Trust forms working group to help convert Connector Road extended‑stay hotel to rentals, seeks higher affordable set‑aside

Trustees on June 17 formed a working group to assist a developer proposing to convert a 109‑unit extended‑stay hotel on Connector Road (formerly a Sonesta branded extended-stay property) into rental housing. The developer holds zoning for 20% affordable units but trustees and staff discussed pursuing increased affordability to 25% and exploring AMI mixes (including 50–60% AMI) to unlock additional state financing options.

Chair said the property contains mostly one‑bedroom units and that the developer is two years into a three‑year financing window. Alan said the developer was open to discussing 50%–60% AMI units "as that opens up additional funding opportunity from the state." Trustees noted the conversion involves code and utility upgrades: part of the site will connect to sewer while other parts may remain septic, and building conversions require bringing units to current codes. The trust also noted 5% of units would be handicap accessible as required by guidelines and zoning.

Trustees expressed concern about occupancy composition and potential displacement of people currently staying in hotels under state shelter programs. A trustee asked staff to confirm whether the current hotel occupants include state placements; staff said they did not believe the property participates in the Emergency Shelter Assistance Program but agreed to check occupancy data.

The trust voted to create a working group (Alan, Hank Rausch, Steve Herrera) that can negotiate with the developer, explore subsidy options to increase affordability, and advise on financing and state processes. The working group was formed to operate without forming a quorum (three trustees) so it could meet informally to prepare recommendations and then return to the full trust for formal votes.