HomeMy Public PortalAboutBHP Public Packet 11.23.20Brewster Housing Partnership
Minutes of the September 24, 2020 Meeting
______________________________________________________________________________
Members Present Remotely: Ralph Marotti, Steve Seaver, Diane Pansire, Sarah Robinson,
Vanessa Greene, Jillian Douglas
Guests Present: Jill Scalise, Donna Kalinick, Cindy Bingham
1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order via Zoom at 6:30 pm.
2. Approve minutes of previous meeting: Minutes of the August meeting were
presented and approved.
3. Vacancy – Housing Partnership: The Housing Partnership welcomed Jillian Douglas
as its newest member.
4. Housing Coordinator Report: Jill Scalise presented the Housing Coordinator
Report including the following updates.
The rental assistance program is up and running. HAC is administering the
program. They have started marketing and outreach. The application can be
completed online on the HAC website or with the assistance of HAC. Ralph
Marotti inquired about the workforce relief fund. Jill Scalise noted that this
is a private fund that could be used when an individual does not meet the
criteria of the rental assistance program and is specifically for COVID-19
relief.
An update was provided on the Elevation Finance Group project noting that
the hearing on the use variance has been continued to the ZBA’s October
meeting. They are also expected to meet with the Planning Board in October
and they have presented to the Housing Trust.
An update was provided on the Millstone property. The initial phase of the
feasibility study has been completed. Sarah Robinson asked for additional
information on timing for the RFP process. Jill Scalise noted that MHP had
recently made a presentation on the disposition of public land for affordable
housing and she would distribute.
The Town is still waiting to hear back on the Community Development
Block Grant for housing rehabilitation funds.
This Brewster COVID-19 Relief Fund is now open. The application
available is now available on the Town’s website.
An update was provided on Brewster Woods by Donna Kalinick. Phase I is
now out to bid and there has been a lot of interest. The project could be
breaking ground by the end of the year. Jillian Douglas inquired about
feedback received from neighbors and Donna Kalinick provided
information on outreach. Cindy Bingham relayed the major request from
the neighborhood is that they would like to be notified when the trees are
scheduled to be cut down.
5. Standing Committee Updates:
a. Affordable Housing Trust – Sarah Robinson and Jill Scalise noted that
updates had already been provided previously.
b. CPC – Jill Scalise noted that the Affordable Housing Trust and CPC had a
joint Committee earlier in the day and it was a great opportunity to discuss
how the two groups have been and can continue to work together
effectively.
6. Housing Education and Community Outreach: Jill Scalise provided examples of
outreach and education that the Housing Partnership could undertake highlighting
the ADU by-law. Donna Kalinick discussed how the Town’s e-mail distribution list
works and noted that there is an opportunity for additional outreach. The outreach
done related to the Millstone property was discussed.
7. Local Preference Discussion: Ralph Marotti raised the topic of local preference.
Jillian Douglas provided historical information on how preference was handled on
previous projects. Jill Scalise relayed what the current definitions of local preference
include per the guidelines of the Department of Housing and Community
Development. Donna Kalinick provided context as to regional level discussions and
unintended consequences related to fair lending. She suggested the possibility of
holding a public forum on this topic to ensure we are making informed decisions as a
community. Diane Pansire noted that it would be helpful to get further educated as a
group on this topic. The group decided that it would be great to have a joint presentation
made to the Housing Partnership, Affordable Housing Trust, and Select Board and Jill
Scalise will follow up with Judi Barrett and MHP.
8. Meeting adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 7:20.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa L. Greene
Brewster Housing Partnership
Minutes of the October 29, 2020 Meeting
______________________________________________________________________________
Members Present Remotely: Ralph Marotti, Lisa Forhan, Steve Seaver, Diane Pansire, Sarah
Robinson, Vanessa Greene, Jillian Douglas
Guests Present: Jill Scalise, Donna Kalinick, Cindy Bingham, Laura Usher
1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order via Zoom at 6:30 pm. The meeting participation
statement was read.
