Affordable housing proposals submitted
By Melissa Muntz Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury - The Board of Selectmen has received three aff ordable housing proposals that will be presented in July, the selectmen said at their June 25 meeting. A moratorium on Chapter 40B housing projects is set to expire in October, and the board had put out a request for developers to present possible projects to the town prior to this deadline.

The three projects include a 444- apartment complex on CenTech Boulevard; a combination of 360 apartments, commercial and retail space at the Building 19 property on Route 9; and 335 apartments mixed with commercial and retail space at the corner of Maple Avenue and Oak Street.

The board of Selectman will meet with the developers who have proposed the CenTech Boulevard complex and the Building 19 project Monday July 2. This informational meeting will be open to residents; however, it will not be a public hearing.

The Board of Selectmen said they had received criticism for actively pursuing aff ordable housing projects, but Chair Maurice DePalo said inviting developers to present their proposals prior to the deadline will allow the town more control over a project that he said is going to happen whether the town likes it or not.

"Developers were just waiting for that time to pass," he said. "So the town decided to be proactive and try to solicit the project we think will be best for the town."

A city or town is only able to deny Chapter 40B proposals only if at least 10 percent of the housing in the town is qualifies as affordable. Shrewsbury falls below this requirement and could be forced to accept a proposal that may not serve the town's best interest. Choosing a plan prior to the October deadline will not only give the town more input into the proposed project makeup and location, it may also lead to another moratorium on Chapter 40B housing in Shrewsbury.

July declared Smart

Irrigation Month

Also at the meeting, the Board of Selectmen declared July "Smart Irrigation Month." July is the busiest time of year for water use for irrigation, and Shrewsbury Water Conservation Coordinator people to take steps to limit their water consumption.

Pratt said that efficient technology and eff ective use can cut outdoor water use by 30 percent. Residents are encouraged to use low-flow hose nozzles, rain barrels and sprinkler system rain sensor gauges this summer. The town is currently off ering free rain sensor gauges to anyone with an in-ground lawn irrigation systems and is selling discounted indoor and outdoor water conservation kits to residents for $3 at Shrewsbury Town Hall.

Anyone who is interested in more information on water conservation can contact Jackie Pratt at 508- 841-8573.