Select Board takes no action on impact-fee reimbursement sought for two proposed 'affordable' rentals

After a public hearing on Jan. 12, 2026, the Pownal Select Board declined to move on a request from resident Shane Brady to reimburse or waive impact fees for two dwellings he plans to rent as affordable housing on Elmwood Road (Map/Lot 09-06-01).

Brady told the board the project would consist of two single‑wide units (one single-family and one accessory dwelling unit). He said he would set rents so they stayed below 30% of the town’s median income, citing a HUD standard. Chair Jon Morris pressed Brady for a fixed rental figure and for a mechanism to verify continuing affordability; Brady replied that rents would be adjusted to remain under 30% of median income and offered to provide lease copies for verification to town staff but said he preferred not to put leases on public record. “It’ll never be over 30% of the median income for the town,” Brady said when asked how he would guarantee affordability.

Board members repeatedly told Brady the town needs concrete documentation to evaluate a waiver. Selectperson George Pottle and others asked how the town would confirm year‑to‑year compliance; Town Administrator Becky Taylor‑Chase noted the board would need written evidence if it were to grant reimbursement. Several residents at the hearing raised concerns about school impacts, long‑term tenant stability and whether waiving impact fees would set a precedent. “We can argue philosophy, we can’t argue the equation,” Chair Morris said, referring to HUD’s 30% benchmark, but he added that the board must weigh fairness and town infrastructure impacts.

Because no member moved to grant or partially grant the request after the public hearing, the application received no formal action and remains denied by inaction; Brady said he plans to appeal. The Select Board indicated the matter could be revisited if the applicant provides clearer, written documentation on rents and an administrative verification plan.