Trust weighs affordable housing preference or sale proceeds for Glendale Street parcel; North Suffolk applies for $50,000 open‑call allocation

Trust members reviewed responses to requests for proposals on city‑owned tax‑title properties and discussed how to evaluate bids for a Glendale Street parcel.

Chair Joe Grama said the RFP closed on the Glendale Street lot and reminded trustees the bid parameters gave preference to proposals that advance affordable housing but did not strictly require on‑site construction of affordable units. He noted the property’s assessed value was in the $60,000–$70,000 range and said variances and other site constraints could limit feasible building options. Trustees discussed either accepting a market‑value bid and depositing proceeds into the Trust for other affordable housing work or prioritizing a bidder that would build an affordable unit on the site.

A trustee urged prioritizing bids producing affordable housing options for residents, while others noted the final decision will hinge on received proposals and economics. Grama said the board will take part in the evaluation phase and report back.

Separately, Grama reminded trustees of an open‑call application window through March and said the Trust received an application from North Suffolk that requests the full $50,000 available in this round; the applicant will be scheduled to present and trustees will review the materials before making a funding decision.