Pembroke Nears 10% Affordable Housing Goal, Explores Strategies
Town officials discuss friendly 40B developments and other initiatives to meet state mandate
PEMBROKE - January 22 - Pembroke officials are inching closer to the state-mandated 10% affordable housing threshold, exploring strategies to reach and maintain this goal. During a recent Select Board meeting, officials discussed the potential of friendly 40B developments and other housing initiatives to meet the requirement.
Andrew Wandell, Chair of the Planning Board, provided insights into the town's approach to affordable housing. "We complied because it was very easy for us to do so," Wandell explained, referring to the town's response to the MBTA communities law. "About three years before MBTA, we didn't even hear about MBTA and we had already approved multi-family housing in Industrial A and B."
Pembroke's proactive stance has positioned the town favorably compared to neighboring communities. Wandell noted, "We're a third of the way there already for the amount of units that are allowed by density under MBTA communities."
The town's strategy includes working with developers on friendly 40B projects. These projects offer more control and negotiation power for the town compared to standard 40B developments.
"If we get to the 10%, we can say no to a project," Wandell stated. However, he cautioned against a blanket rejection of all 40B proposals once the threshold is met. "We should always be working with developers on getting a project that we think is in the best interest of the town," he added.
Board member Steve Ciciotti emphasized the importance of maintaining control over development. "We're driving above the 10% we're planning to drive above it and using friendly 40Bs, et cetera, to do that so we can gain back control of our town. So we don't have to worry about some of this stuff as much." he said.
The Affordable Housing Committee has set an ambitious goal of 15% to provide a buffer against future challenges. "It always sounds ambitious, but the Affordable Housing Committee's goal is 15% so we can get off the hamster wheel… Survive another census." Wandell explained.
In other news, Pembroke officials are grappling with a suspected outbreak of bird flu affecting local wildlife. Town Manager Bill Chenard reported the discovery of approximately 24 dead wildfowl, including geese, swans, and juvenile eagles, at Furnace Pond on Sunday.
"We do suspect that it's the pathogenic avian influenza which is otherwise known as bird flu," Chenard said. He urged residents to exercise caution and report any sightings of dead or ill birds to the animal control officer.
Chenard emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with affected birds. "Do not let your cats outdoors if you can absolutely avoid it," he warned, noting that cats are particularly susceptible to the virus.
On a positive note, the Pembroke Community Center has seen increased activity and revenue generation. Officials reported high usage of the facility and are considering allowing liquor licenses for weddings to further boost income.
"We've had a ton of activity there though. And activity where we're collecting cash, which is just awesome because it's paying for itself," Chenard said.
The success of the community center has been a source of pride for town officials. "It's absolutely awesome," Chenard added, noting the diverse range of activities taking place at the facility.