Article 37, which proposes a $100,000 Harwich contribution toward an affordable housing project in Chatham, is facing opposition from town leadership. The funding would support Penrose, a development company seeking to build 42 affordable and workforce units at 3 Meeting House Road in the neighboring town.

CPC Chair Kathy Green argued that housing must be treated as a regional issue, noting that workers in Harwich often live in surrounding communities. Harwich recognizes that housing is a regional problem, Green stated. With the funding available in our affordable housing bucket, we believe that we could contribute to another worthwhile housing project in the region.

However, Town Administrator James McGrail confirmed that both the Select Board and the Finance Committee recommended indefinite postponement of the article. This procedural move suggests town leaders prefer to focus CPA housing funds on internal Harwich projects, such as the Queen Anne Road development, rather than regional partnerships at this time.