Marion Affordable Housing Trust — June 9, 2026

The Marion Affordable Housing Trust met on June 9, 2026, and completed its annual board reorganization. Terry Santos was re-elected as chair, Robbie Tracy was elected vice chair, Susan was appointed clerk, Nancy was selected as the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) representative, and Jennifer Peterson was approved as a full member. The trust also approved the minutes from their April 14th meeting.

Jim Middleton, representing Habitat for Humanity's local affiliate covering Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and surrounding towns, gave a presentation discussing potential collaboration with the trust. Middleton highlighted Habitat's history, their recent focus on building affordable three-bedroom homes and installing residential accessibility ramps, and the critical need for land and municipal funding partnerships. The board examined mechanisms to leverage expected funds, including $225,000 from Toll Brothers as a payment in lieu of affordable units at 78 Wareham Street, alongside approximately $280,000 in earmarked CPC housing funds. Questions arose regarding whether town meeting or select board action is required to ensure the Toll Brothers funds flow directly to the Affordable Housing Trust pursuant to town bylaws.

The board additionally discussed funding Knox Boxes for vulnerable residents in town, which cost approximately $249 each. Noting that Marion's fire department currently maintains 60 boxes in the field, six in stock, and has no active waiting list while distributing one to two per month, the board decided not to purchase units immediately. Instead, they agreed to hold funds and ask Fire Chief/contact Phil to notify the trust when inventory drops to two boxes so they can provide funding to replenish them.

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