Trust: two deed‑restriction proposals advance for further review; warrant article drafted to allow Trust acquisitions

The Affordable Housing Trust reviewed progress on its year‑round deed‑restriction pilot and related governance changes during the Jan. 20 meeting. Chrissy, who led the evaluation update, said the pilot’s original RFP (released in September) drew six responses; three did not meet minimum criteria and the RFP was re‑released. Of the three remaining, the evaluation committee recommended two proceed to further review, including appraisals, site visits and procurement and title review, with the Trust hoping to award by Feb. 27.

"We received 6 responses back. Upon initial review, we realized that 3 didn't meet the minimum criteria," Chrissy said, explaining why the RFP was reissued and that two proposals are now recommended for continued evaluation. The third applicant was invited to submit a fuller application in a future round.

Trust member Vicky said she and staff drafted a town‑meeting warrant article to amend the Trust’s declaration so the Trust could directly acquire year‑round deed restrictions for the benefit of affordable and attainable housing. "I think it's great that we've gotten this pilot program off," Vicky said, and said she is pursuing favorable review at Town Meeting.

Chrissy also said the Trust has been working with the office of Senator Jillian Sears to document procurement challenges encountered by the pilot so the state office can recommend changes to regulations or legislation that would smooth future procurements. No final award was made at the meeting; staff will continue appraisals, site visits and procurement reviews before returning with a recommendation.