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Newbury planners debate how to respond to TRORC housing targets
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft response to TRORC's 'Homes in the Region' chapter, debating whether targets read like mandates, whether to request target revisions, and what local infrastructure or vacancy data should inform the town's reply.
Tony O’Meara circulated a draft response to the Two Rivers–Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission's housing chapter and told the commission he was concerned that some language in the chapter "seems to indicate mandates." He and several other members suggested the town's response should either request that TRORC re‑examine housing targets or provide local context such as infrastructure limitations and data on vacant homes.
Commissioners discussed whether the town should prepare village‑level specifics now or reserve those details until forced to defend falling short of a target. They also raised a technical question about when a staged construction project counts toward a target. The commission agreed the Selectboard must transmit any formal response to TRORC; no formal policy change or vote was taken at the Feb. 19 meeting.
