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Planner outlines Cranberry Bog plan to convert historic structure into four affordable units
Summary
Town Planner Julie Mercier and the Affordable Housing Trust presented a plan to convert the historic Cranberry Bog into four affordable rental units (eight bedrooms). The trust has $110,000 for initial study and is seeking $210,000 for engineering; the Board of Health took no formal position and highlighted environmental and septic considerations.
Julie Mercier, Carlisle’s town planner, told the Board of Health on April 29 that the Cranberry Bog property — an approximately 7,500‑square‑foot historic structure on conservation land — is being evaluated for reuse as four affordable housing units totaling eight bedrooms. Mercier said the proposal would preserve much of the building’s exterior while subdividing the interior for rental units intended to be affordable to local workers.
John Ballantine, representing the Carlisle Affordable Housing Trust, said the trust has allocated $110,000 for an initial investigation and is requesting an additional $210,000 to cover engineering and design work. Because the property sits on conservation land, Mercier said Article 97 requires the town to provide conservation land of equal value; the State is exploring a possible land swap to satisfy that requirement.
Mercier said a well on the site was drilled about four or five years ago and produces roughly 20 gallons per minute, which she described as likely adequate for four units. She said perc testing has occurred behind the house and that an onsite septic system would likely be located across the road from the structure. Will Proctor noted the project could provide additional parking for the village area; Ballantine said the Affordable Housing Trust supports proceeding to the next study phase.
The Board of Health did not take a formal position on the proposal during the meeting. Any future permitting for water or septic will be considered under state and local requirements including Title 5 septic standards and Article 97 conservation‑land rules. The trust’s request for additional funds will proceed through the town’s funding processes and any conservation‑land approvals required by state law.
