The Town of Provincetown is excited to announce that the Select Board has executed Purchase and Sale Agreements for the properties at 22/22R and 24 Nelson Avenue for future affordable and community housing development in town.
Under the agreed terms, the Town will purchase 22/22R Nelson Avenue for $1,270,000 and the property at 24 Nelson Ave for $765,000.
These two properties present an increasingly rare opportunity for the Town to embark on ambitious community housing projects in the coming years. Notably, 22 Nelson Avenue has already been approved and permitted for 12 ownership units, comprising ten market-rate and two affordable units. Once the property is served by Town sewer in the coming years, the potential density is projected to increase significantly, accommodating between 26 to 32 units.
24 Nelson Avenue currently allows for 9 units, but upon sewer connection, development density is expected to expand to 12 to 18 units. When these parcels are combined, the Town could explore the development of up to 18 units today, or between 48 to 60 units once served by sewer. Both properties are part of Phase 6B of the sewer expansion plan, with sewer connection anticipated to occur between 2027 to 2030.
While the Town does not have immediate plans for the redevelopment of these parcels, securing the land is undoubtedly in the Town’s best interest. Without the Town's intervention, the likelihood of private development looms large, leading to a proliferation of market-rate condominiums, many of which could potentially become short-term rentals.
"As has been the case for many years, our residents are incredibly supportive of the Town taking bold action when it comes to housing,” said Town Manager Alex B. Morse. “At our most recent Joint Housing Workshop in June, there was strong agreement between the boards present that acquiring land for future development was something the Town should actively pursue, and I want to thank the Select Board for acting quickly on this opportunity.”
By acquiring these parcels, the Town is continuing to work toward its goal of helping to meet the critical demand for affordable and community housing.
The Provincetown Select Board is in the process of calling a Special Town Meeting this fall to ask Town Voters to approve the purchase of 22/22R and 24 Nelson Avenue before the Town can close on the properties.