If keeping young people in New Hampshire, and the Monadnock region, is integral to building vibrant communities and a strong economy, why are we slow to take the steps needed to keep them here? For years, we’ve been talking about jobs, affordable housing, transportation and high-speed internet as the means by which to attract and keep young people here, but it’s hard to point to significant, quantifiable changes being made to address the issues.
Finally, we see progress.
The topic came up at a recent economic forum in Peterborough involving the Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors and Congresswoman Ann Kuster, where local Realtors decried the lack of affordable housing available to young workers and families.
“We need a place for these kids to rent,” said George Sterling, of Peterborough, at the forum.
Another pointed out that renters are the ones who eventually buy starter homes and later move up the housing ladder.
In March, the state took a step forward in promoting affordable housing, when Gov. Hassan signed a bill into law that allows accessory dwelling units anywhere single-family dwellings are permitted. While towns can require a special exception for an accessory dwelling unit, they can’t bar them altogether.
One of the stated goals of the legislation was to increase the state’s supply of affordable housing.
The law defines accessory dwelling units as “a residential living unit that is [supplementary] to a single-family dwelling, and that provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal dwelling unit it accompanies. An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to the principal dwelling unit.”
Dublin addressed its accessory dwelling ordinance at the polls in March, removing the special exception requirement for accessory dwelling units that have more than 25 percent of the primary unit’s space.
And Peterborough voters will be asked to revise their town’s regulations on accessory dwelling units in May. The proposal removes the special exception requirement, as well as the bar on renting them to tenants. Currently, homeowners may only provide them as residence s for employees or guests.
Going forward, other towns will need to review their own regulations. We hope residents can embrace the new legislation as an opportunity to expand housing options and, hopefully, begin to move our economy forward.