By Mary Romaniec
Grafton News Reporter –
A large number of residents on North Grafton’s Creeper Hill Road voiced opposition to a 40B affordable housing project proposed for their neighborhood.
During Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, it centered on the the planned 54 unit apartment complex, near the intersection of Prentice and Route 140 behind the Art Bradish Snack Bar. Residents said it will tax the school population and decrease property values in the area.
The three-story, five building complex was a sticking point for several residents concerned about potential traffic and parking problems overflowing into the Nelson Park area.
According to Peter Mena, 4 Creeper Hill Road, the proposed development would alter the aesthetics of the neighborhood with the large scale removal of trees to clear the lot. Mena and others asked that the project be reduced.
Developer Sotir Papalilo purchased the 2.5 acre property in March 2015 with the intent of building affordable housing, which he said is the focus of his construction company. He said 25 percent would be set aside as affordable and the rest at market value.
Under state law, all 54 units would be credited to the town’s state-mandated quota for affordable housing units. The appeal to Selectmen is that Grafton needs rental units and it would allow a two-year moratorium on other 40B projects. There are no other 40B projects currently planned however.
Town Planner Joe Laydon explained that the 40B process was divided into two categories. A “friendly” 40B project—known as a Local Initiative Project—occurs when the town collaborates with the builder. An “unfriendly” 40B occurs when the town opposes the project and the developer files with to the Zoning Board of Appeals to further it along. This is done under state rules that mandates the level of affordable housing units, which can override town opposition to projects.
During public comments, Selectmen told the crowd how they have no control on 40B projects, including their location, adding their best chance to secure input with the developer was to collaborate.
Papalilo said he is presenting the project to Selectmen in open forum for transparency reasons. He added he intended to conduct a traffic study if Selectmen make a commitment adding he didn’t know if there was a traffic problem in the area, which drew laughs from the crowd with comments for him to see for himself.
When pressed by Selectmen on what he gains from the development, Papalilo explained the rules of 40B dictate that he is only allowed to recoup 10 percent of equity in the project each year. Selectman Craig Dauphinais then wondered why Papalilo would not choose to put up four units at full market value on the property instead. Papalilo said his company’s focus was affordable housing and needed a letter of support from Selectmen to secure financing. Even with a Local Initiative Program in place, Papalilo acknowledged he may not be able to complete the project if the final design is not financially feasible.
The crowd wondered why the Prentice Street lot was chosen. Selectmen Brook Padgett said it was because Papalilo purchased the property and brought it forth for 40B. He said it was not town-owned land, nor are there plans currently to develop town land for affordable housing.
Town Administrator Tim McInerney recommended Selectmen take the input under advisement and not vote on support of the project yet.
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