The Harwich Housing Committee is sharpening its focus on the town’s "missing middle" following a period of inactivity, with leadership signaling a departure from traditional low-income projects toward housing for the local workforce. During the committee’s March 31 meeting, Chair Art sought to dispel rumors regarding the stalled Bank Street and Firehouse housing projects, clarifying that the delays were not due to a lack of funding but rather technical filing mistakes. Art explained that developers attempted to handle complex state paperwork themselves rather than hiring the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). Both projects are structurally completed, Art noted, adding that the Affordable Housing Trust has provided a settlement to finalize the Bank Street site now that they are back in the process the right way now.

The committee members expressed a collective desire to return to their original mandate of addressing attainable housing for residents who earn too much to qualify for subsidized 40B units but are priced out of the Harwich market. Member Anthony emphasized that the committee had previously lost its way by becoming involved in too many disparate initiatives. Our charge is supposed to be the missing middle that's lost, not the 40Bs or lower income, Anthony said, advocating for a more disciplined focus. He also pushed for a more aggressive meeting schedule to avoid the four-month gaps that have plagued the committee’s progress, stating, I'd rather meet more frequently for shorter times than go months with nothing accomplished.

Ellen Collins highlighted the unique challenges facing Harwich as one of only two Cape Cod communities grappling with specific seasonal housing pressures. She urged the committee to investigate state funding tools and potential deed restrictions, such as owner-occupied mandates. Harwich is one of only two communities on the Cape with seasonal issues, Collins said. We should figure out if we are going ahead with that or putting it to bed, because there is funding available. Collins also shared her difficulties in engaging local businesses, noting that outreach to major employers like Stop & Shop and Hot Stove regarding their employees' commuting patterns has so far yielded no response.

The meeting also served as an introduction for Select Board member Anita Doucette, who has taken over as the board's liaison to the committee. Drawing on her three decades of experience as the former Town Clerk, Doucette underscored the urgency of the committee's work. I grew up here in Harwich, so this town means a lot to me, Doucette said. We all know we really need to work on housing. Art welcomed her presence, noting that regular communication with the Select Board is vital to ensure the committee does not spend time going down roads that we shouldn't.

Looking ahead, the committee is preparing for a reorganization in June. While Art expressed a willingness to serve as chair for one more year to ensure stability, both Anthony and an unidentified member signaled interest in stepping into leadership roles. One member stressed the need for a more structured approach to these future sessions, noting, Everyone should leave with an action item to figure out and report back on. In the interim, members are racing to complete mandatory Conflict of Interest law training before the next meeting. Art warned members to be specific when filing their certificates with the Town Clerk’s office, noting a recent technical glitch where the system required the town's name as an affiliate rather than the specific committee name.

To keep members informed of the broader regulatory environment, Art distributed copies of the Housing Production Plan and the Chapter 40B Handbook. He urged members to study the town’s aesthetic and historical priorities, frequently monitored through Select Board and Historical Commission meetings, to understand which way the winds are blowing regarding new projects. He specifically cautioned against the common practice of residents using 40B hearings to complain about unrelated issues like road conditions, noting that such infrastructure is a municipal responsibility, not a developer's. I've been in the trenches a long time, Art said. Long, drawn-out meetings lose value... we'll try to keep it short and sweet.