HomeMy Public PortalAboutAff Hsg TF 2019-07-24 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
July 24, 2019
ORLEANS TON CI P K
ORLEANS AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD
JULY24, 2019 '19 Fii(G, > li;ij0d?•j
Approved August 7, 2019
A meeting of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board was held on July 24, 2019 in the
Skaket Meeting Room of the Orleans Town Hall. Present were Trust Board members
Duane Landreth, Alan McClennen, Alexis Mathison, Henry Brehm, Ward Ghory, Mefford
Runyon, and Community Development Director George Meservey.
All documents discussed at this meeting are filed with the permanent records of the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board.
Discuss the Affordable Housing Trust entering into an agreement with Cape Abilities to
allow the evaluation of the property at 107 Main Street for possible creation of affordable
housing.
Acting Chairman Landreth called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Meservey provided a recent history of the property. Cape Abilities had purchased it
in 2018 for $480,000, performed engineering work and some demolition, and more
significantly, cleared the title. Cape Abilities would now like to sell the property, which
includes a pre-existing non-conforming structure. The draft agreement before the Board
gives the Trust exclusive rights until October 31, during which time a feasibility study
would be completed. Mass. Housing Partnership (MHP) has identified funding with which
to perform a housing assessment for the property.
The Board discussed the layout and condition of the existing building, and Mr. Meservey
observed that an architect's review would be needed. He also outlined the possible
construction of an additional building or buildings on Main Street, more closely aligned
with the character of the neighborhood.
Mr. DeLory joined the meeting.
Mr. McClennen described the process by which Cape Abilities had brought the property to
the attention of the Trust, and noted that the septic system had been designed for a
commercial kitchen, allowing for more bedrooms than would be permitted for a single-
family home. The assessed value is $540,000, so probable acquisition costs would be
between that figure and the $480,000.
Zoning and other regulatory considerations were discussed, with a consensus that
requirements could be met without pursuing a 40B process. In response to a question
from Mr. McClennen, Mr. Meservey noted that an architectural study under$10,000 could
be undertaken relatively quickly under public procurement regulations. He suggested that
the entire site be planned first, with phased construction a possibility in the future. Mr.
1
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board July 24, 2019
McClennen observed that signing the agreement would take the property off the market
for ninety days while the Board decided whether the project was worthwhile.
Mr. Landreth asked for comments from members of the Affordable Housing Committee.
Present were Katie Wibby, Fran McClennen, Shelley Dawson and Nancy Renn. Ms.
McClennen noted that the Committee had reviewed the property in the past and had
agreed that it was an ideal location. They strongly recommended going forward.
On a motion by Mr. Runyon seconded by Mr. McClennen, the Affordable Housing Trust
Fund Board voted to sign the agreement with Cape Abilities, Inc. and to authorize Mr.
Meservey to obtain architectural services at a cost of up to $10,000. The vote was 7-0-0.
With regard to the housing assessment, Ms. Mathison recommended that the Trust
consider agencies other than MHP, and agreed to provide Mr. Meservey with additional
information on services provided by Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). Mr. Meservey
noted that the MHP services were available at no cost, and suggested that this was an
opportunity to look at HAC as well.
Mr. McClennen updated the Board on several items for future agendas. The owners of
the condominium which was discussed at the July 10 meeting have agreed to share
financial information with the Trust, and no financing issues were found in discussions with
banks. The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has agreed to extend the Trust a line of credit,
and was sending paperwork to the Town Treasurer this week. Additional funding for the
HECH loan for 10 Opa's Way is needed, as the amount of $3,470 voted at the July 10
meeting was incorrect.
Mr. Runyon suggested that financial information should be presented to the Selectmen at
the proposed meeting in August, and also suggested that the Town's total funding of
housing through the Community Preservation Act be provided. He would like to pursue
raising the income cap for affordable housing beyond 80% of area median income, and
Mr. Meservey outlined the legislative process that would be required. Mr. DeLory brought
up the need for a Board spokesperson and Mr. Landreth recommended that this be
discussed after reorganization.
Mr. Brehm left the meeting.
The next Trust Board meeting will be on August 7.
Adjourn
On a motion by Ms. Mathison seconded by Mr. Runyon, the Affordable Housing Trust
Fund Board voted to adjourn at 5:20 p.m. The vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Myra Suchenici
2