Newburyport to hold housing forum

A public forum to discuss upcoming initiatives to create more options for affordable housing in Newburyport will be hosted by the city and Mayor Sean Reardon this month.

This event will also enable attendees to preview the new Housing Production Plan (HPP) of the city. Many changes are underway regarding the housing stock in the city due to new projects and zoning, interest from private developers, and new state laws. The city wants to ensure that the public stay informed about plans for the future, as many feel there is a housing crisis in the area.

The HPP is a document required by the state that is updated every five years. It provides a blueprint for how a city will make more affordable housing available locally. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission worked with the city to update the HPP, and it is currently being finalized.

Topics to be covered in the HPP and discussed at the forum will include accessory dwelling units; the waterfront west area and the former Kmart site; the Brown School redevelopment; MBTA communities zoning; as well as many strategy recommendations for increasing affordable housing units in the city. Such events and their importance for a city are often promoted with flyer printing.

This forum will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at the Senior Community Center, beginning at 7:00 pm.