PLANNING

 

ASSISTANCE and PLANNING

The Island’s seasonal economy and super heated housing market for seasonal rentals and second-home sales creates serious challenges for the many year-round residents who are essential to the economic and community life of Martha’s Vineyard.

The 2013 Martha’s Vineyard Housing Need Assessment highlighted the essence of the “affordability gap” as average weekly wages 29% below the state average while rentals run 17% above and home prices are higher by 54%. Additionally, year-round leases are at a premium as seasonal housing makes up 41% to 75% of the housing stock in different Island towns.

The 2016/2017 Housing Production Plan process further coalesced island housing need, availability and development and support strategies going forward.  HPP Overview and Draft Executive Summary.

Among the varied island town responses to the housing needs of its residents supported by the Housing Authority are accessory apartments, multi-family density allowances, resident homesite subdivisions, demo delay referrals, affordable rental development and management, and community ownership development and affordability monitoring.

The Housing Authority participates in advocacy and planning efforts in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, the County of Dukes County, the MA Department of Housing And Community Development, other agencies and non-profits as well as a wide variety of individuals and groups at work on the Island’s housing issues.

DCRHA Annual Report 2020

DCRHA Annual Report 2019