The Yarmouth Community Housing Committee signaled a firm stance on residential quality this week, pushback against a proposal to add a ninth unit to a redevelopment project at 811 Route 28. The developer suggested converting a 400-square-foot laundry and sprinkler room into an accessible studio, but the committee remains wary of shrinking living spaces below the town's established 550-square-foot policy for new construction. Chair John Barr emphasized the need for consistency, stating, I want to stick to our guns. We've had stuff thrown in front of us two or three times now that isn't the minimum square footage.

Housing Coordinator Mary noted that while the 550-square-foot threshold is a policy rather than a bylaw, it serves as a critical benchmark for town preference. Member Lee Hamilton expressed concern over the practical livability of the smaller unit, noting that once appliances are installed, the walls start dripping in. Associate Member Gregory Wheeler suggested the developer could likely find a way to meet the standard, adding, I feel like they could squeeze out another 115 feet. It's a win-win for them to get a ninth unit. The committee directed staff to insist the developer expand the footprint to meet the 550-square-foot requirement.

The committee also focused on the massive redevelopment potential of the former Mattacheese Middle School site at 400 Higgins Crow Road. Backed by a $200,000 award from Mass Development, the town is evaluating five conceptual plans that range from sports complexes to a community of four-unit housing clusters. Mary highlighted the strategic importance of residential development on the site, explaining that housing is what unlocks the infrastructure financing needed for broader area improvements. However, Member Phommala Songkhors raised concerns regarding the timeline of the town's $207 million municipal sewer rollout, noting that the sewage is definitely going to be another two years before it gets up that far. This delay complicates the site’s potential, as the Mattacheese Utilization Committee has already recommended total demolition of the aging school building to clear the way for modernization.

Financial discussions also centered on a $175,000 cash-in-lieu payment for a duplex development at 703 Route 28. Under town bylaws, the developer has elected to pay into the Affordable Housing Trust rather than managing an affordable unit on-site. Mary noted that the four-bedroom units are approximately 2,400 square feet, but some companies just don't want to manage an affordable unit on-site. The committee is also looking to revitalize existing neighborhood assets by using 27 consulting hours from Barrett Planning to bring three abandoned homes back into the housing stock. Two of these properties are located on Plymouth Road, including one eyesore that has sat vacant for a quarter-century. The neighbors would love to see something done, Hamilton remarked.

In procedural business, the committee moved to fill a critical vacancy on the Affordable Housing Trust. Motion Made by L. Hamilton to recommend Gregory Wheeler be appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust. Motion Passed (7-0). Additionally, the board moved to ensure continued representation on the Community Preservation Committee. Motion Made by J. Barr to recommend the reappointment of Lee Hamilton to the Community Preservation Committee. Motion Passed (7-0).

The meeting concluded with a report from Planning Board Representative James Saben regarding the state’s "Seasonal Community" designation. While the designation offers access to a $2 million grant pool and property tax exemptions of up to 50% for year-round residents—a tool the town is considering to offset rising education costs—the Planning Board remains hesitant due to state-mandated zoning for "tiny houses." Saben explained the resistance, noting that the issue is 'movable' tiny homes. The state took out the word 'prohibit' from the regulations, which is bugging people. We don't want RVs allowed by right. Member Myra Suchenicz closed the session by inviting members to a series of upcoming Zoom training sessions hosted by the Mass Housing Partnership starting this week.