Norwell Appoints Interim Clerk, Advances Town Hall Renovation

Affordable housing project faces financial hurdles as town prepares for presidential election

NORWELL, MA - August 7 - The Norwell Select Board appointed Stephanie Carrara as interim Town Clerk until June 30, 2025, during its meeting on Aug. 7. The appointment comes as the town prepares for the upcoming presidential election and a potential special town meeting.

Carrara, a resident of Stoughton, brings 27 years of town government experience to the role, including 16 years in the Clerk's office.

"When you're the Town Clerk, not only do you have to be dedicated, but you have to give them good customer service, because the town's people are paying your salary," Carrara said.

The Board also discussed the ongoing Town Hall renovation project, which is now out to bid. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan reported that the project has an estimated budget of $1.5 million and is expected to take 16 weeks of construction.

Sullivan estimated that if all goes well, the renovated Town Hall could be ready for occupancy by mid-January 2025.

"We still have it slated for 16 weeks of construction. That's kind of what we put in our bid docs," Sullivan said.

The meeting also included a discussion of the 40 River Street affordable housing project, which is facing financial challenges. The project, developed as a friendly 40B, consists of 18 units of all-affordable senior housing.

Gregg McBride, Chair of Norwell’s Community Housing Trust, explained that the town invested $2 million in Community Preservation Act funds into the project, while the state contributed $2.3 million.

Despite this investment, the project is struggling to meet its debt service coverage ratio.

"We created 18 units of affordable housing in the town. We had a local preference for a portion of the units for both residents, people who have some relationship to residents, or veterans," McBride said.

The discussion highlighted the difficulties of making smaller affordable housing projects financially viable. Board members agreed that larger projects tend to be more sustainable.

"All this talk about small projects distributed around town is tough. They're tough. Financially, don't pencil," McBride said.

The Board also touched on the need for a government study committee to review recent changes to the town charter and consider potential adjustments to elected positions.

As the meeting concluded, the Board emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the Select Board, Community Housing Trust, and Planning Board in addressing the town's housing challenges and future development.