The state requires ten percent of a town’s housing stock be affordable, says Chapter 40B. According to wickedlocal, 30 to 35 percent of Carver is manufactured homes, 1,115 units, creating a unique situation, one many residents think should be sufficient for the state legislature to grant them an exemption.
One resident accused town officials as trying to skirt the affordable housing rule. Selectmen Chairman Ron Clarke acknowledged that the petition was in response to Carver’s first affordable housing project proposal for 39 units on 18 acres, but said there is concern the town’s sewer system could not handle 39 more homes, and that effluents may jeopardize the town’s aquifer.
Selectwoman Helen Marrone reassured residents of manufactured homes that their homes wold not lose any value if they are classified as affordable. Currently Carver has approximately three percent of affordable housing.
As Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeal, Stephen Gray is the authority that acts on comprehensive permit applications for Chapter 40B housing projects. He left the gathering early to avoid any conflict of interest. ##
(Photo credit: standard-times/Peter Pereira–BrooksideMobile Home Park, Acushnet, Mass.)
