Watch the meeting. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome.

This meeting focused on Barnstable's Housing Production Plan (HPP), its strategies to address affordable housing needs and sought public input for its refresh. Public comment is open through May 1, 2025. Go to the town website under "Housing" then "Housing Production Plan."

Key Points

• HPP Defined: The HPP is a proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing, guided by Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities requirements (760 CMR 56.034). It requires a comprehensive housing needs assessment, affordable housing goals, and an implementation strategy.
• Purpose of the Meeting: To discuss the HPP, gather public comments on what the town has done well and where it can improve.
• Three Requirements of HPP:
  • Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (data-driven)
  • Goals and Strategies (how to meet needs)
  • Action/Implementation Plan (specific projects, programs, incentives)
• Review Process: The plan is reviewed and approved by the Planning Board and Town Council before being submitted to the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
• Data Update: The plan is being refreshed with updated data from the 2020 census. Previous community workshops highlighted the difficulty in finding moderately priced and deed-restricted affordable housing, the needs of seasonal workers and seniors, wastewater constraints, and zoning restrictions.
• Demographics:
  • Number of households has decreased.
  • Total population has increased.
  • The proportion of adults over 60 has increased significantly.
  • Most households are one- or two-person households.
  • A quarter of the community is seasonal.
  • Affordability is a major concern, with many homes being cost-burdened (30%+ of income spent on housing).
• "Tools in the Toolbox":
  • Zoning: Can implement policy objectives, but can also be a barrier. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have seen 44 completions since 2021. Downtown Hyannis zoning initiative has permitted a significant number of units.
  • Subsidies/Incentives: Affordable Housing Growth and Development Trust, Housing Development Incentive Program (tax relief), Housing Choice Community grants (e.g., Crocker Street sewer project).
  • Municipal Land: Utilizing town-owned land for affordable development (e.g., Marson's Mills former school site, Barnstable Adult Community Center, house on the hill in Marson's Mills).
• Goals and Strategies:
  • Meeting the state's mandated goal of 10% affordable housing (currently at 7.15%, which equates to needing roughly 700 units).
  • Ensuring new development promotes a high quality of life and aligns with smart growth policies.
  • Stabilizing housing and providing assistance for vulnerable residents.
  • Enhancing local capacity and public awareness.
• Strategies (Planning, Policy, Zoning):
  • Tax exemptions for year-round rentals.
  • Village-scale mixed-use and multi-family housing.
  • Strengthening the inclusionary ordinance (requiring a higher percentage than the current 10%).
  • Targeting underutilized properties.
  • Reviewing short-term rental policy.
  • Direct assistance and housing rehab programs.
  • Regionalizing efforts (e.g., regional housing services office).
  • Diversifying funding sources.
• Public Comment: The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the HPP through the town website (under "Housing" then "Housing Production Plan"), email, letter, phone, or in person. Public comment is open through May 1st.

Highlights

• The need to increase the inclusionary zoning percentage beyond 10% was a major point of discussion.
• Concerns were raised about the character of villages and the potential impact of certain zoning changes.
• Several speakers emphasized the importance of addressing short-term rentals to increase the availability of year-round housing.
• The current plan was described as a "kitchen sink" approach and needing more focus and precision.
• The town's unique designations (Gateway City, Housing Choice Community) offer opportunities for specific programs.
• The speaker acknowledged that the state mandated 10% may not be the actual number needed to meet the community's housing needs.