On June 4, the select board debated potential amendments to town regulations that currently only allow for one rental of affordable housing on every 1.5 acres of land – limiting the number of units town housing projects can have.
The Chilmark select board last week asked the town’s planning board to draft zoning changes that could allow more community housing on town-owned land.
On June 4, the select board debated potential amendments to town regulations that currently only allow for one rental of affordable housing on every 1.5 acres of land – limiting the number of units town housing projects can have.
The board voted 2-1 to start the process of coming up with changes to potentially lower the land per unit requirement as the Island struggles with the ongoing housing crisis.
The exact number of acres per housing unit has yet to be determined but the planning board has been charged with drawing up a proposal, which would eventually have to be approved by town meeting.
Select board chair James Malkin said he was looking to start a process that would allow the town – in some instances – greater density to tackle the housing issue.
Changes to the housing-acreage requirements would affect the proposed Peaked Hill Pastures affordable housing development. The project, which has been in the planning stage for years, was initially slated to have 10 rental units and four ownership units on six acres of land.
However, the current bylaw only allows for nine units on that amount of land, prompting the potential changes.
“It seems logical that the community housing lots could be anywhere from half an acre to three quarters or less than an acre,” planning board member Peter Cook said.
Jeffrey Maida was the only select board member who voted against this proposal, citing concerns about increased density.
“I know housing is very important,” Mr. Maida said. “I’m just not a big supporter of density anywhere in town myself.”
Comments
Mr. Maida’s comment seems off
Ronnie ChilmarkMr. Maida’s comment seems off base and shows a lack of understanding of good town planning. Surely there are places in town where increased density makes sense because the areas are already relatively dense or are centrally located, like Menemsha or Beetlebung corner. Not wanting density anywhere in town is NIMBY at its best. Chilmark needs to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
these people are a lot of
Michael edgartownthese people are a lot of talk...you wont hear about this for another year. affordable housing in chilmark? West Tisbury? gay head? they all say yes, but it never happens. but they encourage affordable, but it is all talk....
I find this comment
James W KLINGENSMITH OAK BLUFFSI find this comment interesting as I look at West Tisbury and wonder what ever happened to 401 State Road affordable housing. People should be living there by now. The project was voted yes by the voters of the town several years ago.
Increasing the density will
Sara Piazza EdgartownIncreasing the density will allow families to provide housing for the next generation. The restrictive zoning is part of why we have lost so many Island young people.
Allowing the next generation to build on family property would be a step in the right direction to solve the affordable housing issue.
Give it a break,you could put
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownGive it a break,you could put ten units on 1 1/2 acres of land and have plenty of parking.You could put ten 4 room apts in a four story bldg and it wouldn't be much bigger than some of the mostrosities that have been allowed for the special rich ones,so stop making lame excuses as to why these places can't be built!
I am loathe to comment on
Prudy Burt West TisburyI am loathe to comment on another town's business, but will respectfully suggest that this density issue does not observe town boundaries.
With increased density comes a host of stresses, including increased nitrogen. Our coastal ponds and water bodies are already impaired. Nitrogen isotope sampling indicates that the majority of the nutrient pollution comes from our septic systems. Mr. Maida is correct in being concerned about increased density. Any development must deal with the resulting waste in real and meaningful ways, instead of continuing to foul our water bodies.
The issue of increased
ATW ChilmarkThe issue of increased nitrogen loading from additional septic systems needs to be a prime consideration when considering additional housing on the island. While we want housing for young people and those who provide vital services, this housing should not come at the expense of the health of the coastal ponds. There is a limit to how many people the island can sustain before the quality of life that makes this a special place becomes degraded. The dead ponds across the Sound in Mashpee should serve as a reminder what could happen here without careful planning.
Until we build a waste water
NED ChilmarkUntil we build a waste water treatment plant or something similar to deer Island, smaller scale we cannot build more housing.
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