This is highly unusual in a situation such as this where the developer plans to file for a comprehensive permit under the state's Chapter 40B affordable housing law. The permit enables a developer to bypass local zoning laws if the project has at least 25% of its housing affordable and the town does have at least 10% of its housing affordable. Sharon has 3.4% affordable housing. The goal of the law, developed in the 1960s, was to increase affordable housing outside urban areas, but local towns have long complained that developers take advantage of the law to ram their projects through without due process.

According to Ben Puritz, town manager, the town has applied to be part of a local initiative program, which would enable it to work collaboratively with Avalon Bay to come up with a plan. "Rather than being reactive, we can be proactive," he tells GlobeSt.com.

Puritz says that the program would mean that the town can negotiate with the developer regarding the proposal as well as for certain public benefits. "This is a first-time venture for us," says Puritz. "It could be a missed opportunity [not to participate.]" Puritz emphasizes that if the two sides cannot come to an agreement regarding the project Avalon Bay can apply for the standard Chapter 40B permit.