There is no question now that using the Chapter 40B law to gain affordable housing for a town like Harvard is detrimental in many ways. Unfortunately, as indicated in its production plan, our Harvard Housing Partnership (HHP) is still counting on the flawed 40B law to bring affordable housing to town. This attitude is also evident from its close work and support for developers, like Massachusetts Housing Opportunities Corporation on the Ayer Road 40B and the new Littleton Road project. We need to change our affordable housing direction and to work at several levels to resist the impact of 40B.
In this letter, we want to focus on one approach that comes from working with Representative Jamie Eldridge. Jamie stresses that we, as a town, need to come up with more effective ways to create affordable housing without 40Bs if the legislature is to be convinced to reform or repeal this onerous legislation.
Jamie has also mentioned to us that there is affordable housing funding available from the state if we can come up with a positive proposal. The project should create affordable housing that fits the character of Harvard, and is all affordable units to maximize the impact on our 10 percent affordable units requirement, while minimizing the tax effects.
With all of the changes in the town center, this may be the time to consider how Harvard might take advantage of these state funds to convert some of the existing structures into multifamily housing units that meet our goals. Here is an example of such a series of projects.
The General Store is still for sale. It may be possible to convert it into an all-affordable, multifamily dwelling and still maintain its character. The septic system could be an issue, but investigating creative alternatives to a costly sewage project in the center would be part of the program.
The old library will soon be vacant. There has been talk of using it for town offices and public meeting space. If the school superintendent’s offices were moved into part of that building, this would free up the Bromfield House, which could then also be converted into an all-affordable, multifamily dwelling. These moves would preserve the character of the town center while providing a significant number of new, affordable units.
We understand from Jamie that the town of Ayer received $3 million for the conversion of older buildings into affordable housing. Why shouldn’t we take advantage of these funds to help us solve our affordable housing needs? We suggest that the HHP and the new Harvard Affordable Housing Trust consider these types of projects, which maintain the character of the town and could be financed by the available state programs. This approach would not require any town operating funds, and it would be infinitely better for Harvard than looking to 40Bs to solve our affordable housing problem.
Anthony J. Marolda, Jacob Gates Road
Keith S. Cheveralls, Quarry Road
