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Seekonk authorizes MassHousing technical assistance as town weighs MBTA multifamily zoning implications
Summary
The Select Board authorized the Town Administrator to sign a scope-of-work with the MassHousing Partnership for technical assistance on MBTA Communities multifamily zoning; staff warned the designation affects grant eligibility and could have fiscal implications, and the board committed to outreach and education ahead of fall town meeting.
Select Board members on June 5 authorized the Town Administrator to sign paperwork necessary to accept technical assistance from the MassHousing Partnership to evaluate MBTA Communities multifamily zoning options.
Town staff reviewed the proposed scope of work and emphasized two main points: (1) conforming to MBTA Community criteria can influence eligibility and competitiveness for state grant programs, and (2) any zoning changes carry potential fiscal impacts for the town and for development capacity on constrained parcels. Staff recommended an education and outreach component to explain technical details to town meeting voters before articles are presented.
The board discussed presentation strategy and the need to produce clear materials for a one-night town meeting audience. Staff noted that previously proposed districts and capacity assessments will have to consider wetlands, setbacks and realistic site capacities; meeting participants urged a united presentation from town leadership to improve chances of voter approval at fall town meeting.
The board voted unanimously to authorize signature of the MassHousing Partnership scope of work and directed staff to pursue outreach, prepare explanatory materials, and request specific recommendations from the Planning Board and finance committees as the fall warrant is developed.
