BARRINGTON -- Bonnie Warren warned of opening the door to something the town would regret.
Unlike the other strategies for increasing the town's housing for those of low- and moderate-income, the state advised no changes to a proposal calling for building on existing lots that do not conform to modern land-use rules. But Warren, a longtime advocate of preservation efforts, had plenty to say.
"Some very difficult and very ugly buildings" could result from that strategy, Warren told the Town Council and Planning Board last night. From a planning perspective, she added, "the whole pitch had been not to permit construction on substandard lots."
Warren and several residents saw pluses and minuses in the town's affordable housing plan, of which several proposed amendments, designed to meet state concerns, were the topic of last night's hearing.
Two residents have asked town officials to drop a proposal to allow apartments in larger houses. Jeff and Janice Black urged that language be deleted allowing that provision in a letter to the council that was read into the record. The Blacks could not attend. No motions to do so were made and no votes taken other than to resume the hearing on Sept. 19.
Allowing apartments in some larger homes, Item 3 in the housing plan, "could impact the property values of surrounding properties to the point where conversion from single-family dwellings to apartments might become the more desired configuration by certain property owners, resulting in apartment buildings owned by absentee landlords," the Blacks said in one of seven points they listed in opposition to the idea.
However, another resident liked that apartment idea. The strategy calls for 20 percent of the apartments meeting the affordable definition, for a total of 16 units. The resident suggested going to 50 percent of the units as affordable.
While not flatly opposed to the concept, council president Jeffrey Brenner said he was "a little bit hesitant to start chopping up the larger homes."
Brenner and the town's liaison to the state on the issue, Assistant Solicitor Nancy Letendre, emphasized that the strategies as written are far from specific or final. Many of the amendments clarify the process: comprehensive studies must be done and ordinances would have to be drafted and go before public hearings.
With last night's comments, Letendre expected to write some changes. Oct. 1 ends a moratorium on plans from developers looking to circumvent local zoning rules.
Over the next several years, Barrington must add hundreds of low- and moderate income units, according to the plan. Each town was required last year to approve a plan to reach the goal of having 10 percent of its housing affordable. Just 1.55 percent of Barrington's housing is affordable. State officials looked at each community's plan, then sent back proposed changes.
Strategies that would be put into effect over a 15-year period, as currently written and requiring approval of town ordinance or regulation changes, include:
Identifying areas to create a mix of housing, such as two-family and three-family houses and small apartment buildings, through special-use permits, with 20 percent of all units deemed affordable. This could include conversions of existing larger homes and, under the current projection, adds up to 16 low- and moderate-income units.
Passing a "mandatory inclusionary zoning ordinance" that would "require that all new developments of three or more units set aside at least 20 percent of the units as affordable to householders at or below 80 percent median income," the plan says. The ordinance could bring 255 low- and moderate-income units.
Allowing apartments above commercial uses, with 20 percent of such units being affordable, for a projected 40 low- and moderate-income units.
Encouraging the use of accessory apartments, such as on the second- floor of a garage. Letendre clarified that these apartments are subject to size and other limitations and limited to one per house. That could create 125 low- and moderate-income units.
Forming a district to help with the formation of housing for the elderly, so long as 20 percent of units are affordable -- that could create 225 low- and moderate-income units.
Creating a housing trust to incorporate low- and moderate-income housing with deed restrictions.
Staff writer Michael P. McKinney can be reached at (401) 277-7447 or at mmckinneATprojo.com
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