Housing trust seeks more analysis after abutter flags flooding risk at proposed 91B Main Street acquisition

The Parker Municipal Affordable Housing Trust on March 3 asked staff to bring back a detailed environmental assessment and updated subsidy estimates before the board advances the proposed acquisition of 91B Main Street.

The issue surfaced after an abutter at 900 Main Street sent a letter raising concerns about stormwater and basement flooding. Keith Berlin, chair of the trust, said the town has posted project information online and confirmed that the trust has commissioned an environmental assessment with VHB. "They were able to get on site before the big storm came," Kristen, the trust’s Housing Services Officer, said, adding that the consultant expects a draft report "early next week."

Why it matters: Trust members said they want to be confident that the project will not create new neighborhood harms before they forward the proposal to the select board. The trust also has to determine the subsidy needed to make units affordable and compare that cost if the project proceeds as four units versus a six-unit design.

Members asked staff to return with two specific items: a summary of the environmental assessment and a comparative subsidy calculation for a six-unit plan versus the existing four-unit subsidy figures. "I thought it would be well for us to see what is the potential subsidy cost of doing six units compared to four," Berlin said.

Discussion focused on whether standard stormwater calculations will address the abutter’s groundwater concern. Kristen noted state and local stormwater rules require post-development runoff rates and volumes not to exceed pre-development levels, and that developers provide civil engineering plans and stormwater reports during permitting. "At this point in time, we don't have those details," Kristen said, but offered to prepare a plain-language summary with the town engineer or planning department.

Several members emphasized neighborhood outreach. Matt Johnson urged prompt engagement with abutters so the trust understands specific concerns about basement water levels — a different issue from routine runoff calculations. Members also discussed design options, such as permeable pavement, to avoid increasing impervious surface.

Next steps: The trust agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting in about two weeks and to include 91B Main Street on the agenda once the environmental draft and updated subsidy estimates are available. The group also asked staff to notify abutters of the next meeting so neighbors can review the findings.

Ending: No vote was taken on the acquisition. The trust will revisit 91B Main Street after receiving the consultant's draft environmental assessment and the updated cost comparisons.