The Harwich Affordable Housing Trust is exploring a new model to create year-round housing by offering homeowners significant financial incentives to convert existing space into deed-restricted rentals. Resident Noreen Donny presented a concept to the Trust that would utilize a $250,000 subsidy to transform portions of single-family ranch houses into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Donny suggested that for an additional $50,000, homeowners might even agree to deed-restrict their primary residence as affordable upon sale or passing. If you give me $250,000, then I'll make that new unit affordable deed-restricted, Donny explained, proposing a way to bypass the high cost of new construction by utilizing the town's existing building stock.

The proposal comes as the town navigates new state laws allowing ADUs by right, though board members expressed caution regarding the legal and financial mechanics. Vice Chair Brennan Liy noted that while the law is established, the Trust must determine the correct subsidy level to ensure the town receives adequate value. We would have to put a deed restriction on the property, Liy said, adding that KP Law would need to weigh in on the complexities of splitting a property's restrictions. New member Jeff Hamler questioned the long-term appeal for participants, asking, Why would a homeowner want to do this and deed-restrict their property in perpetuity forever? Hamler emphasized the need for more data on tax impacts and lottery requirements before the Trust commits significant funding.

Community Preservation Committee representative Kathy Green reminded the Trust that the source of the money matters for eligibility. Since a large part of your funding is using Community Preservation Act funds, make sure they can be used for accessory dwelling units, Green advised, suggesting the board consult regional housing partners. Resident Art Bowden suggested starting small to manage risk and test community interest. I would look at this from your end as a pilot program, Bowden said. Pick a number—one, two, or three—and say, 'Okay, we're going to fund two units as an experiment' and put them under the microscope. The Trust ultimately directed staff to research the legal feasibility of the model with the state and town counsel.

The Trust also moved to liquidate several town-owned parcels to bolster housing reserves for larger developments. A Motion Made by Bob to go to the Town Administrator to develop an RFP for Zero Oak Street Passed 4-0. A similar Motion Made by Bob to seek administrative advice on an RFP for Zero Depot Street Passed 4-0, despite concerns about the lot's physical limitations. J. Hamler noted the parcel contains a significant depression and a vernal pool, but B. Liy argued that selling smaller, less efficient lots could fund projects with a better "cost per door" ratio. If we give Penrose a million dollars for 60 units, we're paying $16,000 a unit, Liy noted. A. Bowden suggested the Depot Street lot could alternatively serve as a showroom for a tiny house pilot program to gauge community acceptance of smaller footprints.

Beyond rentals, the board is shifting focus toward affordable home ownership to address the "missing middle" in the local market. Member Bob argued the town has focused too heavily on rentals, asking, How do we define whether or not it is affordable housing from a home ownership standpoint? Member Claudia suggested that land acquisition remains the biggest hurdle for such projects, noting that Habitat for Humanity is a great organization to collaborate with for cluster zoning projects. However, A. Bowden warned that the current market moves too fast for traditional buy-down programs. Most of the time someone from off-Cape buys them up cash, throws a couple hundred thousand dollars into them, and sells them at market rate, he said, suggesting the Trust needs to partner with realtors to find properties before they hit the open market.

Mounting concerns over the Harwich Junior Theater property at 265 Sisson Road also took center stage as the board grapples with its role as a landlord. The Trust holds the deed to the property while the town manages the lease, a split that has created a liability and insurance "mess." Bob described the lack of clarity as just wrong, stating, It's an ownership question. It's an insurance question. It's a liability question. It's just wrong for us to continue down this road of not doing anything about it. B. Liy agreed that the board's fiduciary role must be clarified. We're a fiduciary. We're not really landlords, Liy said, pointing to recent unmonitored construction on the building as evidence that the Trust needs a formal legal review of the lease and its responsibilities.

Concerns regarding the 456 Queen Anne Road project surfaced during public comment, even as the board tabled a formal update. Resident N. Donny questioned the aggressive permitting timeline and potential traffic at the Route 124 intersection. I honestly don't know how it gets through permitting from September to November, Donny said, suggesting a paper road extension might be needed to mitigate congestion. The Trust intends to revisit the project status at their next session on August 11.