HomeMy Public PortalAbout(1) Agenda Packet Brewster Housing Trust June 4, 2020
MEETING NOTICE
TOWN OF BREWSTER
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust
Location: Remote Participation Only
Date: Thursday June 4, 2020
Time: 5:30PM
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law and his March 15 and March 23, 2020 Orders imposing strict
limits on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the
general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting may be found on the Town’s website
at www.brewster-ma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to listen to the audio broadcast may do so via the Town of Brewster website at
http://livestream.brewster-ma.gov or on Channel 18. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure the public can
adequately access the proceedings in real time via technological means. The Town has established specific email addresses for each board and committee that will be meeting
remotely so that residents can send their comments in writing either before or during the meeting. In the event we are unable to live broadcast these meetings, despite best
efforts, we will post on the Town website an audio recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting at http://tv.brewster-
ma.gov. To submit public comment or questions to the Housing Trust prior to or during the meeting please email to housingmeeting@brewster-ma.gov.
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Financial Report
3. Millstone Community Housing Property: Follow-up from Community Engagement Session March 10th,
discussion of conceptual sketch survey & next steps
4. Potential rental assistance and/or emergency rental assistance program, discussion and possible vote
5. Housing Coordinator update: including COVID-19 response and Brewster Woods
6. Housing Trust appointments
7. Any other business not anticipated
8. Next Meeting date
9. Approval of minutes from March 5, 2020
10. Adjournment
Signed:_________________________________
Name (print): Jill Scalise
Date Posted: May 29, 2020
Date & Time Received by
Town Clerk’s Office
Segment 1: 082
Segment 5: 1606
Filter by:
Debit Credit Ending
Tran. Name Comment
Beginning
Ledger History - Detail with Payables - Expenditure Ledger
Payee
Parameters:Fiscal Year: Start Date: end:2020 7/1/2019 05/31/2020
Group as:111-222-***-333-4444-****-***-**
Voucher Payment Type
Tran. Type Block/Batch Posted By
Warrant Payment Number
JE Seq
Group 1:Segment 1: Fund Code: 082 - EXPENDABLE TRUST
Group 2:Segment 2: Subfund 999 - GENERAL FUND
Group 3:Segment 4: Department 122 - SELECTMEN / TOWN ADMINISTRATION
Group 4:Segment 5: Object 1606 - Affordable Housing Fund
Account:082-999-100-122-1606-5858-700-99 Brewster Affordable Housing Trust A10 ATM 5 Summary:0.00 286,917.871,584.00 288,501.87
0.00 188,501.87Opening Entries Opening Entries 188,501.87Beginning 07/01/2019 mbernar
0.00 100,000.00ATM 5/19 Special Articles 288,501.87Beginning 07/01/2019 ann
1,500.00 0.004240004845 BAHT 287,001.87
First Citizens Federal Credit Union 123397W12
Payable 12/12 09/03/2019 ann
Check
84.00 0.00123349 286,917.87
KP Law PC 125403W31
Payable 31/31 12/09/2019 ann
Check
Account:082-999-480-122-1606-5780-700-99 Brewster Affordable Housing Trust - Other Ch Summary:0.00 -11,584.0011,584.00 0.00
600.00 0.00062811R19 212 Yankee Drive -600.00
Coneen Linda 122739W6
Payable 6/6 08/05/2019 ann
Check
625.00 0.00309 -1,225.00
Barrett Planning Group LLC 123513W13
Payable 13/13 09/09/2019 ann
Check
3,125.00 0.00327 -4,350.00
Barrett Planning Group LLC 124364W21
Payable 21/21 10/21/2019 ann
Check
609.00 0.00122278 -4,959.00
KP Law PC 124687W24
Payable 24/24 11/04/2019 ann
Check
4,500.00 0.00344 -9,459.00
Barrett Planning Group LLC 125344W31
Payable 31/31 12/09/2019 ann
Check
2,125.00 0.00383 -11,584.00
Barrett Planning Group LLC 127767W59
Payable 59/59 04/24/2020 achristen
Check
13,168.00 288,501.87Total Group 4:Segment 5: Object 1606 - Affordable Housing Fund
13,168.00 288,501.87Total Group 3:Segment 4: Department 122 - SELECTMEN / TOWN ADMINISTRATION
5/26/2020 6:43:33 PM Page 1 of 4Printed by: achristen
Debit Credit Ending
Tran. Name Comment
Beginning
Ledger History - Detail with Payables - Expenditure Ledger
Payee
