Affordable Housing Trust files broad CPA application; trust rescinds offer on Water Tower parcel

The Affordable Housing Trust filed a broadly worded Community Preservation Act application seeking continuing CPA support for the trust’s work and a request of up to $50,000. At the CPC technical review, trust members said the application is intentionally general because the trust has no imminent, specific project to present.

Ellen (Affordable Housing Trust representative) told the CPC that the trust had been discussing an offer to assist with remediation at the Water Tower (Atwood Street) parcel but rescinded that offer to allow more time for neighborhood outreach and due diligence. She said the trust was "not comfortable with the speed" of moving the parcel to a fall town meeting and will not advance it at this time.

Committee members asked for clarification on the trust’s priorities, whether the trust will target households below 80 percent area median income (AMI), and for a clearer budget line showing how much the trust expects as CPA support and what other funds are available. Freddie and others asked the trust to include a clear statement of how much CPA money (and held funds) the trust currently has available and to clarify whether future requests will be project‑specific or remain general.

Outcome: Committee members found the application eligible for CPA purposes but flagged the need for additional detail on requested amounts, timeline and any proposed AMI targeting. The CPC will send a technical‑review letter with follow‑up questions and invited the trust to provide more specific project details when available.

Ending The Affordable Housing Trust will continue outreach and planning before presenting any specific project requests to the CPC.