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The Town of Ashburnham has requested assistance from the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to update its Housing Production Plan (HPP) and Housing Chapter of the Master Plan. The purpose of the HPP is to develop a proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing and is required to include a comprehensive housing needs assessment, a list of affordable housing goals, and an implementation plan to realize the goals. The Housing Chapter of the Master Plan identifies and analyzes existing and future housing needs and objectives including programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. This chapter shall identify policies and strategies to provide a balance of local housing opportunities for all citizens. 
 
This survey has been developed to assist with the housing needs assessment and solicit public input to be included in the HPP and Master Plan Chapter.  We appreciate your opinions and will present the results of this survey at a Planning Board meeting later in the fall.
 
Below are some demographic statistics for Ashburnham
  • Median age has increased from 32.9 years in 1990 to 39.5 years in 2018, a 20% increase.
  • The 55-74 age group has increased 161% since 2000.
  • The 75+ age group is expected to increase 170% by 2040.
  • The 25-34 age group has decreased 35% since 1990.
  • 9.7% of the population is estimated to have a disability.
  • 28% of homeowners with a mortgage and 23% of renters are paying more than 30% of their income on housing. This is considered cost-burdened.
  • Since 2000 average home values have increased 140% from $111K to $266K: less than the state average of $454K.
  • Property taxes have increased 159% since 2000 from $2,068 to $5,357; less than state average of $6,186.
  • 4.8% of population lives below the poverty line with 13% of those being 18-34 years old.
  • Median Household Income = $97,561; more than the state average of $77,378.
  • Median Family Income = $114,531
  • 52% of households earn <$100K
  • 34% of homes in Ashburnham were built before 1960.
  • Since 2000, only two two-family units and one six-family unit has been permitted in Ashburnham.  There have been 395 single family dwelling permits in that time.
Sources: American Community Survey 2014-2018 Estimates; Massachusetts 1990 Census; U.S. Decennial Census 2000, 2010
 
Thank you for your participation!  

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* 1. What is your age?

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* 2. How many years have you lived in Ashburnham?

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* 3. How many people live in your household?

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* 4. Who else lives in your residence? (select all that apply)

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* 5. What is your total annual gross household income?

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* 6. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "affordable" is defined as housing that costs less than 30% of your household's gross monthly income.  Housing costs include mortgage principal & interest, property taxes, insurance, and utilities for homeowners and rent and utilities for renters.  Based on this definition, is your current living situation affordable for your household?

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* 7. Which of the following describes your current primary residence?

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* 8. What type of residence would you prefer to live in as you age?

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* 9. How would you describe your ability to meet your monthly housing costs?

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* 10. Please score the following housing types you think are needed in Ashburnham.
NOTE: Low income = <$54,650 for family of 2, <$68,300 for a family of 4.  Moderate income = $68,301 to $99,840.

  There is a very high need for this type of housing There is a small need for this type of housing There is no need for this type of housing
Low income senior rentals (60 years or older)
Low income family rentals
Low income home ownership
Moderate income rentals
Moderate income home ownership
Assisted housing for seniors (60 years or older)
Veterans housing
Fully accessible housing

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* 11. How open are you to the following housing types in Ashburnham?
NOTE: Low income = <$54,650 for family of 2, <$68,300 for a family of 4. Moderate income = $68,301 to $99,840.

  I am very supportive I am supportive I am neutral I am not supportive
Low income senior rentals (60 years or older)
Low income family rentals
Low income home ownership
Moderate income rentals
Moderate income home ownership
Housing for seniors with services (60 years or older)
Veterans housing
Fully accessible housing

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* 12. Would you or someone you know benefit from any of the following types of housing?  (Please check all that apply)
NOTE: Low income = <$54,650 for family of 2, <$68,300 for a family of 4. Moderate income = $68,301 to $99,840.

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* 13. In general, of the following housing types, which ones would you support in Ashburnham?  NOTE: This is for all levels of income, not just affordable housing.  Cohousing definition:  Cohousing communities are residential living arrangements organized around common space, shared meals, and group activities. Neighbors help each other with everything from childcare to home maintenance.

  Strongly support Somewhat support No opinion Somewhat against Strongly against
Single family homes
Condominiums/Townhouses (owner or rental)
Duplexes/Two-Family homes (owner or rental)
Multifamily ownership (3-6 units, attached or single building)
Multifamily rentals (3-6 units, attached or single building)
Multifamily rentals (7-15 units, 1-2 buildings)
Multifamily rentals (16-30 units, 1-2 building)
Multifamily rentals (>30 units, 1-2 buildings)
Co-housing (see definition above)
55+ housing development
Accessory apartment in or attached to a single family home
Accessory apartment detached on the same lot as a single family home
Mixed use development (business/housing)
Tiny house development
Subdivision with smaller lots/more dense housing
A development of manufactured homes (pre-fab not mobile home)

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* 14. Which of the following methods would you support to create affordable housing in Ashburnham? (Check all that apply)

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* 15. Please provide any additional comments you would like to share about housing in Ashburnham.

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