Housing Board Seeks More Power

Barrington’s Housing Board of Trustees would like a bit more power.

At least when it involves a proposed housing project that includes affordable housing – the reason the advisory board exists.

A letter is being drafted by housing trustee Richard Staples that will request the housing board be given the authority to review all proposed developments with an affordable aspect before they go to the Planning Board.

“We would like to make sure developers meet the guidelines of the (affordable housing) mandates,” said Staples.

“We don’t have that authority now,” said Steve Martin, chairman of the trustees. “Some projects get to the Planning Board and we never hear about them. Right now, applicants do not have to go before us.”

The board sees this new role as similar to the role played by the Technical Review Committee (TRC), which reviews requests that go before the Zoning Board.

“It’s kind of the same thing,” said Martin.

“Maybe we can have a joint meeting on certain projects with the TRC?” said Staples.

The housing board would review projects sent to it from Town Planner Phil Hervey that have affordable housing elements to make sure they meet the mandates of the law for income, subsidies, appearance and other standard requirements.

The housing board might actually make things easier for a developer before they get to the Planning Board, Staples said.  All the affordable housing ducks could be in a row.

The trustees plan to review the draft letter at their next meeting in August. The request could go before the Town Council as early as September.