HomeMy Public PortalAboutKP-Order_to_Dissolve_Housing_PartnershipDRAFT ORDER—DISSOLUTION OF WATERTOWN HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
§___-.01 DECLARATION OF INTENT
Whereas, safe, healthy and financially affordable housing is a critical need within the Town of
Watertown and throughout the Greater Boston region; and
Whereas, the Housing Plan adopted by the Town of Watertown in March 2021 documented the need to
create and preserve more affordable housing within the Town; and
Whereas, the Watertown Housing Partnership has led the Town’s efforts to create affordable housing
and has earned the community’s appreciation for its hard work and key role in the progress the Town
has achieved; and
Whereas, the WHP recommended the formation of a municipal affordable housing trust under MGL c.
44, § 55C, as a logical next step in Watertown’s efforts;
Whereas, the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust (the “Trust”) has been established in
accordance with MGL c. 44, § 55C; and
Whereas, it is the intent of this Order to dissolve the Watertown Housing Partnership and to transfer its
powers and duties to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust.
Now, therefore, the City known as the Town of Watertown orders as follows:
TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITIES FROM THE WATERTOWN HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
All responsibilities of the Watertown Housing Partnership shall be transferred to the Trust upon the
recording of an executed declaration of trust at the registry of deeds. Said responsibilities include its
administration of certain affordable housing accounts held by the Town or the WestMetro HOME
Consortium, its role as an advisor to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Manager and
Town Council with respect to housing matters and inclusionary zoning (Section 5.07), and its overall role
in promoting the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Within 10 days after said recording of
the Trust instrument, the Watertown Housing Partnership shall dissolve and terminate. After the
Watertown Housing Partnership is dissolved, all references to the Partnership in Ordinances, including
Section 5.07 of the Zoning Ordinance, shall mean the Trust.
ADMINISTRATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACCOUNTS
The Trust is hereby authorized to control the following accounts held by the Town Treasurer: the
Affordable Housing Fund established to accept payments in lieu of the provision of inclusionary units;
and the Community Development Block Grant account established for program income earned by the
Town in connection with home buyer and home owner assistance. The Trust is hereby authorized to
requisition and use funds held by the WestMetro HOME Consortium as program income earned by the
Town in connection with past HOME projects. The Town shall continue to have the authority to
requisition and use funds designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the
Town’s annual HOME allocation.