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Resident statement prompts committee discussion on conservation27s effect on housing affordability
Summary
A written statement from a Tamworth resident contended conservation groups and easements worsen the housing crisis; committee members acknowledged the concern and emphasized construction costs and infrastructure as key drivers of housing affordability.
Ned Beecher noted a written statement submitted by a Tamworth concerned citizen that argued conservation groups and anti-housing easement actions contribute to the local housing crisis and urged moratoria on such easements and changes to tax breaks. The minutes reproduce the citizen27s five-point list, which calls for ownership by anti-housing groups of their contribution to the crisis and for legislative and tax changes.
Nancy Walser responded that she found being labeled "anti-housing" troubling and said the committee does not consider itself or other conservationists to be anti-housing. She emphasized that housing costs are driven in part by construction and infrastructure costs, noting that an "affordable" house at the low end of Sandwich prices is about $311,000 and that construction can run hundreds of dollars per square foot. The committee discussed options such as cluster development that can combine open-space protection with affordable house lots.
