Southbridge council candidates debate housing, seniors and developer oversight ahead of June 10 election

Four candidates in the race for three Southbridge town council seats debated how the town should respond to rising rents, new housing proposals and services for an aging population during a town election forum televised locally.

At the forum, incumbent Town Councilor Jasmine Rivas and challengers David Adams, Gil Provost and Councilor Michael Montigny all said the needs of older residents are growing as housing costs and property taxes rise. "They are very concerned about being not being displaced and not having a place to go," Rivas said, describing recent testimony from seniors at a council meeting.

Why it matters: Candidates tied housing policy to immediate concerns — seniors on fixed incomes, food insecurity and the availability of services — and to longer-term planning, including how new development should fit Southbridge’s needs.

Candidates proposed several approaches. Rivas said the town needs a housing production plan and urged using programs and services targeted at older residents, including food programs and housing creation specifically for elders. Adams pointed voters toward existing assistance resources and local nonprofit partners, saying residents can "go through RCAP, call the 211 number" and that "TriValley is a amazing organization to help out too." He suggested using town funds such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or free cash to set up a revolving account to help homeowner-seniors.

Montigny and Provost emphasized tighter oversight of developers. Montigny urged caution about projects that could raise rents or strain services, saying the town must "figure out how to stop all these extra housing projects that are coming into town" unless they include protections for current residents and adequate services. Provost called for making the town attractive to businesses and for ensuring projects include usable open space and amenities for youth and seniors.

Several specific proposals and local projects were discussed: candidates debated the Lebanon Hill housing matter and a plan to convert the Elm Center Cafe building into 40 units, with concerns raised about parking, local services and whether projects would meet community needs. Montigny also urged engaging state officials about potential HUD-related transfers connected to some projects.

Candidates broadly agreed that new housing must be paired with services — clinical supports, transportation and healthcare access — and that the town should press state and regional partners when development brings new residents and demands on police, fire and schools.

Ending: Candidates urged voters to weigh housing and senior-service approaches when they vote on June 10 at the Southbridge Community Center. The forum made clear housing will be a top issue for the next council, with debate centered on whether to block, reshape or negotiate new projects to protect current residents.