The Harwich Affordable Housing Trust is preparing a new public outreach campaign to signal its gratitude to the community after voters approved a massive $2 million allocation at the recent annual town meeting. Member Bob Spencer suggested that a formal display of appreciation is necessary to maintain the town's momentum on housing issues, stating I think that it's really good practice to communicate gratitude and appreciation. We just walked away from the town meeting with $2 million. That's an expression of support for affordable housing and it deserves a big thank you. Claudia Williams supported the sentiment but suggested tying the message to tangible progress. I like the idea of thank yous when we've finished a project, Williams said, suggesting that as the Penrose project at Queen Anne Road hits milestones, the Trust can show residents exactly how their funding is being utilized. Brendan Lowney pointed to the upcoming opening of the old firehouse as a landmark opportunity, noting we could put an ad in thanking the town for supporting affordable housing and tie that in with that landmark.

While celebrating the financial boost, the Trust grappled with the complexities of its role as a landlord at 265 Sisson Road. Chuck Alexander, representing the Harwich Junior Theater, requested the immediate installation of a safety fence to protect children during summer programs. During the summer season, we have kids from age 4 to 13 in the building every weekday. We have a lot of concern about keeping the kids out of the parking lot, Alexander explained, noting that the fence would be funded entirely by donations. However, the request sparked a deeper debate regarding the legal status of the property and the Trust's fiduciary duties. Resident Michael McCaffrey challenged the Trust’s authority over the site, describing the current arrangement as a mess regarding deeds and liability. Article 61 of the 2019 annual town meeting gave parcels to the trust for certain purposes, which does not include a current lease, McCaffrey warned. I'm not convinced anybody should be using that second floor at all. You are a fiduciary trust; creating a concept on that property that isn't related to affordable housing is not what town meeting voted.

Chair Larry Valentine admitted the Trust has faced difficulty obtaining clarity from the town regarding the lease and insurance liability for the theater building. As current landlords, we should be notified when those activities take place, Valentine said, referring to ongoing fire escape repairs currently being managed by town staff rather than the Trust. Lowney expressed support for the safety measure but pushed for a site tour to assess the building's condition, stating I am a yes because it's a safety issue for the kids, but I would like to do a tour of that building. I see you're using the second floor as well. Mary Mazlowski of the Historic District and Historical Commission clarified that while the Trust’s approval was a necessary first step, the fence still requires a hearing next week. Your vote here tonight on the fence doesn't permit the fence; it corrects the defect that it hadn't been voted on before it came to the historic agenda, Mazlowski explained. Despite the jurisdictional questions, the board prioritized immediate child safety ahead of the theater's June 23rd program start. Motion Made by B. Lowney to approve the Harwich Junior Theater request to install a fence on site for safety issues as submitted. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In an effort to replenish its reserves for future development, the Trust also moved to liquidate two town-owned parcels. Spencer suggested putting properties at 0 Oak Street and 0 Depot Road on the market, noting the board needs specialized legal counsel from KP Law to ensure a proper disposition process. Motion Made by B. Spencer to initiate conversation with Megan at KP Law regarding the procedure to sell zero Oak Street and zero Depot Road and that we get that process underway. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Looking toward long-term policy, Williams raised the possibility of Harwich adopting inclusionary zoning bylaws, similar to those used in Chatham to integrate affordable units into private developments. The idea is to get affordable units tucked into town buildings or new developments, Williams said, suggesting the Trust could act as an advocate for the policy. Valentine agreed the concept warranted further study and planned to invite Housing Consultant Christine Flynn to the next session for a formal briefing. To accommodate the schedule of new Select Board liaison Jeff Handler, the Trust agreed to shift its future meetings from late afternoons to Mondays at 1:00 PM starting in July.