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Resident urges Harwich trust to restore removed open space in Penrose affordable-housing plan
Summary
A Harwich resident told the Affordable Housing Trust that elements shown in earlier Penrose materials—two open spaces, pavilion, playscape and raised beds—were reduced in the approved design and urged the Trust to develop a timeline to secure nearby open space and shared amenities; trustees said they will continue coordinating easement, parking and amenities as permitting proceeds.
Michael, chair of the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust, opened the July 13 meeting by inviting public comment on the Penrose affordable-housing project, and Tom Stapleton of Red Pine Drive urged the Trust to recover open-space elements he says were removed during negotiations.
Stapleton told the Trust he had reviewed earlier Penrose materials and found that "two open spaces, one in the back, one up front," along with a pavilion, playscape and raised garden beds were present in the response materials but appear reduced or missing in the current permit plan. He warned that the change "reduces open space…to at least, I'd say less than 0.5 if not 0.333 of the original open space," and said that in his view the site needs secure open space "to allow these residents a place to gather and feel relaxed in their home."
