At its July 8 meeting, the Municipal Affordable Housing Trustees voted 4‑0 to let Chair Michael Staiti execute the purchase‑and‑sale (P&S) agreement and related paperwork for Habitat for Humanity’s three‑bedroom house at 11–12 Hammond Road. “Once we have the P&S signed, we’ll have at least 30 days until closing,” Staiti said, adding that the nonprofit still must secure an amended site plan approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Attorney Susan Weinstein agreed to follow up with Habitat for Humanity on outstanding homeowners’ association documents, while the trustees directed staff to arrange for town counsel to handle the $1 transfer at closing.
Rental shortfall tabled
Wayland Housing Authority Executive Director Brian Boggia reported a $12,870 operating loss at the trust‑owned rental at 11 Hammond Road, caused by vacancy loss, $6,000 in water bills, and a $17,000 turnover renovation.
“We’re looking for reimbursement from the trust,” Boggia said, having used surplus from last year. Staiti asked Boggia and Weinstein to consult the Housing Authority board before returning with a formal request.
212 Cochituate Road
Discussion then turned to the four‑acre town parcel at 212 Cochituate Road, where an advisory committee meets on July 16. Weinstein emphasized the original Town Meeting mandate for a group residence serving people with disabilities. “One of our main reasons for pursuing it was a shared‑living group home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” she reminded colleagues.
Staiti said the land’s excellent soils could support 20 units and asked whether trustees would back a larger mixed‑income project. Trustees signaled willingness to commit significant funds — the trust holds about $1.67 million after existing commitments — if it yields “four to six group‑home beds plus additional affordable rentals,” he said.
Regional networking
Trustee Mary Antes recapped a Metropolitan Area Planning Council roundtable where Concord officials outlined new ways to count truly affordable units despite surpassing the state’s 10% threshold. The board also noted that Good Shepherd’s St. Ann’s senior housing proposal is still waiting for federal tax credit allocations.
