Affordable housing trust application accepted for further review by Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee voted May 8 to accept, for further review, an application from the Dennis Affordable Housing Trust seeking Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for affordable housing planning and development.

"I would move that the committee find that the application ... qualifies for CPA funding," a committee member said during the discussion, and the motion carried with unanimous assent. Committee members emphasized that the vote was to determine whether elements of the application qualify under state rules, not to approve funding amounts.

Committee members and the Trust’s representative discussed several eligibility concerns. The committee noted that CPA funds generally cannot be used for funding town infrastructure that remains in possession of the Department of Public Works; one member said CPA could be used only once a DPW-held lot is cleared and the town or an eligible entity takes possession to execute affordable housing. The Trust representative said the town could leverage local money to match state funding and increase affordability.

The committee flagged an explicit ineligible line: "monies will be used for home buyer education and counseling," which the chair said is prohibited under the act. The chair asked the Trust to remove or clarify such items before the next appearance.

The applicant was invited to return on May 22 to provide a full presentation and updated materials, including an update on a separate $150,000 advance referenced during the meeting. Members asked for clearer budget line items and confirmation of which project costs would be eligible CPA uses.

Next steps: the Trust will update and return on May 22 for a detailed review; the committee will then decide whether to recommend funding ahead of any town meeting or ballot process.