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After extended debate, Millis approves $200,000 in CPA funds to support 48‑unit MetroWest affordable housing project
Summary
Town meeting voted 150–31 to appropriate $200,000 from Community Preservation Act housing funds to support MetroWest Collaborative's proposal at 1178 Main Street, contingent on state funding; public speakers raised concerns about long‑term costs, local preference and wetlands before the standing vote.
Town meeting approved a $200,000 Community Preservation Act housing allocation to support MetroWest Collaborative’s proposed 48‑unit rental development at 1178 Main Street, contingent on the developer securing state affordable‑housing financing.
The Community Preservation Committee presented the request and explained the $200,000 would act as the town’s local contribution to unlock state and federal funding. “This project would create 48 rental units…all of which are proposed to be permanently affordable to households earning between 30–60% of area median income,” the CPC presenter said, describing unit mix and affordability levels.
Public comment was robust. Susan Simpson of 52 Island Road opposed using free cash for a recurring regional assessment and questioned spending $1 million on Tri‑County while committing CPA housing funds to an outside developer: “Free cash is meant to be there for those things, not for paying bills,” she said. Joe Degnan, who said he works with nonprofit housing developers, urged support and said the MetroWest approach differs from other proposals.
Carol Baker, chair of the Millis Housing Authority and a CPC member, spoke in support: “We have met several times with MetroWest. We have found them to be responsible, thoughtful developers…we feel like the Community Preservation Committee vetted it.”
Nicole Riley, a Planning Board member, cautioned that the underlying 40B permit stays with the land and, if the town declined to support the MetroWest buyer, another buyer could purchase the site and build the permitted project. The CPC stressed the town’s $200,000 is contingent on state funding and would be returned if state grants do not materialize.
After discussion, the moderator called for a standing vote to record the outcome; the motion passed 150 in favor and 31 opposed. Town officials and CPC members said approval signals local commitment needed to secure external funding while retaining clawback provisions if state awards fail.
Next steps include continued due diligence by the developer, finalization of state and federal grant awards, and execution of the CPC funding conditions identified in the article.