Parameters:Fiscal Year: Start Date: end:2020 7/1/2019 05/31/2020
Group as:111-222-***-333-4444-****-***-**
Voucher Payment Type
Tran. Type Block/Batch Posted By
Warrant Payment Number
JE Seq
13,168.00 288,501.87Total Group 2:Segment 2: Subfund 999 - GENERAL FUND
5/26/2020 6:43:33 PM Page 2 of 4Printed by: achristen
Debit Credit Ending
Tran. Name Comment
Beginning
Ledger History - Detail with Payables - Expenditure Ledger
Payee
Parameters:Fiscal Year: Start Date: end:2020 7/1/2019 05/31/2020
Group as:111-222-***-333-4444-****-***-**
Voucher Payment Type
Tran. Type Block/Batch Posted By
Warrant Payment Number
JE Seq
13,168.00 288,501.87Total Group 1:Segment 1: Fund Code: 082 - EXPENDABLE TRUST
5/26/2020 6:43:33 PM Page 3 of 4Printed by: achristen
Debit Credit Ending
Tran. Name Comment
Beginning
Ledger History - Detail with Payables - Expenditure Ledger
Payee
Parameters:Fiscal Year: Start Date: end:2020 7/1/2019 05/31/2020
Group as:111-222-***-333-4444-****-***-**
Voucher Payment Type
Tran. Type Block/Batch Posted By
Warrant Payment Number
JE Seq
13,168.00 288,501.872 Account(s) totaling: 275,333.870.00
5/26/2020 6:43:33 PM Page 4 of 4Printed by: achristen
1996200020042008201220162020199419982002200620102014201816+ ACRES OF TOWN-OWNED LAND DESIGNATED FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
Millstone Road Land Parcel (98-12) Property Timeline
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.
6/2004:Court judgment
transfers the property to
Town of Brewster.
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.”
2006-2013:Work done includes
survey,investigation of deed,
and possible access to Millstone
land parcel.
10/2019-3/2020:Community engagement
process includes interviews,three community
input sessions,and two online surveys.The
Housing Trust,with the help of MHP and
Barrett Planning Group,determines
community housing goals for the property.
First steps & potential next steps for Millstone Property as of March 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.
First Steps (2019 - 2020)
Feasibility study on land (2019)
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.
Next Steps
Completion of Bohler Engineering’s Feasibility Study (Spring 2020)
With guidance from the final community engagement session and the Housing Trust, Bohler will develop a Master
Plan to be used to assist in the creation of the RFP. The Master Plan will be presented to the Trust at a Trust meeting
that is open to the public and will be televised.
Develop Criteria and Create a Request for Proposals (RFP) (By Fall 2020)
Once criteria for the project has been developed, a RFP would be created with oversight by the BAHT and assistance
from MHP. The RFP would include the program description, development guidelines, property description, proposal
submission requirements and developer selection criteria.
Select a Developer
After receiving proposals, the Town would select a developer for the project.
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
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
Guidance for Millstone Parcel Conceptual Sketches & Description from Bohler Sketches
Sketch #1 Housing Trust Guidance: All rental, 45-50 units (up to 90 bedrooms)
3 buildings
In northeast portion of the property
Southern portion empty, open space
15’ buffer of undisturbed vegetation. 25’ buffer/distance to any building.
Bohler Description Concept Sketch #1:
3 total buildings, 50 total units, 100 parking spaces
Building A
Footprint: 70’x140, 2 Stories, 8 Units per floor, 16 total units, 32 parking spaces
Building B
Footprint: 70’x140, 2 Stories, 8 Units per floor, 16 total units, 32 parking spaces
Building C
Footprint: 70’x1602 Stories, 9 Units per floor, 18 total units, 36 parking spaces
Sketch #2 Housing Trust Guidance: All rental, 45-50 units (up to 90 bedrooms)
8-12 buildings with 4-6 units/building (similar to Melpet Farms or Ocean Edge)
On the northern portion of the property: 15’ buffer of undisturbed vegetation.
25’ buffer/distance to any building.
For the East/Millstone Road portion. Prefer as much buffer as possible next to
homes. 30’ buffer undisturbed vegetation. 50’ buffer/distance to any building.
Nothing south of Agassiz Road (water easement), preferable to only go 1/3 of
way down Southern leg of property.
