predictable, locally controlled revenue stream for affordable-housing projects and upkeep that is more flexible than community-preservation funds. Opponents and several residents raised concerns about tax scope, indexing and potential unintended effects on commercial transactions.

Details of the presentation and board discussion

ACHC staff provided preliminary counts and a revenue scenario. The town recorded 88 transactions exceeding $1,000,000 in 2024 out of 290 total property transactions. Under the example used in the presentation'a 0.5% fee on the portion above $1,000,000'those sales would have generated approximately $557,000 in one year.

Select Board members and public commenters focused on several implementation questions: whether the fee would apply to residential or commercial transfers; whether the $1,000,000 threshold would be fixed or indexed (the current draft language ties the threshold to $1,000,000 or the county median, whichever is lower); whether the seller or buyer would pay; and whether the town could exclude types of transfers (for example, multifamily or deed-restricted affordable housing) when it drafts a local bylaw.

Public commenters and members of the Finance Committee voiced caution. Karen Hodseth (Finance Committee member) asked whether the $1,000,000 figure was indexed and observed that \"if the intent was to go after... out-of-state people... this hits everybody,\" noting Middlesex County's median home value is currently below $1,000,000.

Supporters stressed local control. Tara (representing a local business group) called the proposal a tool for giving municipalities options and suggested local-level exemptions for long-time residents and prioritized definitions that would protect true affordable housing.

Next steps and state context

Select Board members noted the legislation still requires action at the State House; the Legislature's joint committee on finance planned a hearing the morning after the meeting. The board's vote approved only a letter supporting the availability of a local option, not local adoption: any town-level implementation would require additional local deliberation and a town-meeting bylaw.

ACHC representatives and planning staff said the revenue estimates are preliminary and that the final effect would depend on the chosen threshold, the fee rate and any local exemptions.

The board voted to approve the letter of support and asked the manager to ensure the letter is submitted electronically to legislative staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Acton Select Board Meeting - September 8th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Acton Select Board on Sept. 8 approved a letter endorsing state legislation that would let municipalities adopt a local-option real-estate transfer fee on high-value transactions, with revenues dedicated to affordable housing.","taxTitle","Town of Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",56888,"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},6455845,"Acton assessor outlines tax-exemption programs and new state option to incentivize affordable long-term rentals",509,852000,1361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303&start=852&end=1361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303/thumbnail_852000.jpg","/articles/6455845/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Acton-assessor-outlines-tax-exemption-programs-and-new-state-option-to-incentivize-affordable-long-term-rentals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455845-ed7e0d0dbf2eed1c3bd940126f4c394b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437931&Signature=moHtWtk3qr3vgD4qKdW3YVnFXFWmyI1z-yOSm3NiKfss5p2CS10A6o4aNJlDk8JuT367LOnwdkQnHO77hZYS-VaECDAE3ylJ1Sp4akVqGu8mYq1ZSDOo1xm~lqLWVVlEaufDN6t28qEHqtELm6aD-i-D-xeUqW1x5-513~u9Bef0hJMOCkLXVPOJhEOy1AWeG3FcHh0OA1VfyhPZQ1PYoKrnZFy-oom5U-QzaqnWO8RjcwE7yb2tgZWuzLa6Jthh6wsOMTwbm0jPdAS2FJrTUrFZo~aT86RNfKXoveWMfzgdx1TVvwvBIu-mgpGHh2xfh7xY7uf38-XFAWSKnqnB-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CJ Carroll, Acton's principal assessor, told the Select Board on Sept. 8 that the town provided just under $670,000 in tax relief across multiple programs in 2025 and outlined a newly enacted state option that could incentivize property owners to rent units at affordable rates.

Carroll said the new state option (Chapter 59, Section 5.0) \"provides an incentive for property owners to rent units at an affordable housing rate to specifically low income tenants,\" and recommended the town study how to implement the authority before bringing any bylaw or policy to town meeting.

