Selectmen Think Old Senior Center Should Be Affordable Housing

The Board of Selectmen, acknowledging that there is a need for affordable housing in Swampscott, agreed Wednesday night to encourage real estate developers to convert the former senior center into up to three lower-priced residences.

The building is located at 89 Burrill St.

Earlier this summer the town reached a transfer-of-ownership agreement with of the American Legion the building's former owner

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor is preparing to seek proposals from developers for renovation of the two-story, 2,800-square-foot building, constructed in 1885.

“I don't want to mislead anyone,” said Selectman Jill Sullivan, who supported the affordable housing plan. “Swampscott is probably never going to get to 10 percent.”

She was referring to the state's requirement that all cities and towns have 10 percent of all residences be affordable. A city or town with 10 percent affordable housing stock are exempt from state development requirements on building affordable housing.

Maylor said Swampscott has less than 5 percent of its 5,500 residences classified as affordable. He estimated it would take at least 150 more affordable units to meet the 10 percent level.

Only Chairman Matthew Strauss indicated he would like to open up development of the former senior center to other types of development.

Selectmen said earlier that they want to find a buyer for the former and get it back on the tax rolls.

The provides affordable housing in town to those who qualify.