Nothing over 2 stories
Bohler Description Concept Sketch #2:
12 total buildings, 49 total units, 98 total parking spaces
Buildings A-K
Footprint: 50’x100; 4 units per building; 8 parking spaces, 1 &/or 2 story
Buildings L
Footprint: 50’x120; 5 units, 10 parking spaces, 1 or 2 story
Sketch #3 Housing Trust Guidance: A mix of rental and home ownership, 2 RFPs (up to 90
bedrooms)
Rental portion:
- Multiple buildings on the top/northern portion 30-40 units (75-78 bedrooms)
- 15’ buffer of undisturbed vegetation. 25’ buffer/distance to any building.
Ownership portion: 5 single family homes on south portion (12-15 bedrooms)
- Greater buffers on the East/Millstone Road portion. 30’ buffer undisturbed
vegetation. 50’ buffer/distance to any building.
- No buildings south of Agassiz Road (water easement). It appears to be OK to
have a road/turnaround over the easement.
Bohler Description Concept Sketch #3:
Two separate development parcels
Rental: 4 total buildings, 40 total units, 80 total parking spaces
Home Ownership: 5 total units
Rental portion: Buildings A-D
Footprint: 70’x95, 2 Stories, 5 units per floor, 10 total units, 20 parking spaces
Home Ownership portion: 5 Single Family Lots
Lot size: 110’ x 110’, 12,100 sq. ft. per lot, 40’ right of way
General points mentioned in discussions:
The northern strip can support more density.
Secondary density would be the top of the eastern strip above the water
easement.
Landscape buffers on the road into the site and between any buildings across
from single family homes on the adjoining properties.
Possible turn around/cul-de-sac at the end of any road.
Consider sidewalks including out to Millstone Road.
To the extent practical, existing trees should be left.
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 5 16%150 16 50%480 11 34%330
Second Choice 12 38%240 10 31%200 10 31%200
Third Choice 15 47%150 6 19%60 11 34%110
Total 32 100%540 32 100%740 32 100%640
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 33 13%990 108 42%3240 117 45%3510
Second Choice 86 33%1720 104 40%2080 68 26%1360
Third Choice 139 54%1390 46 18%460 73 28%730
Total 258 100%4100 258 100%5780 258 100%5600
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 32 13%960 101 42%3030 110 45%3300
Second Choice 81 33%1620 98 40%1960 64 26%1280
Third Choice 130 53%1300 44 18%440 69 28%690
Total 243 100%3880 243 100%5430 243 100%5270
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 38 13%1140 124 43%3720 128 44%3840
Second Choice 98 34%1960 114 39%2280 78 27%1560
Third Choice 154 53%1540 52 18%520 84 29%840
Total 290 100%4640 290 100%6520 290 100%6240
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 37 13%1110 117 43%3510 121 44%3630
Second Choice 93 34%1860 108 39%2160 74 27%1480
Third Choice 145 53%1450 50 18%500 80 29%800
Total 275 100%4420 275 100%6170 275 100%5910
Millstone Road Conceptual Sketch Ranking Results
3/10 MeetingConcept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Combined Results, Meeting & Survey Including Meeting Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Combined Results, Meeting & Survey Not Including Meeting Concept 1 Concept 2
Concept 3Concept 1 Concept 2
Online Survey, Including Meeting AttendeesOnline Survey, Not Including Meeting AttendeesConcept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Concept 3
No. of Votes Percent Ranked ScoreNo. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 5 16%150 16 50%480 11 34%330
Second Choice 12 38%240 10 31%200 10 31%200
Third Choice 15 47%150 6 19%60 11 34%110
Total 32 100%540 32 100%740 32 100%640
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 33 13%990 108 42%3240 117 45%3510
Second Choice 86 33%1720 104 40%2080 68 26%1360
Third Choice 139 54%1390 46 18%460 73 28%730
Total 258 100%4100 258 100%5780 258 100%5600
No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score No. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 32 13%960 101 42%3030 110 45%3300
Second Choice 81 33%1620 98 40%1960 64 26%1280
Third Choice 130 53%1300 44 18%440 69 28%690
Total 243 100%3880 243 100%5430 243 100%5270
No. of Votes Percent Ranked ScoreNo. of Votes Percent Ranked ScoreNo. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 38 13%1140 124 43%3720 128 44%3840
Second Choice 98 34%1960 114 39%2280 78 27%1560
Third Choice 154 53%1540 52 18%520 84 29%840
Total 290 100%4640 290 100%6520 290 100%6240
No. of Votes Percent Ranked ScoreNo. of Votes Percent Ranked ScoreNo. of Votes Percent Ranked Score
First Choice 37 13%1110 117 43%3510 121 44%3630
Second Choice 93 34%1860 108 39%2160 74 27%1480
Combined Results, Meeting & Survey Not Including Meeting AttendeesConcept 1 Concept 2
Concept 3Concept 1 Concept 2
Online Survey, Including Meeting AttendeesOnline Survey, Not Including Meeting AttendeesConcept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Concept 3
Millstone Road Conceptual Sketch Ranking Results
