HomeMy Public PortalAboutHP Packet Feb 18, 2021Town of Brewster Housing Partnership
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
Housingmeeting@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
MEETING AGENDA
2/18/2021at 6:00 PM (Remote Participation Only)
This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Gov. Baker’s March 2020 orders suspending certain Open
Meeting Law provisions and imposing limits on public gatherings. No in-person meeting attendance will be permitted. If the Town is
unable to live broadcast this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be provided on the Town website as soon as possible.
The meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-
ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).
Meetings may be joined by:
1.Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID: 854 4385 3447 Passcode: 154442
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2.Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85443853447?pwd=MWhaZVJqbTRlQ0dYS3lqSmRRTG42dz09
Passcode: 154442
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand”, then wait to be recognized.
Housing
Partnership
Ralph Marotti
Chair
Vanessa Greene
Clerk
Jillian Douglass
Lisa Forhan
Diane Pansire
Sara Robinson
Steve Seaver
Dona Kalinick
Asst. Town
Manager
Jill Scalise
Housing
Coordinator
1.Call to Order
2.Declaration of a Quorum
3.Meeting Participation Statement
4.CHAPA – Lisa and Jillian
5.Brewster HP Yearly Report
6.Updates – Brewster Woods, Millstone, and Serenity Brewster
7.Local Preference/Fair Housing Forum 3/25/21
8.Housing Coordinator’s Report
9.Standing Committee Updates
a. Affordable Housing Trust
b. CPC
10.For Your Information
11.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
12.Approval of Minutes from 1/14/21
13.Next Meetings: March 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM
14.Adjournment
Date Posted:Date Revised:Received by Town Clerk:
2/12/2021 2/16/21
Town of Brewster, MA
Housing Partnership
2020 Activity Report
2020 was another very active year for the Brewster Housing Partnership. As in the previous year, we
continued to provide information to Brewster residents as well as advocacy for proposed projects and
initiatives that were aligned with the 2017 Housing Production Plan. In addition, our members
participated in other housing-related events in service to the town.
Collaborating with the Brewster Housing Coordinator, the Housing Partnership hosted guest speakers to
provide education regarding the
Habitat for Humanity – Paul Hush Way – The BHP was pleased to support and help celebrate the
completion of Phase 2 of the Habitat for Humanity project on Paul Hush Way. New homes were
constructed and a dedication held for the new homeowners in December.
Brewster Woods Project – The BHP provided a letter of support in 2017 to the Zoning Board of
Appeals and the Comprehensive Permit was issued in April. This increase in Brewster’s housing
inventory allowed for the HPP to be certified by the Department of Housing and Community
Development in 2018. The BHP has been monitoring the changes and was delighted to see the
opening of construction on this project.
Millstone Project – The BHP has helped in the evolution of this project from the start and will
continue to play an active roll in its future development
Serenity Brewster – The BHP was delighted to review the plans for the new Serenity Brewster
development on the site of the vacant EPOCH buildings. This project will be a significant venue
for Brewster and Cape Cod Seniors.
The BHP also provided a letters of support and input to the Community Preservation Committee for
housing related projects and the Housing Coordinator position. The BHP recognizes the contribution of
this position to the initiatives outlined above, as well as the other areas pertaining to housing in
Brewster.
Our focus for 2021 will be to continue to advance the established priorities in the Housing Production
Plan, as well as continuing our member’s participation in educational and training opportunities
pertaining to housing issues, host guest speakers and presentations to our monthly meetings and
provide opportunity for our residents to discuss and advocate for housing issues for special populations
in Brewster. We are pleased to welcome guests and representatives from other Brewster boards,
agencies and organizations at our monthly meetings
Appreciation
The Brewster Housing Partnership wishes to thank the Select Board, the Town Administrator, the Staff
and the people of Brewster for their support. With a special thanks to Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
and Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator; their help and knowledge has been invaluable. The
Brewster Housing Partnership wishes to say “Thank You” to Nate Chatelain for his many years of service
and valuable contributions to the work of the Housing Partnership.
