A grant application from the Planning Board for aid in the possible development of assisted-living facilities in Harvard has been rejected by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
In his report to the board at its meeting Monday night, Town Planner Bill Scanlan said he submitted the application to the DHCD in pursuit of District Local Technical Assistance funds, which allow regional planning agencies—such as the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC)—to provide assistance to communities for “any subject within regional planning expertise.” Subjects include creating plans for future housing, which is what Scanlan applied for.
According to Scanlan, the application was refused because of the specific nature of the proposal, which the DHCD said was limited to seniors who are seeking assisted-living options in town. Scanlan plans to follow up with the DHCD and the MRPC to review the application and discuss whether it could be revised and resubmitted.
Residential development continues to be a focus for the board. Scanlan is currently updating the town’s affordable housing plan, which the state requires be done every five years. Members of the board encouraged Scanlan to include information about assisted-living facilities, as well as cluster housing, in the document. The current plan will expire in 2016.
