HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown of Brewster – Housing CoordinatorAPPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING
Date Application Submitted:
Name of Project Applicant: Donna J. Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator
Name of Co-Applicant(s), if applicable:
Name of Contact Person:
Contact Person’s Mailing Address:
Contact Person’s Daytime Phone Number:
Contact Person’s email Address:
Proposed Project Name:
Project Address (or assessor’s parcel ID):
Project Synopsis: As recommended in the 2017 Housing Production Plan as a key strategy, the CPC
funded the creation of a part-time housing coordinator. The position was filled in July of 2017 and
continued funding has been provided through FY20. The Housing Coordinator has provided monthly
written updates to the CPC as well as quarterly in person updates. The Housing Coordinator has made
significant progress on the Brewster Housing Production Plan strategies and goals and has become the
face of the Housing Program in Town. Working in collaboration with Town Administration and the
Town Planner, the Housing Coordinator has weekly public office hours, supports multiple housing
committees and performs ongoing outreach. Due to the growth of the Housing Program, funding for
FY21 includes a request to increase the Housing Coordinator position from 19 hours to 25 hours a week
to support the efforts of increasing and retaining Community Housing in the Town of Brewster.
Category: ☐ Open Space ☐ Historic Preservation ☐ Recreation ☐X Community Housing
CPA funding requested $49,500.00 Total Cost of Proposed Project $49,500.00
Form 6/14/2018 Community Preservation Committee Application 3
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Please describe your project, answering all of the following questions in the order presented. Applications
will be considered incomplete if all requested information is not provided. Include supporting materials
(maps, diagrams, photos, etc.). Please number pages of application.
1. Project Description: Describe the proposed project. Is this part of a larger project or an ongoing project?
2. For Historic Preservation projects: Attach proof of listing on the State Register of Historic Places or a
letter from the Brewster Historic Commission indicating that the resource has been determined to be
significant in the history, archaeology, architecture, or culture of Brewster. Please note that rehabilitation
projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.
Additional information and analysis will be needed for projects submitted by churches/religious
organizations to determine if they comply with the SJC’s Caplan vs. Town of Acton decision.
3. CPA Goals/Criteria: Describe how this project accomplishes the goals and objectives of the CPA (refer to
the attached general and issue-specific criteria and identify which of these apply to the project).
The Housing Coordinator is tasked with all goals under the Community Housing Criteria as follows:
The Housing Coordinator serves as the liaison to the Brewster Woods project which will create 30 units of
1, 2 and 3 bedroom rentals. The Housing Coordinator assisted with the ZBA modification permit and the
successful MassWorks grant award to ensure that this project will move forward in the next year. The
Housing Coordinator provided assistance with the facilitation of the second phase of the Habitat for
Humanity home ownership neighborhood on Paul Hush Way. The Housing Coordinator has outreached and
collaborated with many local groups, non-profits and surrounding towns to explore alternate types of rental
& home ownership projects and non-building housing programs. The Housing Coordinator has spent much
time increasing awareness about Housing needs in the Town of Brewster, including presenting at both the
Lower and Mid Cape Housing Institutes, building collaborations and connections. The Housing Coordinator
has outreached to the Brewster Conservation Trust, Ponds Coalition and Open Space Committee as well as
the Chamber of Commerce, the local realtor group, multiple town committees, Housing Assistance Corp
and Community Development Partnership. The Housing Coordinator was instrumental in multiple housing
groups holding a Community Housing Forum and Fair in May 2019 as well as appearing at several Brewster
Community Network sessions to discuss proposed housing initiatives. The SHI for the Town of Brewster
has increased from 5.2% to 6.25% since the Town has had the Housing Coordinator position in place. The
Housing Coordinator has created dossiers for all properties and maintains the SHI inventory list as well as
assisting in the resale of any deed restricted properties, working actively with the Trust to protect our
existing inventory. The Housing Coordinator has outreached to many different agencies, groups and
residents in an effort to ensure that all demographics are made aware of housing opportunities, including
keeping updated information on the Town's website under the Housing Department page. The Housing
Coordinator serves as the Town representative on the Barnstable County Home Consortium. The Housing
Coordinator has been instrumental in working with the Trust and Mass Housing Partnership on the
Millstone Road pre-feasibility and Community Engagement process. We hope to have an RFP for
Community Housing for this parcel by the Fall of 2020.
