The Cohasset Affordable Housing Steering Committee celebrated a significant win for the town’s housing stock at its October 21 meeting, as a key property at One Pleasant Street is set to revert from condominiums back to rental apartments. The change, supported by the committee at a recent Planning Board meeting, is expected to add 14 units to Cohasset’s subsidized housing inventory (SHI), a substantial increase from the four units the town would have been credited for under the condominium plan.

“We’re excited because hopefully we’ll then get credit for 14 units,” said committee member Paul, who presented the update. While the administrative process to refile with the state is underway, Town Planner Cassandra Thayer expressed optimism for a quick turnaround. “I’m hopeful that since they’ve already really reviewed most of the information and we’re simply changing from ownership to rentals, that it won’t take them very long, but that’s in their hands,” Thayer noted. The committee is also awaiting state approval on three units at 147 South Main Street and one unit at 43 Elm Street.

The discussion then turned to the broader challenge of finding suitable locations for new development in a town where land is scarce. The committee explored the status of various parcels, from the old gas station in the village to land near the MBTA tracks on North Main Street and potential sites in North Cohasset. Committee member Beth summarized the difficulty many developers face. “The land is really, really pretty tight,” she said. “I think there isn't much left that anyone can do stuff on. There's a lot of leggy stuff.”

Committee member Fred provided an update on the Cohasset Housing Authority at 60 Elm Street, which is currently operating without a permanent director after a recent hire took another position. He explained that a statewide shortage of qualified applicants has complicated the search. “The problem is that the salary is not that interesting to people anymore, so there aren't people going into the field,” Fred stated. For the next six months, the state has approved a plan for two or three retired executive directors to share the responsibilities. He also reported that the property experienced recent flooding, and the town is working with the state on a drainage solution. Before adjourning, the committee approved the minutes from its last meeting.

Motion Made by Paul to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.

Due to scheduling conflicts and the Thanksgiving holiday, the committee agreed to cancel its November meeting and will reconvene on December 16. The meeting was then adjourned.