Edgartown selectmen questioned affordable housing committee chairman Mark Hess at their Monday meeting about evolving plans for an affordable housing complex on town-owned property off Meshacket Road that they said now includes increased density.
At the 2012 annual town meeting, voters approved transfer of the nine-acre parcel to the affordable housing committee to develop “rental and ownership opportunities for our community individuals and families.”
According an explanatory letter and sketch provided by the affordable housing committee, the plans are still evolving, but the latest layout includes 30 rental units in five buildings and no home ownership.
“The main question is surrounding what the project has morphed into, which is different than what was presented at town meeting,” chairman Art Smadbeck said. “That is problematic. The number of units is vastly increased.”
Mr. Smadbeck said the last plan he saw was for a much smaller project, focused on home ownership.
Selectman Michael Donaroma said the change may be significant enough that the plan should go back before town meeting voters.
“Whether I agree or disagree, it’s just a big change,” Mr. Donaroma said. “If your board has decided rental is needed, you need to make that case to the people.”
“We’ve sent all our plans to the selectmen; we thought you were informed,” Mr. Hess said. “Obviously, there has been some miscommunication.”
The affordable housing committee has scheduled a public forum to discuss the current plans for Thursday, September 18, in the selectmen’s meeting room at town hall. The forum is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm.
In other action, selectmen approved an application from Edgartown resident Joe Carlucci to stage a fireworks display following an October 4 family wedding at the Harbor View Hotel. The police, fire, and harbormaster departments have reviewed and approved the plans for the 15-minute display.
On the recommendation of town administrator Pam Dolby, selectmen unanimously voted to accept a bid of $1.77 per gallon for propane for use in town buildings. The winning bid came from Vineyard Propane. The only competing bid, from Rymes Propane, was for $1.96 per gallon.