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Developer presents proposed 18-unit affordable housing project at Elkannah Howland Road
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the Dennis Affordable Housing Trust heard a proposal from developer Ruth Walter for an infill affordable housing project at 1921 Elkannah Howland Road, a 1.63-acre parcel with existing permits for 18 units; Trust members encouraged further planning and environmental restraint.
Ruth Walter, identified in the minutes as a resident and developer with prior local experience, presented a proposal to develop affordable housing at 1921 Elkannah Howland Road and said permits exist for 18 units across five buildings on the 1.63-acre parcel. She asked whether the Trust and town would support moving the project forward.
Trust Co-Chair Robert Samoluk said the town needs affordable housing and that he visited the site, calling it a good location though busy; he said there is sufficient vegetative cover to create privacy. Town Planner Paul Foley described the site's permitting history, noting approvals in 2006 and 2011 that were subsequently appealed and delayed construction, and emphasized avoiding unnecessary tree clearing and focusing construction on previously disturbed areas.
Why it matters: The parcel is described as close to services and transportation, with existing utility infrastructure and not located in wetlands or flood zones; the Trust therefore expressed general interest in the project advancing through normal planning and permitting. The Trust encouraged Walter to consult the Housing Assistance Corporation for technical guidance and to consider the Town of Yarmouth’s Ready Rentals program administrator for rental program advice.
Members discussed tenure options. The Town’s Housing Production Plan identifies rentals as the primary local need, but Vice Chair Noreen Browne noted strong demand for affordable homeownership: the minutes say roughly 56 applications were received for seven available homes in a recent project. Walter said she is working with a consultant who will present a project plan and financial analysis that will examine rental, ownership, and mixed configurations.
The Trust and staff agreed on next steps: Walter will develop the consultant-backed plan for review; Foley and Samoluk said they will follow up on the town’s prior participation in the Ready Rentals program to determine costs and whether re-entry is possible; and the Trust recommended minimizing tree removal and concentrating work on disturbed areas to reduce neighbor concerns and environmental impacts. The Trust indicated general support for the proposal advancing through the proper planning process.
What’s next: Walter will return with consultant materials and financial analysis; the Trust and Town Planner will follow up on Ready Rentals participation and other technical assistance needs.
