The Cohasset Affordable Housing Trust voted on Wednesday morning to authorize the sale of an affordable housing unit at 43 Elm Street, advancing a long-awaited transaction while also addressing pre-closing repairs and brainstorming ways to attract new volunteer members. The board approved the final steps for the sale of Unit 2 for $292,100 to the children of the downstairs neighbor, a development Chair Ted Carr praised. “It’s wonderful to add another actually, frankly, very beautiful unit to the inventory,” Carr said. “I think this is great.”

To finalize the sale, which is expected to close by the end of the month, the board took a formal vote. Motion made by Paul Grady to have the chair review and execute on behalf of the trust all the necessary documents to execute the sale. Motion Passed 4-0. While the sale’s progress was celebrated, members raised concerns about last-minute maintenance issues. Rob Henry noted that the unit’s hot water heater had stopped working, and a recent storm had caused significant basement flooding. Select Board Representative Paul Grady offered to personally investigate the heater, suspecting a simple electrical issue. “We’ve had so many no heat, no hot water calls cuz people... they flip the switch,” Grady explained. Regarding the flooding, Henry noted the new family dynamic in the two-unit building should help resolve future issues collaboratively, stating, “I just think the compatibility of the... two unit owners would probably alleviate a whole lot of big problems.”

The conversation then shifted to the board's own future, focusing on the challenge of recruiting new members. Town Planner Cassandra Thayer suggested the trust’s 8:45 a.m. meeting time could be a significant barrier for many residents. “It may be difficult for them to meet at 8:45 in the morning on a Wednesday,” Thayer suggested. “Maybe if the trust would consider moving the time to a different time... that may entice people more to apply.” The idea was met with unanimous agreement, and Grady committed to publicizing the board’s flexibility. “I can bring that up in select board comments,” he promised. “If someone just gives me a kick in the rear, then I will bring it up at next select board meeting.”

During the meeting, member Cindy Matheison sought to confirm the details of the pending sale, asking, “Could you just repeat what the sale price was? I missed that.” The board also conducted routine business, approving two invoices. Motion made by Paul Grady to approve two invoices for MHTL totaling $372.50. Motion Passed 4-0. Minutes from the previous meeting were also approved. Motion made by Rob Henry to approve the minutes from July 9th. Motion Passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 a.m.