Danvers Affordable Housing

The Danvers Herald reported in its June 19, 2008 paper that Selectman Gardner Trask will spearhead the formation of a permanent affordable housing subcommittee, after getting the go-ahead from Danvers selectmen on June 17th. Trask told the Board that the 2010 U.S. Census is likely to tabulate a larger population for Danvers, which means the town may need to provide more affordable housing.

Danvers reached the 10% affordable threshold last year, which means that it is currently immune to Chapter 40B developments. The results of the 2010 census could require Danvers to add an estimated additional 70 units of affordable housing.

The selectmen agreed to the formation of the Affordable Housing Planning Committee of about a dozen members, including 3 citizens. The selectmen also agreed to send a letter to the Danvers Zoning and Planning Boards, and the Danvers Diversity Committee to encourage them to look for opportunities to encourage affordable housing so that the town can meet the anticipated threshold.