2. Updates
a. Brewster Woods – Approval has been received for funding and Phase I
infrastructure work has been awarded. Local outreach has been started with
infrastructure work to start in November supported by the MassWorks
grant.
b. Millstone – BAHT continues work and discussion on the Millstone
initiative. The AHT voted to provide funds to perform a watershed analysis
to address concerns raised throughout the process from abutters.
c. Wingate – The ZBA approved a use variance for the location and the
property. The Planning Board completed the site review process. The
project is moving forward at this point after a positive meeting with the
planning board. The Housing Office will be working with DHCD to get
through local access process to place units on the SHI.
d. Eastward – Eastward Companies has reached out and notified the Town
that they have made some design changes and they will be back in
November or December.
e. Diane Pansire asked about the Maplewood property and inquired whether
those units were on the Subsidized Housing Inventory. Jill Scalise noted
that there were 8 affordable units, 10% of the property. They are not
included on the Town’s SHI because they do not have a full kitchen. Jill
Scalise noted that there is a current waitlist for that property. The Committee
discussed that the Town does not have oversight over the monitoring
component.
3. Brewster Housing Coordinator Report: Jill Scalise presented the Housing
Coordinator Report including the following updates.
a. Habitat for Humanity at Paul Hush Way – Three homes are being
completed. It is taking longer to get the USDA mortgages through so
purchasers have been allowed to lease until they are able to purchase. The
homes will be inhabited by the end of the year.
b. The rental assistance program is up and running and applications are being
received both in general and for the COVID-19 relief fund. Ralph Marotti
inquired as to the source of funds for the programs. Jill Scalise noted that
the rental assistance program are from CPC fund; the COVID-19 relief
fund’s source were donations.
4. Standing Committee Updates:
a. Affordable Housing Trust – Sarah Robinson noted that updates had already
been provided by Jill. Jill added they the AHT and CPC have been
coordinating together.
b. CPC – Ralph Marotti noted that housing applications will now come to the
Housing Partnership going forward.
5. Local Preference Interest: Jill Scalise provided an update that the Affordable
Housing Trust also wants to participate in a joint presentation. Donna Kalinick has
reached out to MHP to inquire. Cynthia Bingham noted that she would bring it to
the Select Chair’s attention. Ralph Marotti asked Diane Pansire to bring this topic to
Faythe Ellis to see if the CPC may want to participate. Jillian Douglas noted the
importance of public education on the topic of local preference.
6. For Your Information: Jill Scalise noted that the fact sheets about the rental
assistance program and COVID-19 relief fund were included in the materials.
7. Meeting adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 7:02.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa L. Greene
Brewster Housing Partnership
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
The Brewster Housing Partnership was established to provide a local entity interested in and
advocating-for local affordable housing initiatives in accordance with the guidelines and
framework of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the
Massachusetts Housing Partnership. The partnership continues to provide input and coordination
whenever a private comprehensive permit application comes before the Town and frequently
comments on other projects, programs, and policies, including Community Preservation
expenditures which could affect the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. The Committee
consists of seven members appointed to three-year terms.
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Jay Olin <olinjay@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, November 20, 2020 8:29 AM
To:Donna Kalinick
Cc:Jay Olin
Subject:Eastward Companies Proposed Housing Development
Attention Town of Brewster Housing Partnership:
I am writing regarding the proposed Eastward Companies Housing Development on 6A which is on the agenda for the November 23,
2020 meeting. In doing so, I’d like to refer to the recent Town of Brewster Vision Plan. The opening summary includes the following
(capitals are mine):
“We preserve our historical setting and seek to protect its contribution to our town’s character. We work to preserve the rural,
small town feel of Brewster created by low density development and open space…”
It further states:
“We support growth that is appropriately scaled and sited. We seek to offer housing that is affordable to residents of all ages
and economic development…”
I am concerned that the proposed 60 unit housing complex is not consistent with our Vision Plan. The project, directly across the street
from the town approved marijuana dispensary, an area where residents of the abutting neighborhoods are already threatened by traffic
congestion, is not appropriately scaled or sited. It is too big, too dense and would negatively impact the “small town feel” and quality of
life that currently exists.
