In a move that came as a shock to many residents who have been following the affordable housing debates in Harvard, the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) rejected, without discussion, the proposal to support a development that would have built 96 units of rental apartments, all of which would be counted as affordable. This project near the Harvard-Ayer town line would have stopped virtually all future 40B developments since it would have brought Harvard up to the 10-percent affordable goal.
For years, affordable housing proponents, many of whom are on the MAHT, have been touting the need to get behind town-sponsored, affordable housing developments so we can get ahead of the developers. Here was an opportunity to do it all in one fell swoop, yet the trustees rejected it, without any serious investigation or discussion.
Why?
Selectman Lucy Wallace, who is also a trustee of the MAHT and a long-time chairperson and member of the housing partnership, said in a Press interview that she voted against the proposal because there were too many uncertainties and the first MAHT project needs to be successful so that it would build support for the next one. Two things: since there was no investigation of the uncertainties, how could they ever be resolved? Second, if this development were undertaken, there would not be a need for a “next project.”
Personally, I sympathize with the residents who objected to the development. The MAHT, however, has taken the responsibility and funds from the town to meet our requirements under the law. This venture was a perfect fit, according to many proponents, yet was rejected by the MAHT without public discussion. One wonders what went on behind closed doors and what the real reasons are for killing this proposal.
Anthony J. Marolda
Jacob Gates Road
