Secretary visits Cape Cod affordable housing as more towns adopt 'seasonal' designation
By Jennette Barnes for CAI
Cape Cod affordable housing was in the spotlight Tuesday as the state’s new housing secretary, Juana Matias, toured properties in Dennis, Wellfleet, and Truro.
Housing is the Healey administration’s No. 1 priority, she said.
“We understand that the challenges here are unique, that the cost of construction is just as much as you see in Boston,” she said. “And in the Office of Housing and Livable Communities, you have a partner that wants to help you figure out what you can do to continue to build.”
Cape and Islands officials have said that in addition to building, reusing existing structures is critical to meet the region’s needs.
Matias visited four homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Dennis and the 46-unit Residences at Lawrence Hill in Wellfleet, developed on town-owned land by the nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing.
In Truro, she was scheduled to make stops at three locations: the Cloverleaf site, which will have 43 rental units; the Truro Motor Inn; and the Walsh property.
She congratulated the towns of Brewster and Dennis on adopting the state’s Seasonal Communities designation at their respective Town Meetings last week.
“We're really just proud of you and want to congratulate you,” she said in impromptu remarks.
In seasonal communities, the demand for summer homes and short-term rentals drives up housing prices, often making it difficult for year-round residents to afford homes.
Image courtesy of Executive Office Of Housing and Livable Communities