Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Board of Appeals 06/25/2025
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Board of Appeals 06/25/2025
(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
The housing market shifts beneath developers' feet like sand, forcing adaptation in real-time. At a recent Raynham Zoning Board meeting, we witnessed this economic reality unfold as Lockwood LLC requested permission to increase their development from 138 to 156 units.
What makes this case remarkable isn't just the numbers—it's the underlying market forces driving change. Developer Lloyd Geisinger delivered a candid assessment: rising interest rates have slashed affordable unit pricing by $50,000 per home while construction costs remain fixed. "As this project stands right now, without some accommodation, it will actually lose money," he admitted. The solution? More units, but with fewer total bedrooms.
The project has unexpectedly attracted primarily senior buyers, with only nine school-aged children among the first 45 homes sold. This demographic shift prompted a design evolution toward "vertical triplexes" featuring ground-floor flats and townhouses with single-level living areas that appeal to active adults. The revised plan would place all new units in Phase 4 near Route 44, minimizing traffic impact through the development.
Neighbors raised valid concerns about future demographic changes, school impacts, and traffic safety, particularly on Christopher's Way where cars often mistakenly turn thinking it's the development entrance. These community perspectives highlighted the broader question: when does adaptation cross the line into substantive change requiring comprehensive review?
After thoughtful consideration, the Board continued the hearing to consult with town counsel on how their decision might impact Raynham's standing regarding comprehensive permits. This measured approach reflects the complex balancing act between economic realities, community needs, and regulatory frameworks that shape our built environment.
Listen in as we explore how housing development adapts when theory meets reality, and discover the careful considerations that go into reshaping communities for current and future residents.
Support the show
https://www.raynhaminfo.com/
Copyright RAYCAM INC. 2024
View all episodes
By Raynham(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
The housing market shifts beneath developers' feet like sand, forcing adaptation in real-time. At a recent Raynham Zoning Board meeting, we witnessed this economic reality unfold as Lockwood LLC requested permission to increase their development from 138 to 156 units.
What makes this case remarkable isn't just the numbers—it's the underlying market forces driving change. Developer Lloyd Geisinger delivered a candid assessment: rising interest rates have slashed affordable unit pricing by $50,000 per home while construction costs remain fixed. "As this project stands right now, without some accommodation, it will actually lose money," he admitted. The solution? More units, but with fewer total bedrooms.
The project has unexpectedly attracted primarily senior buyers, with only nine school-aged children among the first 45 homes sold. This demographic shift prompted a design evolution toward "vertical triplexes" featuring ground-floor flats and townhouses with single-level living areas that appeal to active adults. The revised plan would place all new units in Phase 4 near Route 44, minimizing traffic impact through the development.
Neighbors raised valid concerns about future demographic changes, school impacts, and traffic safety, particularly on Christopher's Way where cars often mistakenly turn thinking it's the development entrance. These community perspectives highlighted the broader question: when does adaptation cross the line into substantive change requiring comprehensive review?
After thoughtful consideration, the Board continued the hearing to consult with town counsel on how their decision might impact Raynham's standing regarding comprehensive permits. This measured approach reflects the complex balancing act between economic realities, community needs, and regulatory frameworks that shape our built environment.
Listen in as we explore how housing development adapts when theory meets reality, and discover the careful considerations that go into reshaping communities for current and future residents.
Support the show
https://www.raynhaminfo.com/
Copyright RAYCAM INC. 2024