Resident calls for moratorium on 'anti-housing' easements; committee disputes characterization

During public discussion at the March 17 meeting of the Conservation Land Review Committee, Ned Beecher read a submission from a Tamworth resident that blamed conservation easements and 'anti-housing' groups for contributing to a local housing crisis and called for policy changes.

The submission, presented to the committee by Ned Beecher, included numbered demands such as: "There should be a moratorium on all future anti-housing easements" and urged working with legislatures to nullify existing easements. Committee members noted the concern but did not adopt any policy proposals in response.

Nancy Walser said she found labeling conservation commissions as 'anti-housing' troubling and that many committee members do not see their work as opposing housing. Walser emphasized other cost drivers, saying an entry-level 'affordable' house in Sandwich is roughly $311,000 at the low end and that construction, site-development and septic costs are major contributors to overall housing prices. "Even if you gave away the land, the house may be unaffordable," Walser said in explaining why land costs alone do not determine housing affordability. Ron Albert added that access roads, driveways and septic systems add significant expense.

The committee discussed approaches that can pair open-space protection with cluster development or dedicated affordable lots, but no formal changes to easement policy or new moratoriums were adopted. The issue was recorded for awareness and further attention rather than immediate action.