SB opposes rent increases for over-55 apartments

The Canton Select Board took a firm stance against a rental hike for tenants of the Millside Apartments, located across from the fire station. The complex is restricted to people 55 and older and contains 15 units affecting 21 residents that are deemed affordable.

Town Administrator Charles Doody said the property owner had reached out to the town seeking the Select Board’s opinion on the proposed 11 percent hike due to the affordable housing impact. Kevin Shea of the town’s Housing Trust Committee told the board that the owners had previously instituted an 11 percent increase just one year ago. Select Board Vice Chair John Connolly said he asked for their justification and the reply he received from the owner read, in part, “Because we can.”

The latest proposed increase would see rents rise from $1,796 to $2,029 for a one-bedroom unit and from $2,322 to $2,518 for a two-bedroom unit. Residents in affordable housing cannot pay more than 30 percent of their annual income toward rent.

“These are not affordable rates,” said Connolly. “This is not what affordable housing is about.”

Connolly said he’s concerned about residents who are retired and on a fixed income. He proposed a 5 percent increase, but the idea was rejected by board member John McCourt, who said he would not support any increase. Fellow board members Tom Theodore and Chris Albert agreed with McCourt and the board voted 3-1 to oppose any rent increase. The Select Board decision will be sent to the Mass. Housing Development Commission for further review.

The other major news from Tuesday’s meeting was the announcement that all construction obligations have been met by Canton Holdings on the portion of the Revere Heritage Site containing the rolling mill building and Revere barn and the lot has since been deeded to the town. In return, the town will issue a $2.2 million check to Canton Holdings, in addition to releasing a $434,926 bond.

In other news, Bernie Plante, spokesman for the developer, said Canton Holdings remains committed to building a dog park in town and has requested a new location due to wetland concerns at the Revere Heritage Site. Doody said Plante will visit a 50,000-square-foot parcel located at the former Ponkapoag School on Route 138.

In other news from Tuesday’s meeting …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jul 14 2023. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.