4. Community Benefits: What are the community benefits of the project? The Housing Coordinator holds
weekly public hours as well as outreaching to multiple groups in person as outlined above. The Housing
Coordinator is tasked with working on the goals of the approved Housing Production Plan as well as the
Housing Building Block that was identified through the Visioning Process. The Housing Coordinator has served
as an ambassador to other towns, non-profits and agencies for the Town of Brewster.
5. Community Support: What is the nature and level of support for this project? Include letters of support
and any petitions. The Housing Coordinator position is wholeheartedly supported by the Select Board,
Brewster Housing Partnership, Brewster Housing Trust, Town Administration and the Town Planner; letters
of support are attached. Additionally, both the Community Preservation Committee and the town meeting
voters have supported the Housing Coordinator Position for the past three years. Our Housing Coordinator
is supported by many town groups and housing organizations as witnessed by requests for Brewster to
participate in regional housing education and presentations about the successful housing program we have
created in the last three years.
6. Timeline: What is the schedule for project implementation, including a timeline for all milestones? Please
identify any special timing considerations for the project’s implementation. If this is part of a larger project,
is it phased? What is the timeline for the entire project? Funding would be for FY21, July 1, 2020 through
June 30, 2021. The request does ask for an increase in hours from 19 hours to 25 hours. As the housing
programs grow, so does the need for housing coordinator support.
7. Credentials: What are the qualifications and relevant experience of those undertaking the project?
The Housing Coordinator has worked in collaboration with the Assistant Town Administrator and the Town
Planner to build a housing program and accomplish the goals of the Housing Production Plan. A Housing Trust
has been established and created a mission statement and goals, an ADU bylaw was passed at the December
2018 Town meeting; Municipal Land has been dedicated for community housing and community engagement is
well underway; the SHI has increased and the Town now has dedicated resources and information available to
the public. Housing Coordinator reports to date for FY20 are attached as well as her 2018 Annual Report.
Housing Production Plan Implementation table with progress and timelines are included.
8. Budget/Need for Public Funds: What is the total budget (sources of funds and uses/expenses) for the
project and schedule for expenditure of CPA funds? All sources of funds and expenses must be clearly
identified. Provide the basis for cost estimates whenever possible. (Note: CPA funds may not be used for
maintenance.) The Funding request for this year includes an increase in hours from 19 to 25 hours a week at
the FY20 rate of pay. The position will be funded as many Housing Coordinators are with the use of CPC
funds, however, the Town will assume any benefits associated with the increased hours. The Housing
Program has been growing since 2017 and requires a five year analysis and strategic plan, but at this point,
it is clear that increased hours are necessary to support the many new housing initiatives the town is engaged
in. The Assistant Town Administrator also provides significant hours to the Brewster Housing program.
If this is part of a larger project, what is the budget for the entire project (sources of funds and
expenses/uses)?
Clearly identify what additional funding sources are available, committed, or under consideration and why
public funding would be appropriate. Include copies of commitment letters, if available, and describe any
other attempts to secure funding for this project.
Provide the most recent audited financial report or if none available, an applicant generated financial report
that includes a balance sheet and operating budget. Town-sponsored projects must demonstrate why the
project cannot be funded through the Department’s or Committee’s budget.
9. Maintenance: If ongoing maintenance is required for your project, who will be responsible for maintenance
and how will it be funded?
Form 6/14/2018 Community Preservation Committee Application 4
10. Site Control and Appraisal: If the project involves acquisition of real property, provide evidence of site
control (deed, purchase and sale, option, etc.). In addition, provide an appraisal of the property’s value by a
state licensed appraiser using customary appraising techniques. The CPA does not allow funding for
acquisitions if the acquisition price is greater than appraised value.
Form 6/14/2018 Community Preservation Committee Application 5
Town of Brewster Community Preservation Committee
CATEGORY SPECIFIC CRITERIA
(Identify which of the following criteria apply to your project.)
Open Space Proposals
o Permanently protect important wildlife habitat, including areas of significance for biodiversity,
diversity of geological features and types of vegetation, contain a habitat type that is in danger of
vanishing from Brewster or preserve habitat for threatened or endangered species of plants or animals.
o Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education.
o Enhance or protect wildlife corridors, promote connectivity of habitat and prevent fragmentation of
habitats.
o Provide connections with existing trails or potential trail linkages.
o Preserve scenic views or border a scenic road.
o Protect drinking water quantity and quality.
o Provide flood control/storage.
o Preserve important surface water bodies, including wetlands, vernal pools or riparian zones.
o Preserve priority parcels in the Town’s Open Space Plan/maximize the amount of open land owned by
the Town of Brewster.
