The Chair called the meeting to order. The PB representative to BRPC, Nancy Sosha resigned, and the PB is looking for a replacement. Sosha was thanked for years of service.

The Chair Kate Fletcher opened the Public Hearing to consider the Housing Production Plan. The Chair explained the procedure: Jan Ackerman from the Affording Housing Trust (AHT), that hired the consultant who wrote the plan, will present it. The PB will ask questions. The public will then have time to query and comment. Finally, the PB will deliberate and vote (as required by the state.)

1. PB member Wayne Slosek was most concerned about oversight of the Trust. AHT and Select Board member Patrick White said the Town Treasurer and Administrator reviews every dollar in and out. Slosek pointed out that is oversight of the movement of money but not oversight over the decisions being made about how to spend the money.

2. Another member asked if the Town has any other buildable properties that AHT could use? Evidently not.

3. Then the only one is the acreage on Glendale Middle Road? Apparently

4. At this point White rose to discuss the state legislation The Affordable Homes Act and particularly the section allowing tiny homes on tiny lots. However, the Chair pointed out this was a public hearing and only matters related to the Housing Production Plan were on the agenda

5. Public comment centered around the Glendale Middle Road property specifically, more than the Housing Production Plan. Ackerman tried to explain the differences — the production plan was not specific but outlined general problems and goals, but the interest in the specific project persisted.

6. AHT member, McCaela Donovan, expressed her opinion that PB was “anti-affordable housing” and should just say so.

7. Fletcher explained that they were just trying to understand and do due diligence 

8. Questions and comments continued. Once again White brought up tiny houses. Abutters on Glendale Middle expressed concerns about building 60 bedrooms Ackerman explained that was an arbitrary figure. Abutter made clear only single-family homes fit the character of the neighborhood.

9. During deliberation, the Chair suggested the property on Glendale Middle Road be given to the Laurel Hill Association (LHA). White suggested since Fletcher was Treasurer of LHA, that may be an ethical breach, and she should talk to a lawyer.

10. Other suggestions were that the Housing Production Plan be accepted with conditions. Finally. a motion was made and seconded to accept the Plan as written. It passed as follows: Nancy Sosha abstained. Wayne Slosek voted no. The remaining 5 members of PB voted yes.