The Harwich Affordable Housing Trust paused a major funding request for the proposed development at 456 Queen Anne Road during a joint session with the Housing Committee on Monday. The Penrose Group, developers behind the 60-unit project, formally requested $500,000 from the Trust to bolster their application for state tax credits ahead of a March 16 deadline. However, concerns regarding building setbacks and site layout led board members to defer the decision until later this month.

Ryan Kiraikov of the Penrose Group presented updated schematic drawings, noting that the team had adjusted the site plan to preserve a wooded buffer and move the entrance further from the intersection of Route 124. We've moved from conceptual to schematic drawings, Kiraikov explained, highlighting shifts made to accommodate fire department access and steep grade changes. The project mix remains at 36 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments, though two units were shifted to a deeper affordability tier to meet state benchmarks.

Trustees expressed immediate reservations about the proximity of the buildings to the state highway. Bob Spencer noted that a requested waiver would allow for a 20-foot setback where 50 feet is typically required. I think 20 feet from a four-lane state highway is too close, Spencer said, questioning the impact on resident privacy. Jeff Handler agreed that the board should strive for a unified front before committing such a significant sum. If one or more board members are not comfortable, we should postpone. We want a 5-0 vote on this, Handler noted, suggesting the matter return for a vote on December 22.

Carmen Chung of the Penrose Group emphasized that local financial backing is a critical signal to state regulators that a project is shovel-ready. While Chair Larry Ballantine acknowledged the improvements to the entrance, he voiced concerns over the visual impact of the revised architecture. My first impression was positive, but you've added a couple of larger buildings by the entrance, Ballantine said. We liked the smaller, Cape Cod feel of the original proposal.

The meeting also focused on Harwich’s potential designation as a seasonal community under the state’s Affordable Homes Act. Housing Advocate Brianna Powell reported that 38 percent of the town's housing stock is seasonal, surpassing the 35 percent threshold required for the designation. This status would allow the town to adopt tiny house bylaws, permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right, and implement year-round occupancy restrictions. Harwich qualifies as a seasonal community because 38% of our housing is seasonal, Powell said, noting a $2 million state fund available for such towns.

The prospect of state-driven housing mandates sparked debate over local control, a recurring theme as Harwich boards increasingly look to insulate operations from centralized administration. Handler expressed skepticism regarding the long-term strings attached to state funding. I'm troubled by the wording. If town or state funds are used, does that trigger a lottery? I don't want to give the state more control over our housing stock or our policy, Handler said. Housing Committee Chair Elizabeth Harder offered a different perspective, arguing that the designation simplifies the process for creating attainable housing. This streamlines things so we don't have to do a Home Rule Petition for every change, Harder noted, adding that the town could opt out if the requirements proved too onerous.

In administrative updates, Powell confirmed that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for independent legal services for the 265 Sisson Road project has been issued. This move aligns with the Trust's recent decision to retain counsel separate from Town Hall to navigate the complexities of the Junior Theater lease. Additionally, site work including perk testing is scheduled for town-owned parcels at 0 Deep Hole Road and 0 Oak Street, with estimates expected by late December.

The board also revisited the long-standing challenge of owner-unknown properties. Elaine Shovelin of the Real Estate and Open Space Committee noted that while several parcels have been identified, progress has been slow. The Real Estate and Open Space Committee has worked on owner-unknown properties for years, Shovelin said. Some are suitable for housing, but nothing seems to move forward. Spencer suggested these properties could eventually fuel a buy-down program to keep young families and seniors in town, noting, I'm a big fan of tiny houses. It could help keep young kids here and provide options for seniors downsizing.