Sharon Ridge rent rises

SHARON — At a meeting held at Town Hall on Tuesday, May 21, The Sharon Housing Authority voted to raise the monthly rent in Sharon Ridge affordable housing by 4% per month per unit starting Monday, July 1.

The discussion with tenants present at the meeting turned to the lack of reserve funds, with Chairman Brent Colley noting that it would not be advisable at this time to spend money devoted purely to landscaping projects for the apartments when there were potentially costly factors that could arise in the future, like air conditioning repairs.

He is hopeful the Housing Authority will receive funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that may bridge the gap between tenant desires and practical spending — especially as the Housing Authority does not wish to continue raising rents. It was noted that Sharon has benefited from environmental efforts and trash clean-up thanks to the work of both the Parks and Recreation department and student volunteers from the nearby private schools.

A motion was also moved to waive the late fees for one family in the Sharon Ridge apartments with a young child who is currently undergoing intensive healthcare procedures.