The space itself has a clearly defined outer edge and usually features a lawn area with benches, mature shade trees and sidewalks lining its perimeter. The town has made little progress toward building new units of affordable housing. Affordable unit development continues to be outpaced by residential development and the percentage of affordable housing continues to decline. As is illustrated in the next table, the percentage of affordable or subsidized housing units has decreased due to low production and the sharp increase of total housing units. Being able to afford housing was also acknowledged as an issue with half of the respondents indicating that they would not be able to purchase their existing homes at 1990 prices.
Affordable housing is created by reducing overall development costs.
To offset the cost of providing such housing opportunities, the Town should consider donating, leasing or below market selling of public land. The home pictured in Figure 23 was developed by Metacomet Land Trust in cooperation with the Town, which had secured the donation of two lots on Summer Street, and TriCounty Regional Vocational Technical School students who built the home. A covenant securing the affordability of this home has been recorded with its title. This Web site has been developed for the benefit of residents, schools, businesses, and anyone who is interested in the town. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on how we can make it more useful and enjoyable to use.