Brewster Housing Partnership
Ralph Marotti, Chair
Vanessa Greene, Secretary
Jillian Douglass
Lisa Forhan
Diane Pansire
Sara Robinson
Steve Seaver
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update January 2021
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, 50 total requests for housing
information (31) or assistance (19). Website Update.
2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
The Watershed Study by Bohler Engineering was presented at the Housing Trust meeting. Laura Shufelt,
Mass Housing Partnership (MHP), also introduced the process for drafting the Millstone Request for
Proposal (RFP) over the coming the months. This will be done at Housing Trust meetings.
3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Continued work on Millstone property, Rental Assistance Program and SHI. Information throughout update.
4.Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP) (Strategic Plan H-2) with COVID emergency assistance
Program continues. Presented the Housing Trust’s B-RAP grant application for $150,000 to BHP and CPC.
Request unanimously recommended for approval and Town Meeting vote.
5.Brewster COVID -19 Fund
Applications, interviews, follow-up & assistance continue. For info: covidrelieffund@brewster-ma.gov
6.Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP) (HPP Strategy #16)
BHP is sponsoring a Local Preference & Fair Housing Virtual Educational Forum 3/25/21.
At request of the CPC, the BHP met with applicants and reviewed the Housing CPA grant applications.
7.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
Continued wait on DHCD & legal processes with preservation of several uninhabited SHI properties.
8.Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6)
Elevation Financial Group is redeveloping 873 Harwich Rd. into 131, age 55+ rental units. Town is working
with Elevation on Local Action Unit (LAU) application for affordable units & placement on SHI. Held
Zoom meeting. Communicated with DHCD and local affordable fair housing marketing and lottery agents.
9.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Infrastructure work underway. Donna Kalinick is overseeing
MassWorks grant. Site Visit. Bi-weekly construction meetings. Ongoing communication with abutters and
follow-up about concerns, including Zoom meeting.
Habitat for Humanity- Paul Hush Way- Comprehensive Permit detail before ZBA for approval in February.
10. Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
Spoke with CDP and HAC about housing efforts. Assisted in planning for upcoming CDP training session.
Participated in Lower Cape Peer Group, HOME Consortium, and MA Making the Case for Affordable
Housing Zoom meeting.
New Projects/ Upcoming Activities.
Elevation Financial Group- 873 Harwich Road, former Wingate property.
o Plan to begin leasing in 2021, information list for age 55+ rental housing at www.SerenityBrewster.com
Habitat for Humanity- Red Top Road- Staff Review held for potential 40B, two affordable homes. Local
Initiative Program (LIP) application request expected to come before the Select Board in Spring.
Local Preference & Fair Housing Virtual Educational Forum with MHP scheduled for 6PM March 25th.
Personnel
Worked with: Assessor, Building Dept., CPC, Health Dept., Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning
Dept., Select Board, and Town Administration.
Participated in Housing Trust, Partnership, and CPC Meetings.
Attended trainings: AG Webinar on Landlord – Tenant Rights, CHAPA 40B/Comprehensive Permit
Conference, MHP Affordable Housing Development, and Cultural Awareness & Diversity Webinar.
Friday | 2.19.21 | 10 am - 12 pm | Remote via Zoom
WHAT:
Who needs housing
Why it’s so hard to build
What you can do to increase
housing production in your town
by becoming an effective agent of
change
We’ll go over the basics about:
L O W E R C A P E H O U S I N G 1 0 1
L O W E R C A P E
H O U S I N G I N S T I T U T E
C l i c k H e r e t o R e g i s t e r o r c o n t a c t P e l i n d a D e e g a n , H o u s i n g A d v o c a c y
P r o g r a m M a n a g e r a t (5 0 8 ) 2 4 0 - 7 8 7 3 x 1 5 o r e m a i l a t
p e l i n d a @ c a p e c d p .o r g
SPEAKERS:
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This class is perfect for anyone who is
new to a town board or committee or
simply wants a refresher
New and current members of any town
board or committee than deals with
housing issues, including:
Members of Affordable Housing
Trust, Housing Committee,
Community Preservation Committee,
Board of Selectment/Select Board,
Finance Committee, Zoning Board of
Appeals, Planning Board
Jay Coburn, Chief Executive
Andrea Aldana, Housing Advocacy
Officer | CDP
Director | CDP
Brewster Housing Partnership
Minutes of the January 14, 2021 Meeting
______________________________________________________________________________
Members Present Remotely: Ralph Marotti, Sarah Robinson, Vanessa Greene, Jillian Douglas,
Steve Seaver, Diane Pansire (arrived at 6:43)
Guests Present: Donna Kalinick, Jill Scalise, Cindy Bingham, Christine Duren (left after CPC
Housing Requests agenda item), Adam Garcia (left after CPC Housing Requests agenda item)
1.Call to Order: Meeting called to order via Zoom at 6:30 pm.