Why it matters: the programs discussed provide direct relief to seniors, veterans and other eligible residents and are a practical lever for locally targeted housing policy. Carroll told the board the Chapter 59 option could expand local tools to encourage long-term affordable rentals without creating deed-restricted units, but that the provision requires careful design so owners will use it.

What Carroll presented

Carroll first reviewed Acton's existing exemptions and comparable totals in neighboring towns. \"In 2025, Acton provided just short of $670,000 in tax relief,\" he said, attributing that total to a mix of statutory exemptions (for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, blind persons and hardship cases), CPA exemptions and deferrals. He said other nearby towns showed higher totals mainly because they used deferrals, which must be repaid, whereas Acton's figure is comprised largely of permanent exemptions and CPA reductions.

Carroll highlighted the circuit-breaker program, which ties property-tax relief to the state income-tax circuit-breaker credit. \"It ensures that real estate taxes do not exceed 10% of the adjusted gross income of the individual,\" he said, adding the local administration limits the exemption to 50% of the year's tax bill. Carroll said approximately 20 Acton residents apply annually and the town distributed about $42,000 under the circuit-breaker last year \"and the average person receives about $2,000 per applicant.\" He noted that local outreach helps many seniors complete the required state CB-1 tax form.

On the new Chapter 59 option

Carroll described the post-2024 statutory provision (Chapter 59, Section 5.0) as a flexible tool that allows a municipality to grant a property-tax exemption to owners who commit qualifying square footage or units to long-term rental at rates aligned with HUD affordability guidelines and income limits (not to exceed 200% of area median income under the statute as presented). He explained localities may design the exemption's structure (percent-of-tax, per-unit amount, or prorated by qualifying square footage).

\"There is a limit on the exemption amount,\" Carroll said, illustrating the local proration rule: \"If you have a $10,000 tax bill and a 1,000-square-foot home, if you rent 500 square feet of that thousand, your exemption can only be $5,000.\" He cited Harwich as one municipality the state Department of Local Services identified as having implemented a local program under the new authority.

Board questions and implementation issues

Jim (Select Board member) asked how tenant eligibility would be verified. Carroll said the assessor's office typically requires the tenant's income documentation and the lease and that \"potentially a hurdle\" is the requirement to present income-tax returns for the tenant (CB-1 or other returns) in many income-restricted applications. He said there may be some flexibility because the exemption is claimed based on the property owner's request and the statute is new.

David (Select Board member) asked whether local adoption requires town meeting. Carroll replied plainly: \"It would need to pass a town meeting.\" He added that how the town implements the program'as a bylaw or by administrative policy'is flexible and would be a local decision.

Alicia (Select Board member) and others raised operational concerns: timing and annual re-verification if tenants change; potential unintended consequences if landlords shift rents on other units to recoup benefits; and safeguards against landlords capturing the full value of the tax break without passing benefits to tenants. Carroll acknowledged these are implementation choices for the town to study and for the assessors and regional housing staff to analyze.

Next steps

Carroll said he will discuss the option with the Board of Assessors, consult the Regional Housing Services Office for affordability data and recommend a town-level study to analyze the financial and practical effects. If the Select Board and assessors determine the tool could help meet Acton's goals, the next formal step would be presentation of a draft bylaw or policy for town meeting consideration.

