HomeMy Public PortalAboutMillstone Property Timeline (Updated November2020)
Millstone Road Land Parcel (98 -12) Property Timeline
16+ ACRES OF TOWN-OWNED LAND DESIGNATED FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
10/2019-6/2020: Community engagement includes
interviews, 3 community input sessions, and 2 online
surveys. The Housing Trust, with guidance from the
Housing Plan and hel p from MHP & Barrett Planning,
determines community housing goals for the property.
9/2020: Completion of Bohler Feasibility Study .
5/2018: Brewster residents approve the transfer of Millstone
land parcel 98 -12 for community housing purposes, and the
use of CPA funds to purchase 0 Millstone Road (99 -1) for
community housing purposes.
7/2018: Town purchases 0 Millstone Road (access parcel).
12/2018: Select Board signs grant agreement with MHP for pre-
development feasibility study and assigns management of the
project to the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust.
7/2019: An initial report by Bohler Engineering states that “an
affordable housing development appears to be a feasible project
at this location with limited constraints.”
6/2004: Court judgment
transfers the property to
Town of Brewster.
2006-2013: Work done includes
survey, investigation of deed, and
possible access to Millstone land
parcel.
6/1994: Town of Brewster
files Tax Lien Conversion
Case in Land Court.
11/2005: Special Town Meeting vote
authorizes Board of Selectmen to
investigate ownership of the Town’s
interests in 8 parcels of land (including
98-12) for the purpose of constructing
affordable housing, or for the sale with
proceeds reverting to the town’s
Affordable Housing Fund. $10,000 is
allocated for professional services.
First steps & potential next steps for Millstone Property as of October 2020
The development of this parcel for Brewster’s housing needs is an intentional process being overseen by the Brewster
Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT). The following is a general timeline highlighting actions after the parcel was designated
for Community Housing at the May 2018 Town meeting.
First Steps (2019 - 2020)
Feasibility study on land (2019- 2020)
In December 2018, the Select Board signed a grant agreement with Mass Housing Partnership (MHP) to provide a
pre-development feasibility study to help determine the potential community housing options for this parcel. In July
2019, Bohler Engineering released the initial stage of the study, the Due Diligence Report.
Determine community housing goals for the property (Fall 2019- Spring 2020)
This involves public input, financial realities, information from the feasibility study as well as guidance from the data
and strategies provided in the Brewster Housing Plan. Barrett Planning Group was hired to lead the community
engagement process, including interviews, three public sessions, and two online surveys. MHP and the Housing Trust
also participated in information gathering, sharing, and presentations. The Trust worked diligently over several
meetings to provide guidelines and goals around the Millstone property, taking into consideration public input,
financial realities, information from the feasibility study and our housing needs as outlined in the Housing Plan.
Completion of Bohler Engineering’s Feasibility Study (September 2020)
With input from the community engagement process and guidance from the Housing Trust, Bohler developed a
Master Plan to be used to assist in the creation of the RFP. The Feasibility Study, including the Master Plan, was
presented by Bohler and MHP to the Trust at the televised, and recorded, September 2020 Virtual Trust meeting. In
response to abutter concerns, the Trust engaged Bohler to perform an additional Watershed Analysis in Fall 2020.
Next Steps (12 + months)
Develop Criteria and Create a Request for Proposals (RFP) (Beginning in November 2020)
Once criteria for the project has been developed, a RFP will be created with oversight by the BAHT and assistance
from MHP. The RFP will include the program description, development/design guidelines, property description,
proposal submission requirements and developer selection criteria. This will be a public process.
Designate a Developer
After receiving and reviewing proposals, the Town will select a developer and sign a disposition agreement.
Probable Further Steps
File a Comprehensive Permit Application with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
The developer would apply for a Comprehensive Permit with the ZBA. Public comment is part of the Comprehensive
Permit process. This is considered a ‘friendly 40B’ as the Town created the RFP and both the town and developer are
working towards a common goal.
Request Community Preservation Act (CPA) Funding
Since the CPA came into existence in 2005, all Town involved projects to create community housing have included
the use of CPA funding. This is the normal procedure. CPA funding involves an application to the Community
Preservation Committee (CPC), approval from the CPC and a Town Meeting vote for authorization of the funds.
Residents would have the opportunity to vote at Town Meeting on CPA financial support of a project. This could be
before or after the Comprehensive Permit is filed.
Finalize Funding
The Comprehensive Permit is required before state funding can be applied for and attained. The state has one
funding a round every 9-12 months and it generally takes at least two tries to successfully attain funding.
Begin Construction
Includes final review of plans by Town officials. Construction averages 12 months.
For additional information contact:
Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator, dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov, 508-896-3701, X1130
Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator, jscalise@brewster-ma.gov, 508-896-3701 X1169