Historical Preservation Proposals
x MANDATORY: Must be on the State Register of Historic Places or have a letter from the Brewster
Historical Commission indicating that the resource has been determined to be significant in the history,
archaeology, architecture, or culture of Brewster.
x MANDATORY: Project must meet Secretary of the Interior Standards for rehabilitation and/or
restoration of Historic Preservation Properties.
x MANDATORY IF REQUEST IS FROM A CHURCH/RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION: The
project must satisfy the analysis outlined by the SJC’s Caplan vs. Town of Acton decision.
o Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological
resources of significance, especially those that are threatened.
o Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate town-owned properties, features or resources of
historical significance.
o Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate the historical function of a property or site;
o Demonstrate a public benefit and/or public access, or
o Otherwise provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic resource.
o Project site should not be privately owned unless there is demonstrable public access and benefit.
Community Housing Proposals
Xo Increase the supply of year-round affordable rental housing for all types of households, such as young
singles and couples, families, and seniors.
Xo Build support for addressing housing needs through partnerships with conservation groups and non-
profit and for-profit developers.
Xo Create housing that is affordable and appropriate for very low-income seniors and people with
disabilities.
Xo Increase local capacity to plan, advocate for, and create affordable housing, preserve the affordability
and condition of existing affordable units, and monitor affordable housing restrictions.
Xo Increase the variety of mixed-income housing choices in Brewster, particularly in or near commercial
areas in order to support Brewster’s economy and accommodate household growth.
Xo Provide at least 10% of Brewster’s year-round housing units as affordable housing in order to meet
local and regional needs.
Xo Ensure long term affordability.
Form 6/14/2018 Community Preservation Committee Application 6
Report of the Housing Coordinator
2018 marked substantial growth in Brewster’s Housing Program. Brewster’s 2017 Housing
Production Plan set goals and implementation strategies which guide Brewster’s community
housing work. The Plan’s goals are consistent with the 2018 Brewster Vision Advisory Group’s
Housing Goal: Provide more affordable, safe and accessible rental and home ownership housing
options at different price points, particularly for single people, young families, and our older
population. Achieve the state’s 10% affordable goal by 2025.
Brewster’s Housing Program involves the collaborative work of a team including the Brewster
Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Community Preservation Committee, Planning Board,
Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Town Planner Ryan Bennett and Housing
Coordinator. Partnerships with the Brewster Housing Authority and Council of Aging are
essential and the Select Board’s strong involvement plays a key supportive role.
2018 accomplishments:
Creation of a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund - At May Town Meeting, Brewster
voters approved the creation of the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust. This seven member
Trust, appointed by the Select Board in July, includes representatives of the Select Board, Town
Administrator, Brewster Housing Partnership, Community Preservation Committee (CPC),
Planning Board and two residents at large. The Trust meets monthly.
Acquisition of Millstone Road access parcel- A 1.58 acre parcel abutting a land-located town
owned property and Millstone Road was purchased by the Town in July for community housing
purposes. $285,000 in Community Preservation Act funds were approved at May Town Meeting
for the purchase and associated costs.
Transfer of town owned land for Community Housing purposes- May Town Meeting
designated approximately 15 acres of Town owned land, adjacent to the Millstone Road access
parcel, for Community Housing purposes. Brewster also received a grant from Mass Housing
Partnership (MHP) for a pre-feasibility study of the property.
Comprehensive permit granted for Brewster Woods- In April, the Zoning Board of Appeals
approved a comprehensive permit for Brewster Woods. These twenty-nine, affordable one, two
and three bedroom apartments will be located off Brewster Road on property owned by the
Brewster Housing Authority. The developers are now working to secure funding.
Increase in Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) - The SHI which lists state approved
affordable housing units, is now at 6.08%. This is an increase from 5.31% in 2017.
Massachusetts requires each town to have 10% of their year-round housing stock be affordable.
Seven units were added from the Brewster Landing development on Sachemus Trail.
Additionally, two SHI homes were resold in 2018.
Certification of Housing Production Plan- The Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) certified the Brewster Housing Production Plan. This means Brewster has
met the plan’s goal of permitting 24 affordable housing units in one year. The approval of the
Brewster Woods rental development fulfilled this requirement. With this certification from the
state, Brewster is presently in “safe harbor.” Therefore, if a 40B comprehensive permit project is
filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the ZBA may choose to deny the comprehensive
permit.