I hope greater community engagement and extended outreach of the local neighborhood takes place before any action is taken by the
Housing Partnership. The local community should be allowed to review and discuss:
Congestion: Traffic volume Impact on vehicles exiting and entering Vesper Pond Drive, HandCraft House, Animal Shelter and
Marijuana Dispensary
Pedestrian Safety: Residents and their children from the Vesper Pond Neighborhood access the Cape Cod Bike Trail, crossing
at the corner of Vesper Pond Drive/6A to Seaview Drive—already dangerous
School Bus Stop: On the corner of Vesper Pond/6A
Quality of Life Issues: Cutting, then paving over acres of trees that act as a noise and open space buffer from 6A will be forever
lost negatively impacting the quality of life of the abutting neighborhood.
Impact on Wetlands and underground water flow from nearby cranberry bog
Hundreds of Brewster residents participated in the Long Term Vision Plan and over 1,000 responded to the survey. It’s a “living
document” that deserves our respect. Let’s take our time and look at how we can ensure the development of this area creates the
appropriate balance between our housing needs and maintaining the character of Brewster.
Thank you for your consideration
Jay Olin
130 Bayview Drive.
1
Jill Scalise
From:Lynn Gorey <lynn21meister@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, November 19, 2020 12:46 PM
To:housingmeeting
Subject:questions regarding your upcoming meeting
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Completed
I live on Vesper Pond Drive in Brewster and I am very interested, as are other neighbors, in listening to your
upcoming meeting on Monday, November 23 where there will be a presentation by Eastward Companies on the
proposed use of LOTs 1-8 40B project on Main Street bordering on Vesper Pond Drive.
Will this meeting be livestreamed using Zoom? And if so, where will the link be found?
Some of the questions that i have include:
1. Is this project an acceptable scope based on the amount of land and the wetlands that will be impacted?
2. Will there be road opening on to Vesper Pond Drive which would mean traffic flowing in and out of Vesper
Pond drive based on the large number of potential occupants in this new subdivision?
3. Is there any consideration to increasing the total number or percentage of affordable units since this is a
major need in our town and on Cape Cod?
4. Do you have any additional information about the company Eastward companies, specifically who are the
major investors and what other projects have they completed already?
5. What will the approval process be for this project?
6. Has the OKH Historic District Committee weighed in on this project?
I believe that there will be many additional questions after we are able to see this presentation and we appreciate
the opportunity to weigh in on a project of this magnitude on Old Kings Highway in Brewster
Sincerely,
Lynn M. Gorey
138 Vesper Pond Drive
Brewster, MA 02631
1
Jill Scalise
From:Louise Vivona-Miller <lvivonamiller@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, November 23, 2020 2:00 PM
To:housingmeeting
Subject:Can I listen in remotely to the Town of Brewster Housing Partnership meeting today?
I am following the proposal from Eastward Properties who are interested in developing the property
on 6A and Vesper Pond Drive.
I live at 76 Vesper Pond Drive. I have several issues for consideration.
Issue 1: Safety of the intersection of State Route 6A and Vesper Pond Drive
Given the current proposal to open a curb cut onto Vesper Pond drive, the traffic load will increase.
Consider the following:
1. A school bus stop is at that corner (the kindergartner across from my house uses that stop
among others)
2. Seniors & dog walkers currently walk there
3. Bicyclists who are trying to access the rail trail need to cross 6A there
4. Customers who park at Handcraft house are oriented so they back into Vesper Pond Drive
without paying due consideration to cars that are turning left onto Vesper Pond Drive from
State Route 6A. This is a hazard.