3/10 MeetingConcept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Combined Results, Meeting & Survey Including Meeting AttendeesConcept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Third Choice 145 53%1450 50 18%500 80 29%800
Total 275 100%4420 275 100%6170 275 100%5910Combined Results, Meeting & Survey Not Including Meeting Attendees
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
MEMORANDUM
TO: Brewster Housing Trust
FROM: Donna J. Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator
CC: Jill Scalise
RE: Department Head Comments on Millstone Rd. conceptual sketches
DATE: June 1, 2020
The following comments were received from Department Heads:
Fire Department: Good morning Donna, attached is Chapter 18 (Fire Department
Access/Water Supply) of the MA Fire Code. The engineers would need to comply with these
regulations. There is specific information on dead ends, road width, parking and interior drive
lanes, building access, and building setbacks from the street. The engineers should develop their
conceptual drawings with these regulations in mind.
I am available to discuss compliance with these items when they are ready.
Chief Moran
Police Department: Thank you to you and the members of the Trust for seeking feedback on
these designs. It’s exciting to see things coming into focus on this project! My input comes
from looking at types of police responses we have seen in various styles of housing around our
community. Typically we see higher call volume, mostly for quality of life issues, in higher
density residences. I’m thinking specifically of King’s Landing Apartments and the Ocean Edge
Condos on Villages Drive. In these settings, particularly where there are residents living on
multiple levels, we are much more likely to field complaints for noise and other neighbor vs.
neighbor issues. Think about it…if you decide to rearrange your furniture at 10pm in your
house, no one cares…if there is a family with young children living below you…that’s a
different story. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if we look at some of the other affordable
housing initiatives in town like Belmont Park, James Burr Rd, and Paul Hush Way, our call
volume there is very minimal. For that reason, my preference would be concept #2 out of the
three provided, as it has all one story buildings. My second choice would be concept #3 because
of the owner occupied residences, which seems to be a successful model in other parts of town.
Thank you for your consideration.
Heath J. Eldredge, Chief
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Building Department: I have no Zoning concerns with any of the 3 layouts.
I suspect that the multi-family approach is more cost effective vs. detached single family
dwellings. The multi-family dwellings will be required to be sprinklered.
Where I figure that some of this housing will be occupied by children and young people in a
concentrated environment I would suggest the inclusion of a playground/basketball court/field
for soccer-kickball-Frisbee…
If I can be of any assistance with any particular part of the planning of this project please let me
know.
Victor
Victor Staley
Building Commissioner
Conservation: It doesn’t appear that the project is within 100 feet of a wetland, so there are no
comments from Conservation. Thanks Noelle, we will probably circle back to you later in the
process as I recall there were a few low lying areas that will likely be soil tested in a phase
further down the road. There were two small areas that I visited on the site. One of them
appeared to be a disturbed area that was dominated by highbush blueberry, which while it can
survived in uplands, they typically prefer wetland soils. It was a very small area, and not well
defined as I would expect a natural wetland to be. It leads me to believe that this may be the
result of human activity. If you would like to be absolutely certain, classification of the soil by
a soil evaluator would be helpful. I believe Amy and Sherrie are soil evaluators and could help
out.
Kind Regards,
Noelle Aguiar
Water Department:
Yes we do have an easement for an existing water main on Agassiz Way that runs cross country
to Villages Drive in Ocean Edge. Sketch 3 appears to be within the easement but they would
have to survey it to be determined. Other than that there really isn’t much for me to review at this
stage of the project.
Paul Anderson
Public Works: Hi Donna, I was able to review the plans. I don't have anything to add, and did not see
anything that I would comment on.
Patrick
Proposed Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP)
B-RAP Task Group (Maggie Spade-Aguilar, Tim Hackert, Jill Scalise)
Goal
To provide economic assistance for affordable rental housing with social support services to bridge
households and assist them in accessing and maintaining market, and affordable, long term housing
options.
