Plympton Advances Housing Plan, Introduces Code of Conduct

Town officials take steps to increase affordable housing and improve governance

PLYMPTON, MA - August 5 - The Plympton Board of Selectmen received an update on the town's Housing Production Plan and approved the concept of a new Code of Conduct for town boards and committees during their Aug. 5 meeting.

Representatives from the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) presented the Housing Production Plan update, highlighting Plympton's growing population and housing challenges. The town's population has increased 11.1% from 2,637 in 2000 to 2,929 in 2020.

"96.3% of Plympton's existing housing units are single family detached structures," OCPC reported. They also noted that 22.8% of owner-occupied households and 45.5% of renter-occupied households are cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing-related costs.

Currently, only 5.18% of Plympton's housing units are included in the state Subsidized Housing Inventory, well below the 10% threshold required by Massachusetts law.

The updated plan aims to address these issues with several goals and strategies. "Our first goal is to meet and maintain the 10% state standard for affordable housing," they explained. This would protect Plympton from being vulnerable to Chapter 40B housing developments.

Strategies to achieve this goal include developing a comprehensive permit policy, identifying specific sites for affordable housing development, and utilizing the local initiative program.

The plan also emphasizes ensuring new affordable housing is harmonious with the community's vision. OCPC suggested, "Consider the adoption of a senior affordable housing overlay district, which will promote affordable housing development for persons age 55 and over."

Other proposed strategies include adopting inclusionary zoning bylaws and encouraging smaller housing units.

Board members expressed support for the plan but noted challenges due to Plympton's geography and wetlands. "I have doubts that we can ever reach the 10%," one member commented.

In other business, the Board approved the concept of a new Code of Conduct for town boards and committees. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy explained the purpose: "It would hopefully encourage boards and committees and people dealing with employees or the public to act with more civility."

The code aims to provide guidelines for civil behavior and give board chairs additional tools to address issues. Dennehy emphasized that the draft will be circulated to boards and committees for feedback before final adoption.

Selectman Dana Smith, who spearheaded the initiative, stressed the importance of hearing both sides in any complaint process. "I want to have the person who is being complained about... they have their say too," Smith said.

The Board agreed to send out the draft for feedback and edits before voting to adopt a final version.