Completion of Phase One Habitat for Humanity Paul Hush Way- In August, Habitat for
Humanity completed construction of six homes on Paul Hush Way and held a dedication for the
new homeowners. A Solar Ribbon cutting with Lt Gov. Polito highlighted the green components
of the homes. Phase Two, of eight additional homes, is expected to begin in 2019. Brewster also
received the Community Partnership Award from Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.
Amendment of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Bylaw –With initial work by the
Housing Partnership and assistance from a grant-funded consultant, the Planning Board drafted
an amended ADU and Accessory Commercial Dwelling Unit (ACDU) zoning bylaw. The goal
of the bylaw is to allow greater opportunities for ADUs, including by right, and ACDUs thus
providing more year-round rental options and homeownership opportunities.
Affordable Home Buyer’s Buy-Down Program- One affordable home was purchased through
the Brewster Affordable Home Buyer’s Buy-down Program. This initiative, financed with
Community Preservation Act funds, provides up to $30,000 to assist an income eligible first time
home buyer purchase an affordable, deed restricted home in Brewster .
Community Outreach and Education- Outreach included: Information sessions on Brewster
Community Housing as well as specific housing initiatives, cable TV shows, Brewster
Community Network Forums and speaking engagements at different groups. MHP Center for
Housing Data compiled a Housing PowerPoint which was used in presentations. On Mondays
from 1-4pm, the Housing Coordinator held open office hours for community members who had
requests for assistance, questions, comments and ideas about housing.
Regional Involvement & Training- Nine Brewster staff and committee members attended the
2nd Cape Housing Institute this fall to gain a better understanding of community housing issues
and effective responses on Cape Cod. The Housing Coordinator is a member of the HOME
Consortium and regularly participates in the Lower Cape Housing Peer Group.
Special thanks to Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick and Town Planner Ryan
Bennett for their guidance and support; the Housing Partnership, Trust, CPC and Planning Board
for their dedication; and the residents of Brewster for their commitment to community housing.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Scalise
Housing Coordinator
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update July 2019
Jill Scalise
Work Focus Areas from the Housing Production Plan (HPP):
1. Community Outreach and Education (HPP Strategy #13)
Open office hours offered Mondays 1-4 pm, also met with residents at other times upon request.
32 requests for housing information (22) or assistance (10).
With Donna Kalinick, presented a housing update to the Select Board.
Updated the Housing Office webpage.
2. Collaboration (with local communities, organizations and region) (HPP Strategy #9)
Met with Director of Latham Centers and Council on Aging staff members to discuss creative
housing strategies including home sharing. Follow-up research.
Attended HOME Consortium meeting.
The Housing Partnership (BHP) and Housing Authority (BHA) are collaborating for a September
28th fall work day at the Huckleberry Lane family housing neighborhood.
3. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
The Housing Trust and Housing Partnership met together, heard a presentation about Chatham’s
rental to ownership program and discussed Housing Trust goals and collaboration.
Millstone Road Parcel (Use of Town-owned Property, HPP Strategy #15)
o Received the Pre-feasibility report from Bohler Engineering. The report stated, “based on
initial due diligence for the Site, an affordable housing development appears to be a feasible
project at this location with limited constraints.”
o On August 15th the BAHT will have a meeting with Judi Barrett, Housing and Community
Engagement consultant, to facilitate the Millstone Road community outreach process.
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
o Continued focus on an uninhabited SHI home with a goal to resell the property to an
affordable buyer. Obtained home appraisal & a restoration company visited the home for a
quote of required work.
o Working on Community Preservation Committee (CPC) grant for preservation of SHI homes.
4. Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 rental apartments): Did not receive DHCD funding in the current funding
round and, as a result of feedback, submitted a Notice of Project Change to the Zoning Board of
Appeals. The revised site plan was shared with Housing Authority and Housing Partnership. The
proposed changes will be addressed by ZBA at August 13th meeting. The Town is also in the
process of applying for a MassWorks grant for infrastructure work related to Brewster Road and
Brewster Woods.
Habitat for Humanity Paul Hush Way: Households were selected to build and purchase the final 8
Habitat homes. Brewster Community Celebration on August 8th & wall raisings on August 24th.
