Совет Бетела поддержал заявку на миллион долларов для строительства 35 доступных домов

The Bethel Select Board is offering its support to a nonprofit applying for a $1 million grant to extend a sewer line on Broad Street, as development of up to 35 new homes takes shape. Selectmen voted unanimously to be a co-applicant for the grant’s preapplication by Northern Forest Center, which owns the property, but that does not commit the town to anything financially, according to Maura Adams, director of community investment for the center. The site of the proposed new homes is on the same land as the historic Gehring House, which Northern Forest Center recently redeveloped into middle-income apartments. Adams told the board at its Aug. 5 meeting that if all required approvals are secured, eight acres next to the house would be developed into one- and two-bedroom homes. The homes would be suitable for middle-income people who do not qualify for subsidized housing, but cannot afford current Bethel-area real estate prices. Housing has been an area of concern in the region, with prices driven up by the second-home market and the use of many houses for short-term rentals. The development would be modeled on another project the center is developing in Greenville, and would “feel like a neighborhood, ” Adams said. “Greenville will be the test,” she said. “By the time it comes to Bethel, it will be well-proven.” Residents would have to be full-time, year-round, Adams said, as short-term rentals would not be allowed. She declined to estimate home prices yet, but said median income affordability would be taken into account. The preapplication for $1 million in infrastructure funds from the Northern Border Regional Commission is due Aug. 21, and a full application will be submitted by mid-October. Select Board Vice Chair Michele Varuolo Cole called the prospect of the new homes “exciting.” She asked for clarification that no debt could be passed on to the town for the project, which Adams confirmed, saying the town would have no financial or grant management commitment. In addition to the town, the Bethel Water District would also be required as a co-applicant until specific water needs can be determined, Adams said, and Northern Forest Center is waiting on confirmation from water district officials. Water district trustee board Chair Reggie Brown said the district engineer is working with Northern Forest Center to determine if there is sufficient water capacity for the project. Bethel Wastewater Treatment Superintendent Toby Walker told selectmen the treatment plant has enough capacity to handle the sewer needs. The estimated construction timeline for the project, if it meets all approvals, is the summer of 2028. Alison Aloisio is a freelance writer.