Edgartown selectmen reacted sharply after learning that state Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Dylan Fernandes had filed legislation to establish a housing bank three months ago.
Question, concerns and support were all expressed at a housing bank forum held to discuss the details of two warrant articles coming to town meeting floor this season.
Edgartown selectmen sent a letter to state Rep. Dylan Fernandes and Sen. Julian Cyr voicing strong opposition to the establishment of a housing bank using funds from the short-term rental tax.
An ad hoc citizen group has assembled to develop an action plan for the growing housing crisis on the Vineyard. The first step comes at town elections beginning next week, when voters will be asked to weigh in.
Affordable housing has been part of the land bank’s planning since 1989, when it first adopted a housing policy.
After more than two years of debate and planning at the local and state level, time literally ran out last week on a proposal to impose a one per cent tax increase on the sale of more expensive homes on the Vineyard to pay for affordable housing.