Brewster Landing: Site Visit with Building Commissioner and Town Planner regarding
compliance and final comprehensive permit requirements. (28 homes built, 7 affordable)
Miscellaneous:
Worked with: Assessor’s Office, Building Department, BAHT, BHP, COA, Housing Authority,
Planning Department, Select Board and Town Administrator’s Office. Attended Select Board,
Housing Trust, Housing Authority, Housing Partnership & Community Preservation meetings.
Conversations held with Town staff, and follow-up research, regarding the former Wingate
Nursing Home and Assisted Living site.
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update August 2019
Jill Scalise
Work Focus Areas from the Housing Production Plan (HPP):
1. Community Outreach and Education (HPP Strategy #13)
Open office hours offered Wednesdays 1-4 pm, also met with residents at other times upon
request. 24 requests for housing information (10) or assistance (14).
Met with Community Development Partnership (CDP) about media outreach campaign.
2. Collaboration (with local communities, organizations and region) (HPP Strategy #9)
Huckleberry Lane Fall Work Day: September 28th 9-noon. The project is led by Housing
Partnership (BHP), Housing Authority (BHA) and Town Administration. CapeCod5 has given a
grant for workday food and supplies. The Huckleberry Lane neighborhood, owned and managed
by BHA, has affordable family rentals. BHA has also received funding from the Brewster
Community Preservation Act and the State for needed rehabilitation of the buildings.
3. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
The Trust Goals & FY2020 Priority Initiatives were accepted. The Trust Bylaw change to stagger
the terms was approved by the Attorney General.
Millstone Road Parcel (Use of Town-owned Property, HPP Strategy #15)
o Initial meeting and discussion with Trust and consultants regarding the Millstone Road
community outreach process.
o Community engagement meetings scheduled for Thursdays 6-8PM on 10/3, 11/7 & 12/5.
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
o Submitted a grant request for the ‘Preservation of SHI Housing’ to the Community
Preservation Committee (CPC).
o Continued follow-up and work towards getting two uninhabited SHI homes occupied.
o BAHT SHI Emergency Assistance Administrative Fund- Application, grant agreement and
funding process created to assist SHI homeowners to access and sustain affordable housing.
o Worked with Assessor to verify tax assessments for SHI homes.
Home Rehabilitation (HPP Goal #6) - BAHT task group working on guidelines for program.
4. Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 rental apartments): A Notice of Project Change was made to the Zoning
Board of Appeals (ZBA). The Housing Authority supported the changes and did not see them as
substantial. The ZBA deemed the changes to be insubstantial and no modification was necessary.
The Town, with Donna Kalinick’s leadership, also submitted an application for a MassWorks
grant for infrastructure work related to Brewster Road and Brewster Woods.
Habitat for Humanity Paul Hush Way (Phase 2, 8 homes): Representatives from Brewster Police,
Fire, Public Works and Water Departments, along with the Coast Guard, participated in the Wall
Raising ceremony on August 24th. A Blitz Build of one home by the Home Builders and
Remodelers Association of Cape Cod will take place September 16th-21st
White Rock Commons (12 homes, 3 affordable): Final affordable home was sold.
Miscellaneous:
Worked with: Assessor’s Office, Building Dept., BAHT, BHP, CPC, Housing Authority (BHA),
Planning Dept., and Town Administrator’s Office. Attended BAHT, BHA, & CPC meetings.
Conversations with Town staff regarding the former Wingate Assisted Living site.
Meetings with people interested in affordable housing vision & possibilities in Brewster.
Town continued work on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) procedures and process.
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update September 2019
Jill Scalise
Work Focus Areas from the Housing Production Plan (HPP):
1. Community Outreach and Education (HPP Strategy #13)
Open office hours offered Wednesdays 1-4 pm, also met with residents at other times upon
request. 22 requests for housing information (12) or assistance (10).
Outreach for the Lower Cape Housing Institute (Wednesdays October 2 –Nov 6th) and the Cape
Housing Institute (November 15).
2. Collaboration (with local communities, organizations and region) (HPP Strategy #9)
Huckleberry Lane Fall Work Day: September 28th. This collaborative project with Housing
Partnership (BHP), Housing Authority (BHA), Town Administration, Dept. of Public Works
(DPW), Water Dept. and community volunteers received a grant from CapeCod5 for food and
supplies. Over 20 volunteers cleared brush, planted flowers and worked across the BHA
Huckleberry Lane neighborhood of affordable family rentals. BHA has also received funding
from Brewster CPA and the State for needed rehabilitation of the buildings.