Suggestions:
1. Stripe the road down each side and in the middle
2. Add a sidewalk so children, walkers, bicyclists can safely traverse that area
Issue 2: Flow of waterMy house is downstream from the proposed development and already contains
wetlands. I am concerned about having an increased flow of water should the development proceed.
Suggestion: Have a water flow study so we can be assured our property won't be flooded!
Issue 3: Road betterment
Currently, there is a bad water drainage issue on Vesper Pond Drive just before Mayflower
Circle.
Also, our neighborhood is in the midst of a road betterment for which see Sue Broderick.
Sincerely,
Louise Vivona-Miller
774-678-1446
Overall Lot Area – 205,335 s.f. upland 2019
Buildings – 35,300 s.f.
Driveways/Parking – 47,000 s.f.
Site Coverage – 82,300 s.f. or 40%
Green Area – 123,035 s.f. or 60%
Overall Lot Area – 205,335 s.f. upland 2020
Buildings – 35,080 s.f.
Driveways/Parking – 39,960 s.f.
Site Coverage – 75,040 s.f. or 36.5%
Green Area – 130,295 s.f. or 63.5%
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update October 2020
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1.Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #13)
Responded to email, phone and in person requests for information and assistance. 58 total requests for
housing information/comment (32) or assistance (26). Town offices are open to the public on Tuesdays &
Thursdays. Housing Coordinator available at Town Hall Thursdays from 9AM- noon.
2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
The Trust continued to consider the results of the feasibility study and comments about the proposed
development of the property. The Trust voted to allocate up to $10,000 to perform a watershed analysis to
address abutter concerns. A follow-up letter will also be sent to folks who provided comments to the Trust.
3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Continued work on Millstone property, Rental Assistance Program and SHI. Information throughout update.
Trust quorum attended & update provided at Community Preservation Comm. (CPC) annual public hearing.
4.Brewster Rental Assistance Program (Strategic Plan H-2) with COVID emergency assistance
Rental Assistance Program in progress. Communicated regularly with HAC, clarified requirements. Most
applicants have been eligible for other funding. First recipient identified and approval in process.
5.Brewster COVID -19 Fund
Targeted outreach for COVID-19 fund led to Town receiving numerous applications, including four
referrals for housing assistance. Also created COVID-19 Fact Sheet.
6.Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP)
Working with potential affordable housing initiatives, planning Local Preference educational presentation.
7.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
Continued work with legal counsel regarding several properties, including buy down property affordable
deed restriction. Also established refinance process for buy down properties not yet on SHI.
8.Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6)
Elevation Financial redevelopment of 873 Harwich Rd. for 55+ rental housing. ZBA approved Use
Variance for the property. Letter of Support provided by Administration and Housing Office. Elevation
completed site plan review process with Planning Board. Numerous rental inquiries received.
9.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Affordable deed restriction amended in case of foreclosure,
deemed an insignificant change by ZBA. CPC agreed to the change and adjusted grant agreement. Donna
Kalinick overseeing MassWorks grant. Infrastructure contract awarded to CC Construction of Dennis &
Plymouth, MA and work will begin in November. Outreach to abutters, letter to be sent shortly.
Habitat for Humanity- 3 homes on Paul Hush Way expect to be completed in November 2020 with final 4
homes finished in December. Also, potential build of 2 homes on Red Top Road, BHP letter of support.
10.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
Participated and reported on Brewster in CDP’s October Lower Cape COVID Housing Response Meeting.
New Projects/ Upcoming Activities
Applications for Brewster Rental Assistance Program www.haconcapecod.org/programs/homeless-
prevention and Brewster Covid-19 Relief fund available: www.brewster-ma.gov/files/covidreliefapp.pdf
November start of infrastructure work related to construction of Brewster Woods affordable rental housing.
Personnel
Worked with: Assessor, Building, CPC, Health, Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning, Town
Administration, Treasurer’s Office and ZBA. Attended Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning
Board and ZBA meetings and CPC Public Hearing.
