NAHANT — Members of the community are invited to a community forum that will delve into the town’s housing needs 7 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall.
The forum, which will be held by the Nahant Housing Production Plan (HPP) Sub-Committee and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), will address “all-time high” housing costs in the town, according to a MAPC press release from March 1.
“Rising housing prices could make it difficult for long-time Nahanters to stay in town, for people who grew up here to put down roots, and for potential new residents to find a home,” the press release said. “If you’re concerned about how this may affect you, your neighbors, or someone who’d like to live in Nahant, please join us at a housing public forum.”
The HPP was developed earlier this year after the town received state funding.
“An advisory committee made up of Nahant residents, representing different areas of the town, are guiding the process with technical support from the MAPC, Greater Boston’s regional planning agency,” the press release said. “The committee would like to hear from as many residents as possible to learn what housing challenges residents face and to decide on the town’s housing goals for the future.”
Attendees of Wednesday’s forum will learn about Nahant’s demographics, housing stock, and housing affordability through data.
“Participants are also invited to share their experiences finding a home in Nahant that meets their needs and preferences. The committee will gather public input on a shared vision for how the Town will address its housing needs moving forward,” the press release said.
At the forum, there will also be a discussion on Section 3A of the state’s Zoning Act, which affects MBTA communities or those adjacent to MBTA communities.
According to mass.gov, Section 3A’s purpose is “to encourage the production of multi-family housing.”
“This overview of 3A will prepare residents to think about the benefits of complying with 3A and the different ways the Town can pursue compliance,” the press release said.
Those who wish to attend the forum can register on eventbrite. The registration link can also be found at mapc.ma/NahantHPP.
“Together, the Town and MAPC (the Planning Team) will work with residents and stakeholders throughout the process to set the vision and direction of housing policy in Nahant for the next five years,” according to the MAPC’s website.
