ROCHESTER — Though Selectmen support an affordable housing nonprofit in its cause, the two groups reached an impasse at a Feb. 3 meeting over a lack of concrete plans.

Mark Wallington and Gianno Lettieri, representatives for Rochester Affordable Housing Inc., had previously appeared before the Planning Board to brainstorm solutions and before the Selectmen to present multiple options for town-owned land that they hoped to receive as a donation and develop.

The nonprofit’s plan was to have residents vote at Town Meeting to turn a town property over to them, customize a plan for a new building based on the size of the property and then own and manage the building, while renting it at affordable rates.

However, Selectmen wanted more specific plans, and were handicapped by the group’s status as a nonprofit, since towns cannot support private entities financially or otherwise.

Selectman Woody Hartley pointed out that Marion and Mattapoisett have town boards that deal with affordable housing, and if the three were a part of a town-affiliated board it “would be a different conversation.”

The three responded that affordable housing for seniors and veterans doesn’t exist in Rochester, and they were trying to fill a void.

Hartley suggested that the group become a town-affiliated committee, though no one was able to immediately answer what that process would be like.

Another option that Selectmen presented was a 99 year, long-term lease. But they also felt that the town doesn’t own much property, and with any land that it did have they “couldn’t let it go for less than fair market value,” as Selectman Paul Ciaburri said. 

Selectmen also felt that the timing of the request was unfortunate because they already “need to make some decisions about property that we have.” 

To move forward with any long-term lease, Hartley said Selectmen would need to see how the nonprofit would manage, own, and build a facility and still pay the bills on a rent of less than $1,300 a month, as they had proposed. 

Wallington said that the group may come back with a plan in the future.