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Millis approves $200,000 in CPA funds to support 48‑unit MetroWest affordable housing project amid robust public debate
Summary
Town Meeting voted 150–31 to appropriate $200,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to support MetroWest Collaborative Development Inc.'s plan to develop 48 permanently affordable rental units at 1178 Main Street; supporters said the contribution is seed money required for state grant eligibility, while opponents questioned using one‑time CPA funds for a multi‑year recurring obligation.
The Community Preservation Committee moved to appropriate $200,000 from the CPA community housing reserve to support MetroWest Collaborative Development Inc.'s proposal for a 48‑unit affordable rental development at 1178 Main Street. The CPC and Finance Committee recommended the appropriation; the CPC noted the town has $280,000 segregated for housing and additional CPA balance that may be used for allowable projects.
Supporters — including MetroWest representatives and local housing advocates — argued the contribution is the local match required to secure state and federal financing and that the MetroWest proposal would result in 48 permanently restricted affordable apartments, with a mix of 1‑, 2‑ and 3‑bedroom units and initial local preference for the first rental cycle. Joe Degnan, who said he works at a nonprofit affordable housing developer, said the site is "ideal for a project this scope" and urged support.
Opponents raised several concerns: that CPA funds are intended for one‑time capital uses and should not be used to subsidize what one resident called a recurring assessment; that the town should prioritize the Millis Housing Authority or local developers; and that the project could result in differences in tax revenue compared with a market development. Residents also asked about wetlands, traffic and local preference rules; planning and CPC members said wetlands are protected by permit conditions and that local preference is limited by state law to the first rental cycle.
Planning and zoning officials noted the project already has a comprehensive (40B) permit that would transfer with the property, meaning a different buyer could build the permitted structure if Millis declined the CPA contribution. Community speakers and CPC members clarified that the $200,000 is conditional on the developer securing state funding and that the town’s funds would be returned if state funding does not materialize. After a standing count requested by the moderator, Town Meeting approved the appropriation by a recorded standing vote of 150 in favor and 31 opposed.
The approval signals local support required for final project financing steps; the town’s $200,000 is intended as a local contribution to leverage larger state and federal subsidies and will be released only after the developer secures those grants and a building permit.
