LONDONDERRY — The town of Londonderry has commenced a housing study that will explore critical housing issues in the community and lead to the creation of a housing strategy.
Patty Eisenhaur, Housing Needs Assessment committee chair, said in a news release “our goal in conducting this study is to help identify the community's priority housing issues, and at the same time, estimate the number and types of housing units needed in Londonderry."
According to the committee, the study “will include a detailed data analysis of demographic, economic, and housing trends in the town and surrounding region and will identify opportunities and develop strategies that address the unique challenges facing the community.”
The study is being led by a steering committee of local citizens and town representatives that was established in September. Camoin Associates, a consulting firm based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has been commissioned to conduct the study. It will run through February 2023 and is being funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money allocated by the Londonderry Selectboard.
Melissa Brown, the Selectboard's representative on the committee, said “the final output of this effort is to develop a housing strategy that identifies actionable steps the town and its partners can take to address housing challenges.”
An online community housing survey that will provide local residents and workers an opportunity to provide input will be available starting this month. Local and regional stakeholders will also be interviewed to gain insights into the town's housing needs.
“Understanding our demographics and conducting this survey are first steps necessary in addressing this key issue,” Eisenhaur said. “We hope residents will participate in the survey process, as their input is critical to its success."