The Cohasset Affordable Housing Trust celebrated a significant boost to the town’s affordable housing stock during its November 12 meeting, highlighting the successful conversion of the One Pleasant Street development from condominiums to rental apartments. Town Planner Cassandra Thayer delivered a comprehensive project update, explaining that because the 14-unit rental project now meets the state’s 25% affordability threshold, all 14 units will be counted on Cohasset’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), a major gain over the four units that would have counted under an ownership model. "If it's ownership, you only count the actual units. If it's rental, you can count [all units if you meet the threshold]," Thayer explained to the board, which welcomed new member Jean Pesy. The board also received updates on other key projects, including the completed two-unit home at 808 Jerusalem Road and the recently closed sale of 43 Elm Street, Unit 2, which generated a profit of over $78,000 for the Trust.

Paul Kierce, Chairman of the Affordable Housing Steering Committee, provided an update on his group’s work identifying potential sites for future development. "Our goal is to identify where the town stands relative to 40B and then also review any town owned property to see if any of those properties can be converted to buildable lots," Kierce said. He noted that his committee had investigated the former Esposito property on Pond Street but recommended it be used for open space due to significant wetlands. The committee is also monitoring a potential 10-to-20-home private development off Jerusalem Road. Following Kierce’s report, board member Cindy Mat proposed exploring financial aid for the One Pleasant Street developer, similar to assistance provided to other projects. "Is there a rationale for supporting him in some way financially as we did with a fellow who's building on 147 South Main Street?" she asked. Kierce agreed it would be a "great gesture" and offered to contact the developer.

The future of a town-owned parcel at 39 Mill Lane was a key topic of discussion. The Trust, which now controls the lot, will explore its options, which could include selling it for development or partnering with an organization like Habitat for Humanity. The board agreed to first investigate the lot's buildability before making any decisions. The board also handled administrative business, including approving minutes and paying a final bill.

As the meeting concluded, member Ted Carr offered a message of support to fellow member Paul Grady and the Select Board. "You have all been professional and we I just wanted to be remembered to all of you and just say thank you for all you're doing," Carr stated. Grady expressed his appreciation, replying, "That means a lot and thank you so much." The board then approved its October minutes. Motion Made by Cindy Mat to approve the minutes from October 8th. The motion was seconded and after a roll call vote where members Jean Pesy, Rob Henry, Cindy Mat, Paul Grady, and Ted Carr each stated their approval, the Motion Passed 5-0. The Trust also approved a final expense for a completed project. Motion Made by Ted Carr to pay the final water and sewer bill for 43 Elm Street, unit 2, which was in the amount of $238. The motion was seconded, and after a roll call vote, with Rob Henry stating "Rob Henry I," and all other members concurring, the Motion Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned following a final vote.