Proposed Parameters of Program
Must be a Brewster resident or employee or have a child in Brewster public elementary schools.
First Come, First Served. With prioritization within initial application period. (1 month)
o Households paying over 50% of their income on rent.
o Additional prioritization points to be discussed by Trust.
Household income must be below, or at, 80% AMI and paying over 30% of income on rent.
Rental unit must be located in Brewster, be a legal rental unit, and have a written lease.
Up to $500 per month rental assistance (actual assistance amount based on tenant rent portion at
30% of household income; childcare costs and high, or emergency, health care costs may be
included in rental payment determination).
Lease payments made directly to landlord.
Monthly rent cannot exceed 110% of HUD fair market value rent for Barnstable County.
Annual review and adjustment of rental assistance, with maximum of 3 years of assistance subject
to funding availability and active participation in program.
Participants will be required to participate in goal setting, mentoring, and financial management
counseling.
Participants not presently receiving other rental assistance.
Financial Commitment
Initial households served: 10
Cost: $66,000 per year (for 10 households at $500 per month with a 10% administration fee).
3 year total funding = $198,000 maximum. Paid in increments, by use.
Next Steps
Consideration of adapting program to respond to the present COVID-19 emergency.
Discussion of possible additional priority preferences.
Discussion, and approval, of program by Housing Trust.
Create RFQ for program.
Brewster Potential Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program
Plan of Action: (Resource: www.housingtoolbox.org/covid-19-resources/emergency-rental-assistance)
Gather information on programs & best practices (March- present)
Determine local need and available resources (March - present)
Housing Trust Rental Assistance Program working group explore ERA (April- present)
Identify potential funding sources for an ERA program (present)
Participate in Lower Cape ERA Working Group (present)
o Considering regional approach, assessing need, developing protocols & guidelines
Housing Trust discuss possible interest in an ERA program (June)
o If accepted, moving forward identify funds, create clear guidelines, complete RFQ, partner
with outside agency, develop application process & advertise.
Facts: Data on Emergency Rental Assistance Need in Brewster:
Rental housing is approx. 9% of rental stock (700- 800 rental units), 203 rental units on SHI.
SHI rentals presently seeing approximately 90% rent paid, includes payments with assistance.
Seniors appear stable, on fixed income. Have other needs, COA providing increased services.
Brewster Housing Authority has the ability to adjust rent payments based on income changes.
Eviction moratorium presently in place.
Still gathering data on unemployment.
Local agencies seeing an increase in requests for assistance. For example:
o HPC usually has 1,700-2,000 clients annually, they are up to 2,400 this year.
o Major COVID Relief fund had 232 COVID requests in April.
o HAC Workforce Fund: average monthly pre-COVID assistance requests: 21 past due rent/5
mortgage foreclosure, March: 52 rent/23 mortgage, April: 109 rent/27 mortgage
o LCOC had 342 new clients in the past month (Usual database 700- 800 people).
o HECH has seen an increase in assistance requests.
Rental Concerns include:
CARES Act additional unemployment payments ($600/week) will end July 31.
Ability of parents to work but without available childcare.
Effect of COVID-19 on earnings over the summer season.
Amount of rent owed & need for housing when eviction moratorium ends.
Expect rental housing assistance needs to grow in late summer to fall & winter.
Funding:
Approximately $75,000 of CPA funds available in Housing Trust.
No fall CPC funding requests, next funding round will be 12/1/20 for May 2021 Town Meeting.
Trust is not receiving additional funding in this budget cycle.
Lower Cape ERA Working Group:
Meeting weekly, began 5/18/20. Discussed goals & timeline, local need. Could be regional program or
standards. Will explore program guidelines, funding & program administration.
Group includes representatives from all Cape Towns from Provincetown to Harwich as well as local
social service agencies, Chatham COVID fund and housing authority.
Available Rental and Mortgage Assistance Resources
RAFT: (Rental Assistance Families in Transition)
Eligibility = 50% AMI, based on current income.
Provides up to $4,000 in funding. Up to 4 months of rent or mortgage arrears.
Can pay back rent or mortgage payments, utility payments, property taxes, 1st last & security payments.
Additional COVID-19 RAFT Funds
Eligibility appears to be up to 80% AMI, based on current income (unemployment additional CARES Act
funds are not included as income). And household impacted by COVID-19.
Can also be for future rent payments.
