Cohasset Explores Town-Owned Land for Affordable Housing

The Cohasset Affordable Housing Trust and Steering Committee have received initial support from the Select Board to explore three town-owned parcels for potential affordable housing development. The parcels under consideration are located at 585 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, a parcel off Route 3A, and land at the end of Evergreen Lane.

At the Jan. 21 Select Board meeting, representatives from the Trust and Steering Committee presented their case for investigating the feasibility of these sites. Steve Gaumer, representing the Affordable Housing Trust, explained that the Board’s backing was necessary before expending funds on necessary studies.

"We're asking you for your perspective support such that if it were logical to approach these parcels for development of affordable housing, at that point, the trust would feel comfortable expending funds for necessary studies," Gaumer said.

Planning for the 2030 Census

Paul Kierce, chairman of the Affordable Housing Steering Committee, emphasized the urgency of planning for the 2030 census, noting that Cohasset narrowly met its 10.3% affordable housing stock requirement before the 2020 deadline. The town is currently in a "safe harbor" status under Chapter 40B regulations, but continued growth necessitates further planning.

"The population in Cohasset from 2010 to 2020 grew 11%," Kierce explained. "To put that into perspective, every 10 years when they do the census, from 1970 to 2010, it only grew 2% to 3%."

Identifying Viable Properties

The Trust and Steering Committee have focused on smaller, achievable lots for development. Of the three sites under review, 585 Chief Justice Cushing Highway is seen as a strong candidate due to its existing, functional septic system.

"So what we are going to do, what we would like to do, is have the trust take the next step to see what is possible. Is there too many wetlands and we can't do anything at all, or do we have an opportunity?" Kierce said.

Select Board member Paul Grady expressed support for the initiative while emphasizing the importance of adhering to zoning laws and town regulations.

"I would be in favor of supporting going out looking, finding viable properties," Grady said. "I would only encourage that we stay within even some of the new zoning laws."

Trust Seeks New Members

Beyond land acquisition, the Affordable Housing Trust is also seeking new members to maintain its ability to function effectively. Gaumer warned that upcoming resignations could create difficulties in achieving a quorum.

"We're going to lose three. We have two that have already stated that they would like to resign, but they've been kind enough to stay on because without them we don't have a quorum," Gaumer said, urging the Select Board to help identify potential candidates.

Next Steps

While the Board’s approval does not commit the town to any specific development, it allows the Trust to move forward with preliminary assessments. The Steering Committee and Trust will now begin reviewing the buildability of these sites in consultation with the building inspector and relevant town departments.

Further discussions and community engagement will follow as the process advances toward potential development plans, according to officials, to ensure the town meets its affordable housing obligations while preserving Cohasset’s character.