Technical Assistance
The Trust is becoming a regional leader to create housing choice throughout the North Shore. We work with local communities to design plans that increase the supply of affordable housing which are sensitive to local needs. The Trust is helping municipal governments to enact policies that assist in the creation of residential housing that incorporates smart growth concepts, including inclusionary and other zoning techniques. We are also providing technical assistance to smaller non-profit organizations with limited development capacity. If you need assistance with affordable housing planning or development, please contact us.
Our work includes:
Babson Block, Gloucester
The Trust partnered with the Community Land Trust of Cape Ann, Inc. to add 15 affordable condominiums to Gloucester’s affordable housing inventory. The condos were all sold to families earning below 50 and 60% of the median area income.
Town of Salisbury
The Trust assisted Salisbury leaders with a revamped Inclusionary Housing Bylaw providing research, support, and direction. The by-law will ensure housing is developed for families earning below 80% of the median income, and was voted 262 to 8 at Spring Town Meeting. An Affordable Housing Trust Fund was also established with the Trust’s assistance. The Town called the Trust’s help “invaluable.“
Download an Inclusionary Zoning Comparison Chart which details examples of inclusionary zoning laws by town.
Town of West Newbury
The Trust recently provided affordable housing planning assistance to the Town of West Newbury. With this assistance, an Inclusionary Housing Bylaw was created to ensure affordable housing will be included in all future developments with three or more units proposed. West Newbury residents passed the Bylaw at the Spring 2006 Town Meeting.
North Shore HOME Consortium
Working with Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., the Trust co-authored a regional market analysis and facilitated public meetings for the Consortium’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The strategy outlines specific objectives, goals and priorities to meet the area’s housing needs. Both the rental and homeownership market for low-income households, along with rehabilitation programs and resources for special needs populations are targeted. View the North Shore HOME Consortium's Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2005-2010).