2.Approval of Minutes: The December minutes were approved.
3.CPC Housing Requests:
a.Red Top Road Community Housing – Christine Duren provided
information on the Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road project. Donna
Kalinick provided information on the status of the permitting for the project.
Jillian Douglas raised the topic of local preference for future discussion.
Christine Duren noted that the project right now would have a Veterans
preference. Adam Garcia, Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center,
noted that they had provided a letter of support to DHCD for Veterans
preference. The Housing Partnership voted to endorse the application to the
CPC in the amount of $100,000; $50,000 per home.
b.Dennis Veterans Home – Adam Garcia provided an overview of the Cape
and Islands Veterans Outreach Center and the new Dennis Veterans Home
project which will be completed in the latter half of 2021. Donna Kalinick
noted that the guidance per legal counsel is that a deed restriction is
required. Adam Garcia confirmed that there will be a 99-year deed
restriction held by the Town of Dennis. The Housing Partnership voted to
endorse the application to the CPC in the amount of $50,000.
c.Brewster Housing Trust Rental Assistance – Jill Scalise provided
information on the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust’s Rental Assistance
Program. Jillian Douglas discussed the need for foreclosure prevention. Jill
Scalise discussed the mortgage assistance options provided by HAC that
may be available to Brewster residents. The Housing Partnership voted to
endorse the application to the CPC in the amount of $150,000.
d.Housing Coordinator – Jill Scalise left the meeting.Donna Kalinick
provided an overview of an application put in by the Town Administration
and Town Planner for the part-time Housing Coordinator position. Dollar
amount of the request is $51,096; total project cost is $85,323 as the Town
will also be picking up benefits. The position was created after being
recommended in the 2017 Housing Production Plan and has been an integral
part of the Town’s housing initiatives. The Housing Partnership voted to
endorse the application to the CPC in the amount of $51,096.
4.Brewster Housing Coordinator Report – Jill Scalise returned to the meeting and
provided the Housing Coordinator report. She noted an increase in requests from
residents looking to refinance their affordable homes. She provided information on
the recent Community Housing Update video released. She reported that the
COVID-19 Relief Fund is up and running and the first assistance was provided in
December.
5.Updates
a.Paul Hush Way – The virtual ceremony was held on December 30 with
several town officials participating. Ralph Marotti inquired as to how long
the Habitat for Humanity sign would remain and Jill Scalise noted she
would follow up.
b.Brewster Woods – Donna Kalinick discussed progress made on the project
and collaboration that has been occurring to move it along.
c.Millstone – The feasability study and watershed analysis has been
completed. The Housing Trust has been working on the Request For
Proposal. Diane Pansire inquired about public sentiment regarding the
Millstone project. Donna Kalinick provided an overview of the history of
the project and the RFP process.
d.Wingate – Elevation Financial has been working closely with the Town and
there has been at least monthly meetings. 20% of the units will be deed-
restricted affordable and will be on the Subsidized Housing Inventory. They
hope to be leasing some of the apartments before the end of 2021.
6.Standing Committee Updates:
a.Affordable Housing Trust – Sarah discussed the Millstone Road project’s
watershed report and emails from abutters.
7.Local Preference Interest: Donna Kalinick reported progress on the local
preference discussion, which will be presented in the context of Fair Housing. This
will occur on March 25.
8.Next Meeting: Feb 18 @ 6 pm. Donna Kalinick reminded the group that would be
in the new webinar format.
9.Meeting adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa L. Greene