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Surry named to HOP steering committee after $175,000 regional housing grant; Planning Board seeks legal aid for state housing laws
Summary
Surry joined Castine and Brooksville in a $175,000 Housing Opportunity Program grant administered by Castine; the Select Board appointed George Borowsky to the HOP steering committee and the Planning Board asked the town to apply for up to $10,000 in state grant funds for legal and administrative help to comply with PL 2021 and LD 2003.
The Select Board on March 19 confirmed Surry’s participation in a regional Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) grant that awarded $175,000 to a collaboration including Surry, Castine and Brooksville; Castine will administer the no‑match grant. George Borowsky said the grant has six components, including two administrative items and the formation of a steering committee with representatives from each participating town.
Chris Stark moved to appoint George Borowsky as Surry’s representative to the HOP steering committee; Tom Welgoss seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously.
Separately, Phil Roberts, chair of the Planning Board, informed the Select Board that the Planning Board needs legal advice to bring local ordinances into compliance with PL 2021 and LD 2003, laws that affect housing density and accessory dwelling units. Roberts said the State offers a $10,000 grant that can cover attorney fees, staff/volunteer or contractor time, and costs related to notice and meetings; he proposed the Planning Board prepare the application for Select Board review and signature.
Why it matters: the HOP grant could fund housing-related planning and capacity work in the region, while state law changes require towns to review ordinances and procedures for accessory dwelling units and density. The Planning Board’s request for legal help is meant to avoid improperly denying applicants and ensure compliance.
Next steps: the Select Board appointed a town representative to the HOP steering committee and agreed to review a proposed state grant application for legal assistance prepared by the Planning Board. The transcript indicates there may be uncertainty about the state grant application deadline; staff said they will check whether exceptions apply.
