The town has not yet reached its required 10% affordable housing which means that any residential project with at least 25% affordable housing can bypass local zoning laws to get built. Developers are in the process of meeting with town leaders to discuss building a 190-unit project off Norwood Street and a 90-unit project off Old Post Road.

In addition to those projects, the town's zoning board of appeals is currently considering a 250-unit project on Rattlesnake Hill. The town had hoped to purchase that 350-acre parcel from the Striar family in order to preserve the property, but the $12 million price tag proved to be too steep. According to Eric Hooper, superintendent of public works for Sharon, efforts are still being made to purchase the site.

A 30-unit project was also proposed near Glendale Road as well as a 20-unit project near Mansfield Street.

If all these projects are approved, it will bring Sharon close to its 10% affordable housing requirement, but Hooper points out that the number of units brings with it complications. "They will certainly create some issues," he says. "There will be an impact on schools, public safety and water and that will have to be addressed."