- Town Projects
- Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing
The Town has had some success in bringing affordable, mixed-family housing options to Weston, and Town Meeting has consistently approved funding for different affordable housing projects, as well as approving the establishment of the Weston Affordable Housing Trust. As the demand for mixed housing options and affordable housing increases, Weston is in a position to catch up and meet the state's minimum requirement.
A Plan
The Select Board began the process of meeting the demand and encouraging greater diversity in Weston’s housing stock by pursuing a Housing Production Plan, which was approved by the state in 2016. This plan outlines strategies for Weston to increase its affordable housing under its terms and needs rather than being subject to developments that bypass the Town's Zoning By-laws and stated policies and preferences for affordable housing.
In Partnership
One of the strategies outlined in the 2015 Housing Production Plan is for Weston to partner with a developer and enter into a "friendly" 40B process. By partnering with a developer, Weston can avoid assuming the full cost of developing on its own. This route has proven successful for Weston in the past with partnership developments at Winter Gardens, Dickson Meadow, 809-811 Boston Post Road, 680 South Avenue, and Highland Meadows.
Town Initiatives
Weston has also had success pursuing its own development of housing, starting in 1980 with the Brook School Apartments and most recently with the re-purposed municipal buildings on Warren Avenue through Weston's Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust is currently working with Habitat for Humanity to develop four to six more affordable units on 0 Wellesley Street.
Additionally, Weston has partnered with the non-profits Weston Affordable Housing Foundation Inc. (WAHFI) and Weston Community Housing (62 units), which has provided Weston with more opportunities to increase rental housing options. Currently, WAHFI is working on developing a two-family house on Birch Lane. Past work includes Church Street, Viles Street, and Pine Street.
Weston is a founding member community of the Regional Housing Services Office, a regional agency that assist eight neighboring towns with the municipal function of affordable housing.
Learn More
To learn more about what the MGL 40B entails and what Weston is doing to meet its requirements by following the links below:
-
0 Wellesley Street
This municipally-owned parcel was transferred to the Affordable Housing Trust by Town Meeting. The Trust selected Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston to develop the parcel for affordable homeownership housing. Details of the project can be found here.
Link to page -
40B Introduction
A quick primer about the state's affordable housing law and how it affects Weston
Link to page -
40B Timeline
What is the process through the town when a developer presents a 40B project? This page breaks down the steps to help residents understand the best way to follow a proposal.
Link to page -
Affordable Housing Trust
Learn about the Selectmen-appointed Affordable Housing Trust and its role in supporting affordable housing in town.
Link to page
-
Housing Production Plan
Weston’s state-approved plan is in the care of the Affordable Housing Trust. Read the document online.
Link to page -
Policies and Preferences
This working paper contains a set of draft policies that are intended to serve as guidance for affordable housing developers and Town boards that have a role in the development review of 40B projects.
Link to page -
ZBA 40B Comp. Permit Hearings
Find 40B developments that are either currently before the Zoning Board of Appeals or where a decision has been issued.
Link to page -
Housing Roundtable Conversations
Link to page
How to Follow Progress
The Housing Production Plan is under the management of the Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust also reviews any new 40B proposals and is currently exploring an affordable homeownership opportunity fund and small rental projects.
Developers will present their proposal for informational purposes to the Affordable Housing Trust, the Planning Board, and the Select Board after (and sometimes before) they file their site review application with MassHousing. When a developer files a site review application, they are seeking a Project Eligibility Letter or PEL from the state. MassHousing will notify the town of the application and seek comments from Town boards and departments within a 30-day period.
If MassHousing issues the PEL, which it typically does, the developer will then file for a Comprehensive Permit with the town's Zoning Board of Appeals. There is not a set time-frame for the state to issue the PEL. Comprehensive Permits go through a prescribed hearing process with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Subscribe to receive notification of when these committees post meetings, agendas and minutes to follow progress.