Carroll closed by urging caution and careful design: \"If we institute it and it financially doesn't make sense for anyone to use it, like, they won't be used.\"","CJ Carroll, Acton's principal assessor, told the Select Board on Sept. 8 that the town provided just under $670,000 in tax relief across multiple programs in 2025 and outlined a newly enacted state option that could incentivize property owners to rent units at affordable rates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455835,"Acton select board approves several licenses, temporary business-hours change and appointments",1973,3225000,5198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303&start=3225&end=5198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5731026-aa81c891170c38615d6e3eeb1f0e7303/thumbnail_3225000.jpg","/articles/6455835/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Acton-select-board-approves-several-licenses-temporary-business-hours-change-and-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455835-c382346a49478b3c0707f07b9f274420/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437931&Signature=VdDuIoi9rannOMLdYyJcXQEqpnG3i1uK3tBkiWFWXssOcc6PMKD5cezJMWf720xyh~iTGewr5orVAJqury~ZMPdnLj0HA8FyfzrN6htZQyq86cpO~Xl6hPIqBO-mSb9INvXj36xni~iGuPoBQO85MRVB1JxVdU6XToHpKqn79TMEgIefybqL73PpdF4T~dJuHFVG3At5o9JvlBheudlZJEAoTX2BM44-I0H5qmgPGNk6m0rev3WndGC1yquiI5RoZBZaz95xRgn-g0ONqqJZcexBgPi1jNcwqi8oeVotJEz7X1kwRvYPXPyNjVDbEuhDa8r-3UcHuvKS9gVis09tUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Acton Select Board on Sept. 8 voted on a series of licensing and administrative items, closed two public hearings and approved a temporary amendment to a special permit for a retail business.

Votes at a glance

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill (297 Main St.): The board approved a request to pledge one Acton liquor license as collateral for a loan to Northern Bank and Trust Company. Dawson Cooper, attorney for the applicant, said the bank would take possession of pledged licenses in a default but the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) process remains required for any transfer. The board closed the public hearing and then voted to approve the pledge; the motion carried with one abstention.

- Wonder (HDR Holdings d/b/a Wonder, 145 Great Road): After a public hearing, the board closed the hearing and approved a common victualler license for the food-hall concept. Daniel Brennan, who handles permits for Wonder, said the Acton site will be roughly 2,500 square feet with 13 seats and is geared toward takeout and delivery. The motion passed unanimously.

- Let's Roll LLC (930 Main St., Suite 10): The board approved a temporary expansion of operating hours for up to 60 days while staff and tenants work toward a longer-term agreement. The temporary hours keep the already-approved Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot and add Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The board directed staff to facilitate discussions among the landlord, Let's Roll and neighboring tenants to reach a durable schedule.

- Consent agenda and minutes: The board approved committee appointment of Robert Jackson as a full member of the Economic Development Committee (term to 06/30/2028); authorized one-day malt and wine licenses for local organizations; and approved the Aug. 25, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (the minutes were amended to clarify that retirees will be covered under a new Aetna contract the town will sign in January, rather than signing the contract themselves).

What applicants said and next steps

Dawson Cooper, an attorney representing Santa Fe Burrito Grill Acton LLC, told the board the company is pledging six liquor licenses as collateral to secure refinancing and support a new location. \"They wouldn't cut you guys out,\" Cooper said, explaining that the bank would need to follow ABCC procedures before transferring a license to a new holder in the event of default.

Daniel Brennan, representing Wonder, said the restaurant intends to open by December and will emphasize takeout and delivery in the 2,500-square-foot space at 145 Great Road.

Andrew Kucher, appearing for Let's Roll, said the business has expanded operations since receiving the original special permit and sought more flexible hours. The board approved temporary expanded hours for 60 days and encouraged the landlord to convene the relevant tenants and staff to agree on lasting hours.

Other housekeeping and announcements

The board also heard updates that included: a public Sept. 11 ceremony at the public safety facility; the town manager's update on roadwork in Kelly's Corner and Powder Mill; an upcoming DPW facility presentation planned for the building committee on Sept. 24 with Select Board discussion expected at the Oct. 6 meeting; and a reminder about town restaurant week in October.

The meeting adjourned after approving the consent items and several motions to close public hearings.","At its Sept. 8 meeting the Acton Select Board approved a pledge of a liquor license for Santa Fe Burrito Grill, a common victualler license for HDR Holdings d/b/a Wonder, temporary expanded hours for Let's Roll LLC and several consent items including an Economic Development Committee appointment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Select Board backs local-option real-estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing; staff analysis shows modest potential revenue

Acton assessor outlines tax-exemption programs and new state option to incentivize affordable long-term rentals

Acton select board approves several licenses, temporary business-hours change and appointments