Salisbury Housing Committee President Peter Halle, left, and Anne Kremer, past president of SHC, outside of Sarum Village.
By Hannah Pouler
The Salisbury Housing Committee (SHC) builds and manages affordable rental housing in Salisbury. It is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit, with a 15-person Board of Directors. I spoke with Peter Halle, the current SHC President, and Anne Kremer, past SHC President, about the SHC’s work and the importance of affordable rental properties in April 2023.
Can you tell me a bit about your involvement with the Salisbury Housing Committee?
Peter Halle: I’m currently President of the SHC. I’ve lived in Salisbury for almost 40 years and have been with SHC for 30 years. Being retired gives me a chance to do these civic-minded activities.
Anne Kremer: I moved here in 2006 and, as a social worker, wanted to get involved with the community. I joined SHC and was soon asked to be the President. I served as President for 10 years, and was co-President with Peter for several years afterwards.
Why is affordable rental housing important?
Anne: Because people start their life in rentals. A lot of young people work in this town but have to live elsewhere due to high rents. The hope is that people who live in our rental properties can save to buy a house in the future. Affordable rental properties are not charity: it’s what the town needs.
Peter: Taking a longer view, we want to keep these towns alive and vibrant. If there’s a way for all types of people – especially families – to live in the town, you end up with a better community. For example, we all know school enrollment is down, because you need to be wealthy to live in Salisbury with children. Affordable housing makes life better for everyone.
What is the SHC working on now? Can you describe any projects that you’re particularly excited about?
Peter: There are four projects going on concurrently. Holley Place, Sarum III (ten new units at Sarum Village), East Rail Road Street, and renovations at the Lakeview property. I’m excited about Holley Place, because it’s integrated with the village of Lakeville. It will make downtown Lakeville a better place.
Anne: Exactly the same for me. We changed the Holley Place architecture to make everybody happy, and it came out really attractive. It’s right in the community, so it thrills me that kids will get to live there.
Why does it take so long to develop affordable rental properties?
Peter: There are three stages before you can start building a project. First, you need to secure the land and draft a plan. Second, you need to get approvals from P&Z, which can take more than a year. But people often forget about step three – getting funding from the Connecticut Department of Housing. This often delays us the longest. Without the money, there is no housing!
The SHC is entirely volunteer run: how do volunteers stay motivated?
Peter: It’s by getting stuff done. When Anne joined, the SHC primarily maintained existing properties, but Anne got us into gear. We are currently working on multiple new units and are more involved with community than ever.
Anne: We love this town, and want to give back, so we are happy to do it.
If community members want to get involved with the affordable housing movement, what can they do?
Peter: I’d steer them to the Salisbury Affordable Housing Commission to learn about community events and forums that they can participate in. When enough people share a positive view on something, it convinces others to have an open mind and participate in the process, rather than condemning it.
Anne: Yes! Be positive about affordable housing, and let other people know that you’re positive.
What is your favorite thing about Salisbury?
Peter: Swimming on Mount Riga.
Anne: The people. I’ve made so many supportive friends that I am forever grateful for.