Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are held in person. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow the instructions on the agenda.
Thursday, Jan. 19
- COA Advisory Board, 9 a.m., Adult Community Center
- Finance Committee, 7 p.m.
- Energy and Climate Action Committee, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 20
- Commission on Disabilities, 4 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 23
- Natural Resources Advisory Board, 4 p.m.
- Dredging Task Force, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
- Board of Water Commissioners public hearing, 7 p.m.
- Select Board, 7 p.m.
Conversation Starter
The Buy-Down Bridge
The Wellfleet Local Housing Partnership, Affordable Housing Trust, and Housing Authority have teamed up to sponsor the 2023 buy-down program for first-time home buyers. The program will award a grant of up to $175,000 to an eligible low- or moderate-income applicant to help with the purchase of his or her first house.
The grant funds were recommended by the community preservation committee and approved by voters at town meeting. The grant will be administered by the Community Development Partnership.
The program’s goal is to “bridge a critical gap for homebuyers who are unable to afford housing available on the open market,” according to an announcement from the town.
Qualified applicants must make no more than 80 percent of the county’s area median income, which is currently $60,900 for one person and $69,600 for two people. Applicants cannot have assets that exceed $75,000 in value.
The maximum market price of the house selected by the winner of the grant is limited. According to the state Dept. of Housing and Community Development’s calculations, that limit for 2022 is $382,500 for a one-bedroom house, $389,700 for a two-bedroom, and $413,400 for a three-bedroom.
A three-bedroom for $413,400 in Wellfleet is rare in today’s market. That is why the Wellfleet Housing Authority is also looking for “housing angels” willing to sell their homes, cottages, or condominiums at a price that meets the program’s requirements.
Homeowners who are looking to sell their houses and are interested in the program can email [email protected] or call 508-419-4490 for more information.
The grantee will be selected by lottery. The winner must secure approval for a mortgage loan to include with the application. Once a home is purchased with the program’s funds, the home will be deed-restricted to ensure it will remain affordable in the future.
Information sessions about the buy-down program will be held via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m.
The application form is available on the Wellfleet Housing web page at wellfleethousing.org, at town hall or the library, or by calling 508-419-4490.
Completed applications are due on Friday, March 31 by 4 p.m. —Sam Pollak
