Zoning: A Shift to our Roots!
Encouraging updates regarding the recent direction of the Fairhaven Planning Board, in a collective effort to strengthen our town’s future.
In the most recent meeting held after the elections, the Planning Board has demonstrated a vibrant positive energy. Focused on providing residents with a viable plan and opportunity, to thrive and prosper.
This is what we needed!
The current discussion centered on returning to our roots, with opportunities to build charming, moderate size homes on original lot sizes, a practice, that historically made Fairhaven a healthy sustainable community.
While this initiative was part of our 2040 Master Plan Vision, finalized in 2018, and discussed again in 2023, various interruptions previously sidelined the idea. Consequently, many middle income earners have since been priced out of home ownership.
A very unfortunate repercussion, when we lose our focus and vision. But the good news is, that we’re back on track, And I feel it in my heart of hearts. Good things are happening!
To successfully implement the 2040 MP Vision, We need to look at restoring zoning requirements to the original 5000 square-foot buildable lots.
This is a superior alternative to the proliferation of apartment complexes.
Unlike high rents and units, where cost increases that are annually based on uncontrollable algorithms.
Homeownership offers consistent monthly payments, Plus the opportunity to build equity, by empowering residents to own their homes.
Here in Fairhaven, we have always fostered financial independence, to create a stable foundation for our families to grow.
Furthermore, this shift greatly supports our local economy.
When housing cost and rental payments are exorbitant, residents have less disposable income to spend at local businesses, leading to community wide deficits.
Transitioning back to moderate homes on manageable lots will help restore a healthy cash flow within Fairhaven.
This will also ensure we grow responsibly, and maintain our unique identity as a small family hometown, rather than an urban center.
After some very challenging years of growth and learning from our mistakes, it is truly heartening to see the Planning Board zeroing in on what many of our residents and community needs most. Equitable Opportunity!
I am confident that by moving in this direction, we can bring revenue back into the town, and put equity back into the pockets of our people.
May we all thank, support, and encourage, the Planning Board, for their continued engagement and focus, for working on continuing to make Fairhaven a prosperous, quaint, family hometown, for everyone.
One of the great ways to support our Planning Board, is to attend the meetings, and/or participate on zoom.
I call out to our younger generation, and all those in our town, wanting to be able to purchase a home, that they can afford.
And don’t give up on the American Dream of owning your own home.
I know that the Planning Board would love to hear from YOU.
They are volunteering their time, for YOU, and for this community as a whole. Let us be there for them too!
Michelle Costen, Fairhaven
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