Ayer CPC Sends Two Preservation Requests to March Public Hearing

AYER — February 4, 2026 — Ayer's Community Preservation Committee unanimously advanced two applications to a March 4 public hearing. The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust is seeking $200,000 — roughly $72,000 to continue a rental assistance program for up to 12 families and $128,000 to replenish a project reserve drawn down by a $170,000 commitment to the Devons Crest affordable housing development. The Sandy Pond School Association is requesting $25,000 to install a heat pump system in the historic schoolhouse, a project first identified in a 2017 conditions assessment and deferred after a state preservation grant was lost; the association has also applied to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for a matching $12,500, with that decision expected in June. The committee noted the historical resources fund holds $321,165.51. Chair Janet also reported that Senators Markey and Warren secured a $4 million federal HUD congressional direct spending grant for the Ayer Commons affordable housing project on Fitchburg Road, news received just hours before the meeting.