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Trust reviews modular ADU options and hears 134 Fisher Street supportive housing proposal
Summary
Members discussed modular/backyard ADU options presented at an MHP Institute session and reviewed a developer’s small supportive housing concept at 134 Fisher Street (initial design ~18 small rental units with partnering supportive services). The Trust agreed to route the developer to planning staff and consider letters of support or modest local subsidy if needed.
The Trust reviewed a presentation from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership on backyard ADUs and modular housing and heard a new small supportive housing proposal for 134 Fisher Street.
Staff recapped the modular presentation: modular units are largely factory‑built and arrive roughly 90% complete, can reduce construction costs (the presenter referenced published case studies reporting construction cost savings), and range in size (a two‑bedroom example was described at roughly 24x12 with about 800 square feet interior). Members discussed whether the Trust’s upcoming RFPs should treat modular construction as a preferred option or simply accept modular proposals as one approach.
On 134 Fisher Street, the Trust discussed a developer (named Rich Record in the meeting) proposing an initial phase of 18 small rental units (about 576 sq ft per one‑bedroom unit, per the developer’s diagram) aimed at populations that may need supportive services. The developer has been introduced to a local advocacy organization (referred to as 'advocates' in the meeting) that would assist with marketing and supportive‑service referrals. Trust members noted state supportive‑housing funding programs exist (including long‑term low‑interest or deferred financing) and agreed to route the developer to planning staff for funding and permitting guidance; members also discussed the possibility of providing a letter of support or limited local subsidy if state funding requires local match.
Next steps: staff will follow up with planning director Jenny Gingris to coordinate state funding introductions, and the Trust will consider forming a small working group to identify specific ways the Trust can support the project (marketing assistance, letters of support or limited subsidy).
