Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Truro are remote. Go to truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. The agenda includes instructions on how to join.
Thursday, May 19
- Community Preservation Committee, 4:15 p.m., Public Library
- Beach Advisory Committee, 4:15 p.m.
Monday, May 23
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24
- Local Comprehensive Plan Committee, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, May 25
- Planning Board, 4:30 p.m.
- Walsh Property Community Planning Committee, 6:30 p.m.
Conversation Starters
Habitat to Try Anew
The housing authority voted unanimously on May 12 to renew the terms of the mortgage granted by Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod Inc. to the housing authority. The mortgage was originally recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds on Dec. 19, 2014, and it applies to the property at 181 Route 6, where Habitat for Humanity plans to build three affordable housing units.
Originally, Habitat had until Dec. 19, 2018 — four years after the date of the mortgage recording — to secure the permits needed to move forward with construction. During that period, Habitat would be the owner of the property.
But the permits were hobbled by litigation. Habitat received a comprehensive permit from the zoning board of appeals in 2013, but it was appealed in Barnstable Superior Court by Brenda Connors of 4 Avery Way, as the Independent previously reported. In March 2020, Barnstable Superior Court Justice Thomas Perrino decided in favor of Connors.
With a renewal now in the works, Habitat has until Dec. 31, 2023 to present a revised plan for the property. The housing authority had the option to reclaim the parcel, but it has chosen to hold off and consider Habitat’s vision for next steps.
On June 9, Habitat will present the housing authority with a new proposal. The select board will need to approve an application to the Dept. of Housing and Community Development, and the zoning board of appeals will have to consider another comprehensive permit under the state’s Chapter 40B law.
“I anticipate that there will be opposition as we go forward,” said housing authority chair Kevin Grunwald. He expects resistance from abutters. —Jasmine Lu
