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Falmouth leaders weigh how to use ‘Safe Harbor’ to steer affordable housing and speed 40B reviews
Summary
At a Jan. 6 joint meeting, Falmouth Select Board members, Zoning Board liaison Scott Zelensky and housing advocates discussed how Safe Harbor status and the Local Initiative Program (LIP) should shape project review, nitrogen controls, and interdepartmental referrals for comprehensive permit (40B) applications.
Falmouth officials met Jan. 6 to discuss how the town’s recent entry into Safe Harbor status should change local handling of affordable housing projects filed under the state’s Chapter 40B comprehensive-permit process and the Local Initiative Program (LIP).
The discussion focused on practical steps: clarifying what the select board’s LIP endorsement means, improving referral and peer‑review responses from town departments, adding clearer LIP guidance for developers, and integrating nitrogen and wastewater considerations into early review.
Scott Zelensky, liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals, told the select board the joint session was intended to surface recurring questions from ZBA hearings and record them in a way that helps both boards. "This short moment in time gives your board the ability to refine your process," Zelensky said, urging clearer communication so the ZBA can rely on a more complete record when it issues findings.
Board members and ZBA participants said Safe…
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