Officials Submit Comment Letters to State Regarding Proposed Affordable Housing Projects

After a review process that included various boards, committees and town departments, officials came to two very different conclusions regarding two proposed affordable housing projects in Easton.

Town officials will send two letters to the state this week. One letter will support development at Welsch Woods on Bay Road. The other will deny support for a project at Sawmill Village across from New Pond on Foundry Street.

The town's review process included input from representatives of the Department of Planning and Community Development, , , Inspectional Services, Board of Health, Department of Public Works and chairs from town boards and committees. A comments letter will be sent to the Massachusetts Housing Financing Agency.

Officials concluded that infrastructure was already in place for the Welsch Woods project, a 26-unit development including 13 buildings and nine affordable units. However, at Sawmill Village, a proposed 44 town-home development (11 of which would be designated as affordable), location was an issue in relation to the town's Housing Production Plan.

"Due to heavy volumes of traffic, existing roadway width and potentially dangerous access and egress from this site, the location on Foundry Street is inconsistent with the Plan’s guidance on appropriate roadways for housing development," the letter said.

Sawmill Village's developer, Iqbal Ali, managing member of Saw Mill Pond Village LLC, to ask for the town to support the development in the form of a Local Initiative Project for 76 units. He was denied his request.

The letter goes on to state that proper sidewalks are not in place for pedestrian traffic and a development "could greatly impact the Furnace Village Historic District."

Officials felt, however, that Welsch Woods would be consistent with the town's Housing Production Plan. Unlike Sawmill Village, the location just north of Five Corners on Bay Road was sufficient.

"The location on Bay Road is consistent with the Plan’s guidance on appropriate roadways for housing development," the letter states. "The site’s proximity to the Five Corners provides a smart growth opportunity, giving residents access to a commercial and employment center. The site is also well-poised to take advantage of future pedestrian and bike amenities."

Both development applications, along with the town's comment letters, will be reviewed by MassHousing officials.