Staff report: lease‑to‑locals funds, Tacoma Green construction and seasonal grant applications

At the Trust’s Jan. 20 meeting, staff provided routine program and project updates. Dylan reported the lease‑to‑locals program has expended about 98.38% of allocated funds and noted the Select Board approved a $550,000 request to support the program. He said construction at the Tacoma Green project is underway and expected to take about 18 months to complete.

On subsidized housing inventory, staff reported an SHI (subsidized housing inventory) percentage near 8.04 percent and outlined recent unit additions and conversions; Dylan described recent increases in affordable units from several projects and permit actions in 2025. Staff said they are awaiting word from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on a Safe Harbor extension request through Dec. 10, 2027.

Staff also said they submitted applications under the Seasonal Communities grant program; Nantucket was eligible for $175,000 and the Trust applied for funds to support technical assistance to form a year‑round housing trust, an amendment to the declaration of trust, due diligence at specific sites and renovations at a Trust property on Somerset Road. Awards are expected in February 2026.

Dylan said the rental preservation program study RFP was awarded to a consultant (transcript spelling unclear) who will present draft program guidelines to the Trust on Feb. 3. A follow‑up joint meeting with the Planning Board, Select Board and Board of Health is being planned for March 2026.