To apply: Contact Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) 508-771-5400. Application also available online:
https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.250/hzu.dec.myftpupload.com/wp-
content/uploads/2020/05/Housing-Assistance-Corporation-RAFT-Emergency-Application-
05122020.pdf?time=1590523396
HAC Workforce Housing Relief Fund (over $700,000 raised)
Eligibility: 50-100% AMI. Loss of wages due to COVID-19. Housing cost burdened (> 50% income/
housing). Applied for all federal, state & local unemployment & housing relief & still have need.
Provides up to $5,000 per household.
Past due rent or mortgage payments and partial housing payments for up to 6 months.
Town contracts can modify criteria.
Info & application available online: www.haconcapecod.org/programs/homeless-prevention/
Cape Cod & Islands Major Relief Fund (over $1 million dollars raised)
Phone contact: 508-778-7107. Online intake form: www.majorcrisisrelieffund.org/request-aid/
Access can also be through Homeless Prevention Council or Lower Cape Outreach Council.
Provides assistance for range of need from rent and mortgage to car payments, food, fuel and medical
payments.
Brewster COVID-19 Fund
Eligibility: 80% AMI. Brewster residents. Other assistance not available.
Provides assistance for a range of need.
MA State Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures (Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020)
The moratorium on rental evictions and foreclosures expires August 18, 2020 or 45 days after the
COVID-19 emergency declaration has been lifted, whichever is sooner, unless extended by the
Governor. Foreclosure moratorium is for 1-4 family owner-occupied residential property in MA.
Opportunity for Mortgage Forbearance: Provides Residential Mortgage borrowers that have
experienced financial impact from COVID-19 with a right to obtain a forbearance on their mortgage
payments for up to 180 days.
o What to do? Contact your lender and request forbearance. Under the law, unless you and your
lender agree otherwise, missed monthly payments will be added to the end of your loan term.
Massachusetts FAQ information about the moratorium and forbearance:
www.mass.gov/doc/chapter-65-dob-faq/download
Guidance from Greater Boston Legal Services on eviction freeze and mortgage relief:
www.chapa.org/sites/default/files/GBLS%20COVID%20Evictions_FINAL.pdf
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update March 2020
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1.Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #13)
Open office hours offered Wednesdays 1-4 pm, also met with residents at other times upon request. 34
requests for housing assistance (14) or information (20).
Outreach for Millstone Parcel Community Engagement Session.
Shared outreach contact information with Health Department and Administration for COVID-19 response.
Compiled Food Resource and Emergency Assistance information sheet for COVID-19.
2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
The Housing Trust held the 3rd Millstone Property Community Engagement Session on March 10th at the
Brewster Ladies Library. Over 35 people attended. The Housing Partnership also joined the session as their
March meeting. Barrett Planning and Mass Housing Partnership participated in the session that included
presentations on Brewster’s housing context, community outreach and input, the development process, and
an introduction of Bohler Engineering’s three conceptual drawings. Attendees voted on preferred design.
The web survey of the conceptual drawings was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, as
well as submitting the designs to department heads for professional input, will take place at a future date.
3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Establishing a permanent funding source for the Trust (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-1): Select Board
identified and discussed policy that 50% of the short-term rental tax be allocated to the Trust annually.
Potential Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP): Based on task group discussion and interviews
with local organizations, created B-RAP information sheet. Trust provided input, task group following-up.
Also gathering information and exploring potential of emergency rental assistance program for COVID-19.
4.Home Rehabilitation (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-2, HPP Strategy #6)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for housing rehabilitation and childcare
subsidies was submitted by grant writer. Decision on grant expected in summer 2020.
5.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
An affordable home was foreclosed, now owned by Freddie-Mac. Retains affordability. Site visit with
realtors about resale process & with Building Commissioner to identify building code requirements.
6.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (29 affordable rental units). Continued assisting Donna Kalinick on MassWorks grant
(1.68 million). Work with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and the Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) regarding the grant award & agreement, MassWorks schedule, and required payments.
7.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
Hosted Community Development Partnership (CDP) Lower Cape Winter Peer Group. Over 25 attendees.
Communicated with Brewster Housing Authority, Wells Court, King’s Landing, and Council on Aging
(COA) about COVID-19 situation and resources.
New Projects/ Upcoming Activities
COVID-19 Response. Providing housing related resources and additional support for Brewster residents
during COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring potential emergency rental assistance program.
Personnel
Worked with: Building Dept., CPC, COA, Finance Dept., Health Dept., Housing Authority, Housing
Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning Dept., Town Administrator’s and Treasurer’s Office. Attended
Community Development Meeting.
