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Trust weighs sewer, density and funding options for Bob Crowell site
Summary
Committee reviewed consultant concepts for the Bob Crowell site, discussed sewer vs septic tradeoffs, and debated pushing affordability above 25%. Members also considered pursuing town‑level funding (CPC/housing trust) and discussed potential parkland consequences and the need for selectboard/town‑council review.
The committee examined consultant work on the Bob Crowell parcel and discussed three concept tracks that account for sewer availability, septic/reclamation options and developer financing needs. Members raised the possibility of seeking a higher share of affordable units (above 25 percent and possibly up to half the building) and discussed how sewer timing could affect developer interest and overall unit yield.
Speaker 1 said the consulting team includes design and financial‑analysis capacity, and emphasized that septic requirements could reduce buildable units and developer interest. Committee members considered asking the town council to pursue use of adjacent recreational land to expand the developable area, but warned that taking parkland triggers state review and likely requires replacement parkland or an alternate land designation.
Members also discussed the housing trust’s longer‑term funding strategy: Speaker 1 proposed asking for a significant seed amount (he suggested $500,000) to capitalize a trust that could buy land or help finance construction quickly when opportunities arise. Committee members cited a model in Orleans where the town built a fund to buy land and later finance projects.
No formal action or appropriation was taken; the committee plans further work with consultants and to follow up with the selectboard and town council to clarify land‑use procedures and timing.