Participated in Zoom calls and trainings: Making the Case for Affordable Housing, People’s Law Firm
Outreach Day, Racial Equity & Housing Justice, Bringing Affordable Senior Housing to Small Towns, Post-
eviction Moratorium Legal Services, and computer security training.
Fall 2020 Brewster Housing Update
Rental Assistance Program
The Brewster Housing Trust offers a Rental Assistance Program which includes an emergency
COVID-19 component for residents. Applications are through Housing Assistance Corporation
(HAC). Supported by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding, ongoing rental assistance of
up to $500/ month is available. Emergency COVID assistance, up to $6,000, is part of the Lower
Cape designed Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Income limits apply. See flyer for more
information. Or apply at: www.haconcapecod.org/programs/homeless-prevention.
Brewster COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Town is accepting applications for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. This fund provides up to
$1,000 for households impacted by a COVID related loss of income or increase of expenses.
Income limits apply. See Fact Sheet for more information. Or find an application at:
https://www.brewster-ma.gov/files/covidreliefapp.pdf.
Brewster Woods
Brewster Woods, 30 units of low to moderate income rental housing, has received Low Income
Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding approval from the Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD). The Barnstable HOME Consortium also pledged $250,000 of funding.
Phase I infrastructure work has been awarded to CC Construction of Dennis & Plymouth, MA
and is supported by a 1.68 million dollar Massworks Grant with local match through Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funding. Local outreach has been done in expectation of work
commencing in November. The Town has partnered with the Preservation of Affordable
Housing, Housing Assistance Corporation and the Brewster Housing Authority to bring this new
housing community to fruition.
New Age 55+ Brewster Housing Option
Elevation Financial received zoning approval for the redevelopment of the former Wingate
skilled nursing and assisted living property at 873 Harwich Road. After rehabilitation of the
building, 134 apartments will be available for renters aged 55+. Housing options will include a
mix of studio, one and two bedroom units. Town Administration, the Housing Office and
Elevation Financial will be working together to designate 20% of the units affordable through
the Local Action Unit process.
Habitat for Humanity Paul Hush Way
Construction, which was delayed slightly by the COVID pandemic, is finishing up on the final 7
homes of Phase 2 at Paul Hush Way. Three families plan to move into their newly built homes in
November and the last four homes expect to be completed in December. The neighborhood
will have a total of 14 affordable homes and was supported by CPA funds as well as
contributions and volunteer work by the community.
Millstone Community Housing Property
The Brewster Housing Trust continues work and discussion on the Millstone Community
Housing initiative. Following up the September feasibility study presentation, in October the
Trust voted to allocate up to $10,000 to perform a watershed analysis to address abutter
concerns. The Trust will also be taking up the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a
developer of the property over the next 3 to 6 months.
Preservation of Affordable Homes
The Housing Trust is continuing work on the process to return 212 Yankee Drive to a habitable,
affordable home. The Trust has engaged legal counsel and is pursuing two avenues to obtain
site control of the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) property.
Housing Rehabilitation
Brewster continues to wait on a decision from DHCD regarding Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funding for housing rehabilitation and child care.
Collaboration/ Greater Housing Community
The Housing Trust and Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a joint meeting in
September to both provide an update on housing activities and build on the positive,
collaborative work of the two groups. A working relationship with the CPC is a long term goal of
the Housing Trust. Additionally, Brewster has been active in the Lower Cape Housing Group
facilitated by the Community Development Partnership (CDP) and in workshops held by Mass
Housing Partnership (MHP) and Citizens and Housing Planning Association (CHAPA).
Additional Information about Brewster Housing can be found on the Brewster Housing Office
Webpage, https://brewster-ma.gov/departments-mainmenu-26/housing-office,
Or contact Jill Scalise, Brewster Housing Coordinator at 508-896-3701, ext. 1169
or jscalise@brewster-ma.gov