Participated in “Making the Case for Affordable Housing in Your Community” follow-up Zoom Meeting.
Attended weekly Citizen’s Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) & National Low Income
Housing Coalition (NLIHC) COVID-19 response meetings.
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update April 2020
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1.Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #13)
Responded to email and phone requests for information and assistance. 21 requests for housing assistance
(10) or information (11).
Compiled information on available resources, including eviction and foreclosure moratorium and mortgage
forbearance. Attended weekly Citizen’s Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) COVID-19 meetings.
Participated in Brewster COVID-19 Community Social Service call.
Housing Office website update and posting of Best in Brewster housing interview video.
Wrote Brewster Housing Update for the Community Development Partnership (CDP) newsletter. Also
completed a Brewster Housing Highlights for CDP’s advocacy network.
2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
The Housing Trust Millstone Task Group postponed the web survey of the three Millstone community
housing parcel conceptual sketches until May. Reviewed and updated the final draft of the Millstone Survey.
The sketches will also be distributed to department heads for professional input in May.
3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
The Housing Trust did not meet in April. Emailed Trust an April Housing Update.
4.Potential Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP)/ Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Housing Trust RAP Task Group held Zoom meeting. Created proposed parameters of a B-RAP. Also
discussed possibility of an emergency RAP. Information is to be presented at next Housing Trust meeting.
Surveyed local agencies regarding Brewster and Cape Cod COVID emergency rental assistance needs.
Attended two Zoom meetings specifically focused on developing an emergency rental assistance program.
One meeting facilitated by Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and Mass Housing
Partnership (MHP), the other exploring town and regional responses throughout the state.
5.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
Building Commissioner had a site visit and report of building code requirements prior to resale of
affordable home.
6.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (29 affordable rental units). Continued assisting Donna Kalinick on MassWorks grant
(1.68 million). Work with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and the Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) regarding the grant award & agreement, MassWorks schedule, and required payments.
Brewster Woods revised grant agreement to be presented at next CPC meeting.
Habitat for Humanity- work continues on seven homes, no volunteers on site, expected completion in 2020.
7.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
With the COVID- 19 emergency, contacted local housing, social service, and business organizations (12) to
check-in, determine level of community need and response, and offer support.
Attended Lower Cape Coronavirus Housing Response meeting.
New Projects/ Upcoming Activities
Brewster COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund will be introduced in May. Assisted the COA on the
application design and process.
Millstone Community Housing Online Conceptual Sketch Survey will be available in May.
Personnel
Worked with: Building Dept., CPC, COA, Finance Dept., Health Dept., Housing Authority, Housing
Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning Dept., Town Administrator’s and Treasurer’s Office.
Participated in “Making the Case for Affordable Housing in Your Community” Zoom Meeting.
Brewster Housing Trust
March 5, 2020 5:30pm Room B, Brewster Town Hall
Present: Ben deRuyter, Paul Ruchinskas, Donna Kalinick, Tim Hackert, Maggie Spade-Aguilar, Jill Scalise,
Madalyn Hillis-Dineen, Sarah Robinson
Absent: None
Citizen Present: None
1. Call to Order: Chair deRuyter called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
2. Citizen’s Forum- None
3. Financial Report: Ms. Kalinick said the balance is the same as last month $277,458.87, however
there was a payment made of $546.00 in legal fees from the non-CPA funds for the final Trust
Rehabilitation documents so the new balance for non-CPA funds will be $186,371.87, total
$276,912.87.
4. Millstone Property discussion and preparation for 3rd Community Engagement Session is
Tuesday March 10th at 6pm at Brewster Ladies Library:
Chair deRuyter went through the proposed agenda for the third session. Ms. Scalise expanded
on who will be presenting each portion. Ben will do the introduction; Barrett Planning will
review the results from the second meeting and the visual preference results and Donna & Jill
will do an overview of the Trust process and the housing need. Laura Shufelt will review the
details of the sketches and then Barrett will go through the voting process. Paul asked that we
make sure folks know that there will be time for questions about the sketches and asked how
much time we need for voting. Barrett is bringing electronic voting devices. Jill expressed that it
is important that we emphasize that this is one step of many steps within a process. Maggie
was concerned about people not liking any of the three concepts. Everyone agreed that it is also
important that we explain the different parameters, make sure there is clear understanding and
glean information from the feedback. Donna said there will also be Housing Partnership
members on hand. She will also be sending out the conceptual sketches to Dept. Heads to get
feedback from them. During our April and May meetings, we will go over feedback and the
smaller task group will meet with Bohler. The goal is to develop a final master plan for one
sketch with Bohler coming to the trust to present the master plan in June. We would then work
with Laura on an RFP for release in the fall.
