New Hampshire

Windham considers need for more affordable housing

By Terry Date
Staff writer
Published: May 15, 2008

WINDHAM — The time is right for affordable housing but can residents be convinced that affordable housing is right for the town?

The public affairs director of New Hampshire Housing told Planning Board members last night that to convince people of this they need to see how good workforce or affordable housing looks.

In many cases, it looks like what is already standing, said Ben Frost, speaking at the affordable housing workshop at Town Hall.

"You don't notice them because they look so good," he said.

Affordable housing is also looking good in the Legislature. Two pending bills would put backbone into the seminal state Supreme Court case on affordable housing.

That case is Britton v. the town of Chester, from 1991, and it says that reasonable and realistic opportunities for the development of affordable housing must be provided. It's vague language, Frost said.

But the pending legislation would codify the Supreme Court decision by preventing towns from prohibiting affordable units or, effectively, building a moat around their towns. The legislation would also speed up the appeal process for developers.

Another piece of legislation would allow towns to create affordable housing commissions. They act much like conservation commissions do, only instead of land conservation, they would advocate for affordable housing.

Planning Board members and audience members said they recognize a need for affordable housing in town but are worried that public perception is set against it.

Board Vice Chairwoman Nancy Prendergast said the panel struggles with "not in my backyard" mentality in town.

Board member Rick Okerman recalled a meeting where abutters of a proposed residential development showed up to protest the proposal because they thought it would drive down their property values.

Board member Ruth-Ellen Post said people have told her they worry about the stigma attached to those who live in affordable housing, especially the children.

Frost said he would strongly recommend building mixed-use affordable housing that includes market housing and even retail units.

Former town officials Margaret Crisler and Ross McLeod said a public relations campaign might be in order to overcome local resistance to affordable units.

"There are a lot of positives but we need to get the word out," McLeod said.

Crisler said many in town are concerned their grown children cannot afford to live in Windham.

The town is not without land to support multifamily units. About 353 acres are zoned for multifamily residential use. Planning Board member Walter Kolodziej said he would be pleased to work with a developer interested in building rental units in town. Windham has no apartment complexes.

The workshop, organized by Planning Department Director Al Turner at the Planning Board's request, was attended by about 12 people.

One resident walking her grandchildren at Griffin Park earlier in the day said she would be open to having workforce housing in town.

Gail Dow said the housing's appearance should be appropriate to the area.

"I certainly do not have a problem with it," she said.