Shelburne-O’Brien Housing Development Agreement Sparks Controversy
In a groundbreaking development, a tentative agreement has been reached between O’Brien Brothers and the town of Shelburne regarding a housing project that could potentially be the largest in Shelburne’s history. The project, situated on the north tract of the O’Brien’s 175-acre property, has been a point of contention as plans for development clash with local farmer and Shelburne resident Maggie O’Brien’s haying field operations.
Legal Debate Over Expansion of Municipal Service District
The crux of the issue lies in the interpretation of the HOME Act, a state law passed in 2023 to promote higher-density housing development. O’Brien Brothers, who have owned the plot for decades, seek to take advantage of the law to build more homes on the rural-zoned land. The company argues that its proximity to municipal infrastructure justifies an expansion of the service district, despite being technically outside of Shelburne’s municipal service district.
After months of selectboard discussions, legal reviews, and public input, the selectboard’s legal authority to amend the district’s boundaries has been confirmed by the law firm McNeil, Leddy and Sheahan. The new pre-development agreement, presented recently, highlights the town’s desire to amend the district while ensuring certain agreements between the town and O’Brien are in place.
Community Input Shapes New Agreement
The revised agreement, a result of feedback from Shelburne residents, includes provisions for more affordable housing, public access to parks and paths on the property, and reimbursement of town legal fees related to the project. Notably, the number of inclusionary housing units has been increased, along with adjustments to the area-median income for homes to address housing development gaps.
In a bid for sustainability, O’Brien is set to implement measures such as blower door tests, car share parking, and public electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the community will have enhanced access to public amenities on the property, with O’Brien contributing to a pedestrian infrastructure study.
Public Review and Input Encouraged
The new agreement is available for public review on the town’s website, with opportunities for further public input during selectboard meetings in the new year. As the town awaits a final decision and signature on the agreement in January, the ongoing dialogue between stakeholders continues to shape the future of the Shelburne-O’Brien housing development project.
This revised agreement reflects a collaborative effort to address concerns raised by the community, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development practices and affordable housing initiatives in shaping the future landscape of Shelburne.
