The Marshfield Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is evaluating a new strategy to address affordable housing through the establishment of a private Community Development Corporation (CDC). During a remote meeting Wednesday night, Rick from the Quincy Housing Authority, which manages Marshfield’s housing agency, outlined a proposal to create a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity aimed at acquiring and rehabilitating properties specifically for rental use.

The proposed CDC would be managed by the Marshfield Housing Authority but would operate under its own board of directors. Rick explained that the mission is to enhance the community by creating sustainable, safe, decent, and affordable housing for people of low income while helping the town reach its 10 percent affordability goal under state law. Unlike the existing Housing Trust, which often focuses on units for purchase, the CDC would prioritize rental programs to serve more families through higher turnover rates. Cecilia DeLisle noted the importance of the distinction, stating, The Trust is not there to manage rental property. Its goal is to make units available for purchase. So, it is rental versus purchase.

The potential tax implications for the town sparked questions among committee members. Bert O’Donnell inquired whether properties owned by the charitable non-profit would be removed from the tax rolls. Carrie Richardson noted that the town could negotiate an agreement, while Rick suggested the entity could enter into a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) arrangement. If there is a PILOT done, those funds would end up as housing trust funds for Marshfield, DeLisle added, highlighting a potential circular benefit for local housing initiatives.

The meeting also served as a final briefing before the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on March 27. Chair Dennis Keller reported on his recent presentation to the Select and Advisory Boards regarding 10 approved CPC applications. He cautioned the committee to remain mindful of the town’s broader fiscal challenges, including a projected multi-million dollar deficit. I also want to recognize the challenging financial situation the town is in. It is sound to have that awareness when we are discussing and promoting our articles, Keller said. He predicted a lengthy Town Meeting, likely two or three days, due to heavy agenda items like the MBTA Community Act and the general budget review.

Beyond housing, the committee discussed the future of its own meeting format. Jack Buckley advocated for a transition to hybrid meetings to improve transparency and engagement during the application vetting process. In my mind, especially when people are coming in asking for money, it is much more beneficial to the applicant and to us to have that human interaction, Buckley said. While Keller noted that agendas are lighter in the off-season, he asked members to weigh the benefits against the logistical challenges of securing meeting space at Town Hall.

In updates on local historic preservation, Buckley shared that the Historical Commission is urging an archaeological study of the property at 91 Old Colony Lane. The town recently acquired the site to prevent the development of a heliport, but researchers have since traced its ownership back to 1674. Mike Seele and Bert O’Donnell also provided a status update on the Revolutionary War memorial, which is currently in shipment from Vermont and expected to arrive next week ahead of a planned April 19 dedication ceremony.

Financial oversight continued as Richardson questioned the status of invoices for the town’s housing coordinator. CPC Staff Tracy Pomella clarified that those costs are currently being tapped to the right account through the payroll system rather than appearing as separate invoices. The committee also noted the recent success of CPC-funded infrastructure, with Richardson reporting that new generators at Grace Ryder and Tea Rock came in handy during the recent storm and were operational just in time.