Land trust holds seven‑acre parcel as possible site for cluster workforce housing

KT described acquiring a seven‑acre parcel near an existing preserve and said the purchase included funds to pay full property taxes while the town and trust evaluate next steps. The presenters said the parcel was bought at market value and that local donors agreed to allow the trust to explore whether a cluster housing approach would fit the parcel and the town's cluster‑zoning rules.

"We bought it and we also raised enough money to pay full taxes to the town of Fyat," a presenter said, describing their interim stewardship and the trust’s willingness to explore housing as an option. The trust framed the parcel as an opportunity for middle‑income or workforce housing that would broaden access to adjacent trails and public conservation amenities rather than creating a single private estate.

KT emphasized it will not itself build or manage the housing; instead the trust would seek a community housing entity or nonprofit housing developer to acquire and develop the site, likely under a bargain sale or partnership that preserves conservation values on adjacent land. The presenters estimated the site might support "three or four" clustered homes under local cluster zoning but said formal feasibility and permitting conversations with the town would be required.

Committee members welcomed the example as a practical test of aligning conservation and housing goals but emphasized that no decisions have been made and that any proposal would require coordination with town zoning, taxes, and a housing partner.