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Madison board votes to call public hearing on proposed affordable housing trust after weeks of debate
Summary
After a lengthy debate about whether a new trust could permit diversion of town revenues, the Madison Board of Selectmen voted to call a public hearing on Aug. 24, 2026 to review a draft ordinance creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
The Madison Board of Selectmen voted to call a public hearing on a proposed Affordable Housing Trust Fund ordinance for Aug. 24, 2026, after extended discussion among selectmen, committee members and residents about the fund's scope and funding sources.
Chair (speaker 2) said the draft ordinance is intended primarily as a vehicle to accept donations and grants and to create a mechanism to fund planning and site‑review costs related to affordable housing. "It's just giving that option available to future boards," the Chair said during debate, noting the ordinance would still route larger appropriations through the town's existing approval processes.
Supporters on the dais and the committee argued the fund would make it easier to accept outside money and apply for grants. "I support the creation of the fund," said a committee‑aligned selectman (speaker 6). "I want to hear what the public has to say." Committee members emphasized the trust would not automatically redirect tax revenue without subsequent board action and, depending on size, a town meeting vote.
Opponents warned that current draft language could allow existing town revenues — including building fees and municipal appropriations — to be moved into the trust without clear public review. One selectman (speaker 8) said, "the notion that we would divert direct and indirect property tax money into this fund is causing me to say I can't support this." Residents making public comments echoed that worry: Dennis Crow (SEG 145) urged the board not to place taxpayer funds into a trust that could not be accessed by the townspeople, and Nick Postavoy (SEG 317) asked whether creating the trust would mean higher taxes or reduced services in future years.
Under the motion the board approved, the ordinance draft will go to a formal public hearing on Aug. 24; the hearing notice will include the proposed text and allow public testimony. The board's action at this meeting was to schedule the hearing; no final ordinance adoption or funding decisions were made. The board noted that, if the public hearing produces concerns, it may amend the draft before any appropriation is considered.
