Southampton Select Board clears conveyance of 354 College Highway to Habitat with permanent affordable‑housing restriction

The Southampton Select Board voted on May 26 to allow the town to execute closing documents conveying 354 College Highway to Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity for the construction of an affordable single‑family home.

Board members and staff described deed restrictions that will bind the land to affordable housing in perpetuity. A town official said the buyer will have six months from recording to begin construction and 24 months to complete the build; the deed will include eligibility requirements limiting ownership to households earning no more than 80% of area median income. A board member noted that last‑checked AMI figures put the 80% threshold near $90,000, but said that figure is subject to the buyer’s income‑eligibility rules and state guidance.

Town staff said the property was selected through an RFP and that Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity was the chosen developer. The board treated the item as a final execution of documents drafted by KP Law; members moved, seconded and voted to allow signing so the seller and buyer can complete the transaction and the town clerk can notarize the needed pages.

The vote does not itself authorize funding beyond closing logistics; board members said KP Law and staff will insert final dates and complete the land‑development exhibit prior to closing.