Rita Colafella, a resident of Watertown and member of Housing for All Watertown (HAW), expressed her concerns about the lack of recorded content from the Annual Public Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting, which she could not attend. Colafella’s email, seeking to make her voice heard, highlights pressing issues regarding housing needs in the community.
In her communication, she shared her commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those with special needs and senior citizens, stressing that the allocation of CPC funds for housing has been a longstanding issue. This concern is underlined by the Board’s 2022 Annual Year-End Report, which outlines an extensive four-and-a-half-page analysis of housing demands, indicating a significant and ongoing need for more resources.
The Affordable Housing Trust’s plea for increased senior and special needs housing was central to Colafella’s argument. She noted the increasing isolation many senior citizens experience, stating that many are unable to afford communal living facilities or adapt their homes to accommodate extended family. The issue of who supports these seniors when they need assistance is a critical one, often falling on the shoulders of nearby willing neighbors.
Colafella emphasized that the community’s need for housing is further complicated for individuals with disabilities, who often face severe challenges related to loneliness and adequate housing options. She acknowledged Massachusetts’ reputation for strong services available to the disabilities community, mentioning Watertown’s historical support for these individuals.
However, Colafella raised a larger question regarding the balance of community needs, including the push for resources such as a second ambulance and more recreational facilities, which are in demand as well. Still, she asserted that housing, food assistance, and teacher salaries should take precedence when it comes to fund allocation and prioritization.
In a critical observation, Colafella noted the CPC’s past funding decisions and expressed concern regarding the allocation of taxpayer funds, particularly relating to the allocation of money to preserve the Scot’s Gate in Mount Auburn Cemetery, which she argued was not in the best interest of Watertown’s residents.
Colafella articulated her hope that the board would heed her recommendations as proposed in her initial email, advocating for necessary changes and suggesting that the Residents’ Advisory Board consider new appointments to the committee. While acknowledging that there are dedicated individuals on the CPC, she indicated a sense of systemic dysfunction within the board, citing the ongoing issues surrounding housing projects like 103 Nichols.
In her original email, Colafella questioned the CPC’s decision to allocate only the minimum 10% of resources to housing, stating that such a decision fails to address the most significant unmet need within Watertown. With a substantial fund currently available, she argued that the CPC should reevaluate this allocation and consider increasing it to at least 55% to effectively confront the housing crisis.
Colafella also requested clarification on the budget expenditures related to personnel and purchased services. This knowledge is essential for residents to gauge whether 5% for administrative costs is necessary or excessive. She highlighted that residents supported the Community Preservation Act, which outlines the intended use of these funds, and that the CPC must honor this by utilizing the resources appropriately for the community’s needs.
She contended that while historical preservation and open space projects have regularly received funding, the absence of submitted housing project requests cannot be interpreted as a lack of demand. She proposed that the CPC undertake better outreach and educational initiatives to inform organizations, developers, and the public about the available options for funding.
Colafella offered specific suggestions on how to increase housing project applications, including the promotion of mixed-income developments, rental assistance programs, and adaptive reuse projects.
Additionally, she criticized the CPC’s convoluted project review process, which she believes creates unnecessary barriers to housing project development. The case of the 103 Nichols housing project, which is intended for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has faced significant delays, highlighting the need for specialized knowledge within the CPC.
With an urgent call for more senior and disability housing made by the Affordable Housing Trust during its annual planning meeting, the sense of immediate need is palpable. Colafella expressed her disappointment in the progress of the 103 Nichols project, underscoring the pressing nature of these community needs.
Moving forward, Colafella urged the CPC to increase the funding allocation for housing above the legal minimum, provide clarity on administrative costs, and prioritize community education about funding opportunities. She believes frequent notices about available funds could also enhance project requests.
In conclusion, Colafella’s communication is a robust call to action for the CPC, emphasizing the critical intersection of community needs and financial resources to effectively address Watertown’s housing crisis. Her insights, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and support for all residents, underscore the importance of addressing these systemic issues within the community.
image source from：watertownmanews
