The high school auditorium was packed. Even though all the town boards supported the project, many residents came with pre-conceived notions of what “affordable housing” was and how this large rental project would affect their town. MHOC representatives addressed the townspeople with facts regarding affordable housing and spoke about the minimal impact the development would have on their schools and that there would not be an influx of low income people from outside the town moving in. Also, that affordable rentals would help many of their own family, neighbors and friends. Plus, the fact that, under 40R, the town would receive $4500 per unit, or almost $1M from the state, the motion passed easily.