The Town of Southborough Affordable Housing Trust voted unanimously to support a proposed warrant article related to Atlantic Management's proposal for the EMC/Dell parcel, a site many attendees described as the likely location for a Costco store.

Doug (chair of the Affordable Housing Trust) introduced the topic and said supporting appropriate commercial development could help grow the town's commercial tax base and ease pressure on residential property taxpayers. A trust member noted the town's tax base has shifted since before the COVID-19 period; the speaker said residential properties now contribute over 84% of the town's property tax burden compared with roughly 80% pre-pandemic, shifting a little over $2,000,000 in tax burden onto homeowners.

Members discussed economic development benefits, including potential clustering of additional businesses around a major retail anchor. Paul (trust member) said he personally supports the project and welcomed the prospect of a grocery retailer; another member noted increased traffic would be manageable given the town's status as a regional cut-through.

The trust moved and seconded a motion stating the Affordable Housing Trust supports the proposed warrant article because it would improve the commercial tax base, which in turn helps residential affordability and could increase Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds that support the trust. The motion passed with recorded affirmations from Al, Paul, Ellen and Doug.

Doug said he will attend town meeting and speak on behalf of the trust in favor of the warrant article; another member said they also planned to comment as an individual.