Ayer Housing Group Plans Rental Assistance Survey, Landlord Forum Amid Pandemic

AYER -- May 1, 2020, Ayer housing committee meets informally, sets May 6 CPC information session and plans rental assistance survey. The group, which lacked a quorum and took no formal votes, discussed using Community Preservation Committee and CDBG funds for emergency rental assistance following training by MHP and CHAPA. Participants cited grant-application data showing 57 percent of single women heads of household with children in Ayer live at or below the poverty level. A 3 percent CPC surcharge approved at the fall Town Meeting goes before voters on June 2 as Question 1, with an estimated annual cost of $90 for the average homeowner; the committee voted to hold 10 percent minimums in each required category and place remaining funds in an undesignated account flexible enough to cover rental assistance. A report to the Board of Selectmen is due May 19.