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Trust reviews plan to remove 55-plus bylaw cap; working group to refine language
Summary
The Trust is working with the planning board on a draft bylaw to remove the town’s 55-plus housing cap and clarify definitions of 'affordable' and '55-plus.' A small non‑quorum working group will refine language before potential spring town meeting action.
Trust member Ellen Maria updated the Affordable Housing Trust on a draft revision to the town’s 55‑plus housing bylaw, saying the group’s goal is to remove a cap in the current bylaw and clarify opaque language about affordability and who may develop such housing.
Ellen said she and Marnie brought a draft to the planning board and that additional questions from the planning board and the public prompted her to recommend a small working group with planning‑board members, including Laura Davis, to refine the text and ensure the revision only removes the cap rather than unintentionally changing eligibility or affordability definitions. “So that was the conversation Marnie and I had,” she said, adding that they are still arranging that follow‑up.
Members discussed timing and agreed that, if pursued, the bylaw would most likely be filed for a spring town meeting after more detailed review and community outreach. The Trust emphasized keeping changes surgical where possible to avoid expanding the bylaw beyond removing the cap and to clarify what is meant by “55 plus” and “affordable.”
Next steps: the small working group will meet with planning‑board members and return to the Trust with revised language and a recommended timeline for town meeting consideration.
