The Select Board discussed two proposals for small affordable housing developments at its May 2 and 3 meetings. 

The board was in favor of both proposals, one of which received Community Preservation Funds at the most recent Town Meeting. 

One project would create six new three-bedroom units at 6 Chapel Lane. That development is being led by Steven Beauchemin, who previously built six units on Depot Street.

The units will be privately financed. 

The development will likely include two affordable three-bedroom units. 

On May 2, the board voted to write a letter supporting the project to submit to the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

Board member Patrick Tropeano said he’s in favor of smaller projects like  Beauchemin’s that “nestle into the community” rather than larger developments. 

“That property was a dive for a long time,” Tropeano said, affirming his support for the project.

He praised Beauchemin’s work on past developments, noting that even the grass looks great.

On May 3, the board voted to send a letter in support of another small affordable housing development and waive the requirement for an appraisal.

Board Chair Judith Whiteside said that the plans for the 801 Main Street development had changed slightly — the development will have eight units, rather than six, as was originally discussed.

The affordable housing development, which is being developed by the same company as the existing Village at 815 Main Street complex, would include eight affordable housing units split between three buildings. 

At the most recent Town Meeting, voters approved spending $300,000 of Community Preservation Funds to support the project. 

Tropeano said that while he supports the project overall, he’s still upset that voters chose to spend public funds to aid the private developer.