Falmouth Enterprise
Carrie L. Gentile
October 3, 2014
Falmouth is not meeting the housing needs of its residents, according to a newly released study. The town’s graying population is large and growing, while the town is failing to attract younger people, partly because of a shortage of affordable housing. Alternatively, there is a scarcity of moderately priced assisted living facilities to serve Falmouth’s retirement age population and frail residents.
Falmouth Chamber of Commerce President Michael Kasparian speaks at the affordable housing roundtable on October 1. The roundtable was spurred by an extensive Falmouth housing report recently released. “We’re pricing ourselves out of a sustainable community,” said Falmouth Board of Selectmen chairman Mary (Pat) Flynn during a forum on housing held Wednesday, October 1, at the library.
“It’s hard for Falmouth to guarantee a sustainable economy when you can’t house your population,” said Judi Barrett of RKG Associates, the firm commissioned by the town to assess its housing needs. The result is an 87 page study titled “Housing For Everyone” that was the motive for the public forum. Affordable housing for myriad demographics found support during the panel discussion that attracted about 50 residents. It will serve as a springboard for further talks.