5. Housing Rehab Program Update: We did a robust Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
outreach in a short time in order to help us understand the need. There were 25 pre-
applications for rehabilitation funds and 16 for child care vouchers. Awards will be made this
summer. Understanding the type of work being asked for and the households will help the Trust
make decisions about its’ own Rehabilitation program and what the need not being met is. Mr.
Ruchinskas asked who is writing the grant application; it is Bailey Boyd and due in March.
6. Rental Assistance Program Discussion and possible vote: Maggie, Tim and Jill are the working
subgroup for rental assistance. They have been reviewing finances and proposed parameters.
Some of the questions to consider are; what is the goal of the program, who is target
population. Different towns have different goals for their program. Will it be restricted to
residents, or can Brewster Town employees or people with kids in Brewster schools apply as
well. Applications would be taken on a first come first serve with prioritization within the initial
application period with some type of ranking system. The program would serve people with a
Household income up to 80%; rental assistance up to $500 or 30% of their rent; they can be in
the program for 3 years with a monthly rent that is not more than 110% of HUD rents. The
domicile must be in Brewster, with a lease and rental assistance funds going straight to the
landlord.
Ben asked what the goals are of the program? Do we want to have case management, like is
done currently through Homeless Prevention Council. Some towns are more invested in budget
management and moving into other housing opportunities. In Brewster, we hope to have
several new rentals online in the next few years. Do we want to consider bridging the gap to get
into a rental. We need support services as well, not set people up for failure. Is there a way to go
beyond the three years, or institute a step down program.
Sarah has been involved in 2 of these programs, Chatham rent to buy and Wellfleet rental
assistance. There are options to extend. Typically the goal is to have people move to market
rental housing or purchase. Both programs offered financial counseling; it puts people in a
better position to make decisions at end of the time frame. Maggie noted that there is a 6 year
waiting list for the mobile voucher program. We should also consider if they are at risk of
homelessness. Madalyn asked if they are receiving section 8 already, would they also apply for
this. Paul noted that at a recent CDP meeting, Jay Coburn was concerned about the 3 years and
wondered if this is the best way to leverage Trust money. Ben wondered if it is better to provide
direct incentive to homeowners to rent year round like the HAC program.
Administrative costs for a rental assistance program would be about 10%. Our decisions points
are the level of case management, including mentoring, what the real need is, time frame and
amount. The task group will refine the parameters and bring back and the program would be
looked at annually.
7. Trust Funding Update & Possible Meeting Date with CPC: April 22
The Select Board voted to support the dedication of 50% of the forecasted short term rental
revenue to the Trust of forecast. After we have our Joint meeting with CPC, we need to develop
a pro-forma for the next 5 years for the Trust to understand the financial need. Donna put a
$750,000 placeholder in the Capital plan for the Millstone Road Housing, to be funded with CPC.
Ben said that the Orleans Trust was able to secure a line of credit because their funding was
voted as a permanent override. The Board will have to have discussion about a policy versus a
bylaw. The CPC grant was executed, we will not have the first $300K transferred and start to
work on the next steps for the SHI homes. We need to provide more regular Trust updates to
the CPC.
8. Housing Coordinator Update:
Jill received 42 requests for housing assistance last month. One SHI home on Yankee Drive was
resold with buydown assistance from CPA funds. She is also working on a SHI home that was
foreclosed on in Sean Circle. In addition, she is assisting Donna with the Brewster Woods
MassWorks grant which requires an amendment of the original grant award from CPC so a
portion of it can be used as a match to the MassWorks grant. Also, Preservation of Affordable
Housing (POAH) has submitted their application for funding to DHCD; we should know if they
are awarded in July.
9. Any other business not anticipated: None
10. Next Meeting: Millstone Third Community Engagement meeting, March 10th and April 2, 2020
regular Trust meeting.
11. Approval of Minutes from February 6, 2020: Mr. Hackert moved to approve the minutes of
February 6, 2020 with clerical changes, Mr. Ruchinskas second. The Trust voted unanimously in
favor.
12. Adjournment: Mr. Hackert moved adjournment at 6:53 pm, Ms. Hillis-Dineen second. The Trust
voted unanimously in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Donna J. Kalinick
Assistant Town Administrator