Select Board reviews Campanelli 24‑unit LIP proposal, defers local‑preference decision pending legal guidance

Housing coordinator Maggie Spade Aguilar presented a Local Initiative Program (LIP) application for a 24‑unit project at 626 Main Street that would include six affordable units restricted at 80% of Barnstable County area median income. The regulatory agreement would make the town the monitoring agent for the deed restrictions.

Maggie explained the town may request a local preference in the initial lottery (up to 70% of affordable units, which would be four of six units), and that one of the units could be designated for a veteran preference. Board members sought details about whether the two‑bedroom unit should be reserved for local preference, how lotteries and lists are handled under the Ready Renter program, and fair‑market rents (the developers’ market numbers: roughly $23.50 per month per fair‑market 1‑bed and $27.50 for 2‑bed, exclusive of utilities; affordable units are deed‑restricted).

Several Select Board members said they favor local preference but asked staff to confirm whether the preference can be preserved beyond the initial lease‑up and under what conditions. The town’s current understanding is that the Ready Renter program provides a local pool for the initial lease up and that the local preference does not automatically carry forward to subsequent re‑rentals; board members asked legal staff to confirm whether any longer local preference could be legally incorporated.

Campanelli representatives said construction is anticipated to be complete in late December or early January and that property management selection and the application launch would proceed shortly. The board agreed to defer the final decision on asking for a local preference and to revisit the item at the Sept. 9 meeting after staff obtains legal guidance on duration and enforceability of local preference.