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Otis committee recommends Habitat for Humanity as a housing option after presentation
Summary
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity outlined its affordable-home model and the committee unanimously recommended the Planning Board consider Construct and Habitat for future housing projects; the Housatonic Project and funding sources were discussed.
The Town of Otis Revitalization Committee voted unanimously Feb. 23 to recommend that the Planning Board consider Construct and Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity when the board addresses housing options in town. The recommendation followed a presentation by Carolyn E. Valli, CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, who described the nonprofit’s experience building and supporting affordable homeownership in the region.
Valli said Central Berkshire Habitat, incorporated in 1992, has built more than 60 homes and emphasizes homeowner coaching and community fit. She told the committee that donated land is a “key factor” in making projects feasible and that the organization uses a mix of stick-built and modular homes. “We practice humble listening,” Valli said, describing outreach and engagement strategies used to win neighborhood support.
As an example, Valli outlined the Housatonic Project, which includes units targeted at 60 percent and 80 percent of area median income (AMI). She said Great Barrington purchased the project land and that $175,000 in funding came from the Community Preservation Act. Valli also provided construction figures, saying the average house in that project was about 1,200 square feet and citing a construction figure of $334 per square foot.
After the presentation, Susan moved that the Town of Otis Revitalization Committee recommend the Planning Board consider Construct and Habitat for Humanity as possible partners when housing is on the board’s agenda; Celeste seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The committee’s recommendation is advisory: it asks the Planning Board to include those organizations among options when discussing housing policy or projects. The committee did not record a formal vote by individual names beyond calling the motion unanimously approved. The committee adjourned at 12:15 p.m.; the Planning Board action, if any, would be scheduled through that board’s regular agenda process.
