HomeMy Public PortalAboutHousing Partnership -- 2019-07-11 Minutes Brewster Housing Partnership
Minutes of the July 11 , 2019 Meeting � �'i` 'F'��' CLERK
Members Present: Lisa Forhan, Steve Seaver, Diane Pansire, Sarah Robinson, Ralph Marotti,
Ned Chatelain, Vanessa Greene
Guests Present: Benjamin deRuyter, Timothy Hackert, Madelyn Hillis-Dineen, Maggie Spade-
Aguilar, Paul Ruchinskas, Donna Kalmick, Jill Scalise, John Stewart
1 . Call to Order : Meeting called to order.
2 . Introductions : Ben Deruyter thanks John Stewart for attending and set asked all BHP
and BAHT members to introduce themselves
3 . MCI Program Overview by John Stewart: John Stewart presented on the current
Chatham Escrow Program noting the following :
➢ It was started in early 2000 and there are currently 4 houses in the program
although there was a recent acquisition of a 51h . All houses are Town owned .
➢ All the houses are on the Town' s subsidized housing inventory. Rent is based on
affordable rent values . John recommended not putting it on the subsidized
housing inventory to reach a broader audience and be able to adjust rent values .
They currently follow fair housing marketing rules .
➢ It is a 5 year program. Half of rent goes into escrow and families receive it as a
down payment if they are able to buy a house (specified on Cape) . If they don't
qualify, the funds are put back into the house — not given to the participant . Credit
counseling is offered to the participants .
➢ They have had 2 individuals not be able to buy houses but 13 others have been
successful . There is currently a waiting list for the program.
A CPA funds have been used to rehabilitate the houses . The most recent acquisition
was made by a private group who intended to hold it until Town Meeting where
they could sell it to the Town . Program is currently self supporting — percentage
goes back to Housing Authority for management costs .
4 . Discussion of Housing Trust Goals & collaboration between BHP & BAHT : Ben
DeRuyter gave an overview of the Trust ' s goals and priority initiatives and the BHP and
BAHT discussed differences in roles and potential collaboration. Specifically,
collaboration on 40b projects, funding, and community engagement was discussed.
Donna noted that the Trust had just received the report of the pre4easability study for the
Millstone Road project and it would be posted on the website shortly. The Chatham
Escrow Program was discussed and Donna suggested the Partnership discuss thoughts on
where properties could be obtained for a similar program. The group discussed the pros
and cons of whether properties in such a program would be maintained on the SHI list.
Jill Scalise noted that a rental voucher program is also being considered .
5 . BHP sponsored Fall Clean-up at Huckleberry Lane : September 28tf'. Time TBD .
Donna noted advertising on the Town website and bulletin boards .
6 . Brewster Housing Update: A letter of support is requested from the BHP for the
following items .
➢ The Town may apply for a MassWorks grant for infrastructure, which would be
awarded to the Town. This would be the first MassWorks grant application for
Brewster and the process was discussed .
➢ CPC funding for rehabilitation of two properties to maintain them on the
Subsidized Housing Inventory .
7 . Approval of BHP minutes from 6/13/19 : Diane noted her surprise at maintaining the
Chair position in the coming year. Ralph commented that he rejected the Chairmanship .
Lisa noted that that the decision was made after discussion based on the current situation
and was not a change in ongoing policy. The minutes were approved as submitted .
8 . Any other business not anticipated : None.
9. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa L. Greene