Monthly workshops will coach property owners on how to add new housing units
February 3, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Housing workshops will inform property owners on how to add new units to existing residential properties. File photo by Gordon Miller
The Waterbury Housing Task Force will hold a series of four monthly workshops starting Feb. 11 to coach local property owners interested in learning how to increase their housing capacity by adding apartment units to existing dwellings.
Launched in 2023, the Housing Task Force consists of volunteer members who meet regularly with the goal of ensuring the availability of safe, decent and affordable housing in Waterbury. To that end, the task force is working on ways to help create new housing in locations that maintain the integrity of neighborhoods while increasing density, respecting the natural environment, and minimizing the need for infrastructure improvements.
The upcoming educational workshops will be held at the Waterbury Public Library and will be geared toward property owners interested in increasing housing capacity, earning income from their property, and helping shape the character of the town’s housing landscape.
Titled “Building Better Waterbury: Homeowner Solutions for Housing Growth and Resilient Living,” the workshops are one way for the town to address Vermont’s housing crisis. Each workshop will address a different aspect of small-scale development, focusing on the construction of accessory dwelling units and duplexes.
The idea for these sessions came from community members last fall who expressed interest in the topic but also said they needed more information to move forward.
“In September 2024, the Housing Task Force hosted a community forum that confirmed the importance of education and provided valuable insights into local interests,” explained Housing Task Force Chair Joe Camaratta. The workshop topics “reflect the community’s priorities and commitment to accessible housing solutions,” he said.
The first workshop will cover zoning and permitting requirements. It will be held Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Waterbury Public Library as well as online via Zoom.
Waterbury Planning Director Neal Leitner and Zoning Administrator Mike Bishop will review town regulations and permit application steps. A state fire marshal will also attend to discuss safety requirements and inspections.
Subsequent workshops will address design and construction (March 18), financing (April 15), and rental property management (May 13). All workshops will begin at 6 p.m. and take place both in person at the library and online via Zoom.
“Addressing the housing crisis is crucial for building a strong and vibrant Waterbury,” said Waterbury Select Board Chair Alyssa Johnson. “This workshop series is an exciting opportunity for property owners to learn ways to become part of the housing solutions in their community.”
Workshops will be tailored to Waterbury property owners, but interested homeowners in other communities are welcome to attend. No advance registration is required.
Zoom links and recordings of each workshop will also be made available on the task force’s webpage.
This educational series is included in the library’s adult programming and is funded with support from the Vermont Community Foundation. For more information, email Housing Task Force Chair Joe Camaratta at housing@waterburyvt.com.