The Harwich Affordable Housing Trust moved to clear a procedural hurdle for the 456 Queen Road affordable housing project Thursday, endorsing a plan to provide 20 overflow parking spaces on town-owned land. The special meeting was called specifically to respond to an unofficial request from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which has recently stalled the 60-unit Penrose development over concerns regarding traffic safety and site management.

Chair Michael Ford, who also serves as the Town Moderator, emphasized that the decision was intended to signal cooperation with the ZBA. It shows the Board of Appeals that we support having the 20 overflow parking spots, Ford said, noting that while the request was not yet a formal vote of the ZBA, providing the option gives the town latitude to change things if we need to. The project has faced scrutiny regarding Basset Lane, a paper road that officials hope can provide secondary access to the site.

The Trust reviewed two potential layouts for the overflow lot, both located on Map 82R3, north of Bassets Lane. Member Brendan Lowey presented the designs, ultimately advocating for Option Two. Lowey noted that, Aesthetically, I think it looks better and it takes up less land on the upper fields. He pointed out that the site sits adjacent to property the Select Board is expected to transfer to the Trust, part of a broader effort to manage the town-owned upper fields development strategy.

Trustee Claudia Williams agreed with the preference for the second option, observing that Option One goes a little deeper into the property. Meanwhile, member Bob Spencer raised questions regarding the adjacent easement at Bassets Lane, confirming its location on the proposed map before the board moved toward a consensus.

During public comment, resident Jim Pina, an abutting property owner, voiced concerns about the impact of the new lot on his land. The concern I just bring up is that if you go with Option Two, then that leans right and the lighting... it's going to be right on the line, Pina said. He asked the board to consider his future development plans, adding, I'd prefer not to be looking into the parking lot.

Town Planner Christine Flynn addressed the concerns by explaining Harwich’s strict lighting regulations. The town of Harwich for developments requires dark sky compliant lighting for parking lots, Flynn stated. It has to be downward shielded, meaning the light can't reflect up in an upward direction. It has to be focused on the ground. Ford assured the neighbor that the Trust’s motion allows for flexibility to adjust the plans during final review to remain sensitive to the property line.

Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve vehicle parking for 20 or more spaces for the project located at 456 Queen Road via agreement subject to terms for the parcel located in Map 82R3, specifically Option Two as provided in the plans dated May 5, 2026, subject to further review by the Trust. Motion Passed (4-0-0).