Provincetown's Progress on Affordable Housing: New Developments and 'Lease to Locals' Program

Town Manager Alex Morse discussed the ongoing housing issues in Provincetown, Cape Cod. Morse stated that despite the town's efforts in affordable housing development, the housing crisis persists. Provincetown is close to meeting the state's 10% Low Income Housing Inventory requirement and plans to surpass it within two years. Morse stressed the town's dedication to improving housing accessibility for all Provincetown residents and workers.

A significant upcoming project is the housing development at 3 Jerome Smith Road. The Community Builders aim to start building 65 affordable, year-round apartments in May 2024. The project, set to finish in about 18 months, will offer a range of units, including four for people with disabilities. Provincetown residents will have priority for these units.

The project will be built on town-owned land, where the old VFW building stood. The Select Board and Town Administration have prioritized this project, which received state funding last year. The town voters approved a $3 million local contribution to the project, and the Community Preservation Committee allocated $500,000 in CPA funds, aiding the project's progress.

The town has also initiated a 'Lease to Locals' program to meet immediate housing needs. The Select Board and the Year-Round Market-Rate Rental Housing Trust have allocated over $400,000 for this program. It provides financial incentives to homeowners who rent their homes year-round to eligible households, aiming to increase long-term housing for local workers and residents. Property owners can receive up to $6,000 per year, per tenant, and up to $20,000 for housing three tenants. The program will start on April 1, 2024.

The 'Lease to Locals' program, first implemented in Truckee, CA, has been successful in Nantucket, housing over 30 people in the past year. The town plans to house about 50 people through this program in the first year. To qualify, tenants must earn below 150% Area Median Income ($130,515 per person annually). The program will start in the next few weeks, and tenants and potential property owners are invited to apply.

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