Met with Community Development Partnership (CDP) and Lower/Outer Cape housing
representatives about a Lower/Outer Cape Housing Forum. Visited Village at Nauset Green.
Attended HOME Consortium Meeting.
3. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Millstone Road Parcel (Use of Town-owned Property, HPP Strategy #15)
o Outreach for Community Engagement sessions Thursdays 6-8PM on 10/3 & 11/7.
o Continued planning and coordination with consultants: Barrett Planning Group, Mass
Housing Partnership (MHP) and Boehler Engineering.
o Interviews held by Barrett Planning Group with over 20 local residents and stakeholders.
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
o Community Preservation Committee (CPC) recommended support of ‘Preservation of SHI
Housing’ grant of $500,000.
o Continued follow-up and work towards getting two uninhabited SHI homes occupied.
o Two additional SHI homes are unoccupied and will be resold.
o BAHT SHI Emergency Assistance Administrative Fund assisted one SHI homeowner.
Home Rehabilitation (HPP Goal #6) - BAHT task group working on guidelines for program.
4. Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 rental apartments): Waiting for MassWorks grant application result.
Habitat for Humanity Paul Hush Way (Phase 2, 8 homes): The Blitz Build of a home by the
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod took place September 16th-21st. The
Building Dept. did a terrific job coordinating with the build & completing all of the inspections.
Miscellaneous:
Worked with: Building Dept., BAHT, BHP, CPC, Housing Authority (BHA), Planning Dept.,
and Town Administrator’s Office. Attended BAHT, BHA, & CPC meetings.
Conversations continued with Town staff regarding the former Wingate Assisted Living site.
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update October 2019
Jill Scalise
Work Focus Areas from the Housing Production Plan (HPP):
1. Community Outreach and Education (HPP Strategy #13)
Open office hours offered Wednesdays 1-4 pm, also met with residents at other times upon
request. 30 requests for housing information (22) or assistance (8).
Updated webpage.
Attended Lower Cape Housing Institute (LCHI) sessions.
Presentations: With Donna Kalinick, gave informational PowerPoint at Millstone Community
Engagement & at LCHI spoke on “Setting Your Town Up for Success.” Also prepared
presentation on “Building Vision & Community Engagement” for Cape Housing Institute 11/15.
2. Collaboration (with local communities, organizations and region) (HPP Strategy #9)
Met with Community Development Partnership (CDP) and Lower/Outer Cape housing
representatives to help design Post Lower Cape Housing Institute Town Wrap-Up Sessions.
Provided requested information for CDP and Mass Housing Partnership (MHP).
3. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Millstone Parcel (Use of Town-owned Property, HPP Strategy #15)
o Community Engagement Session held Thursday 10/3. Approximately 40 people in
attendance. Housing Trust, Bohler Engineering, MHP and Barrett Planning participated.
Barrett Planning completed report from Session #1, including pre-interviews.
o Follow-up from Session 1. Design, planning, and outreach for Session 2, November 7th.
Coordination with consultants from Barrett Planning Group, Bohler Engineering, & MHP.
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
o Community Preservation Committee (CPC), Select Board & Finance Com. all support Trust’s
‘Preservation of SHI Housing’ grant request of $500,000. Next: Town Meeting vote.
o Continued follow-up and work towards getting two uninhabited SHI homes occupied.
Additional SHI home scheduled for foreclosure, affordable deed restriction remains.
o SHI homeowners gave Town Notice of Intent to sell their affordable home, this home will
become available for resale in November.
Home Rehabilitation (HPP Goal #6) - BAHT task group working on guidelines for program,
spoke with legal counsel.
4. Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Landing (28 home ownership units, 7 affordable): The Town received the Cost
Certification statement from DHCD.
Brewster Woods(30 rental apartments): Communication with MassWorks about grant application
for infrastructure work on Brewster Road.
Miscellaneous:
Worked with: Building Dept., BAHT, CPC, Housing Authority (BHA), Housing Partnership
(BHP), Planning Dept., Select Board and Town Administrator’s Office.
Attended and spoke at BAHT, BHP, CPC, Community Development Team, Finance & Select
Board meetings.
September 2019
Town of Brewster, MA Housing Production Plan Implementation Strategies
Implementation Strategies
Responsible Entities
Time
Frame
Pag
e
#
Lead Support
Regulatory Reform
#1 Amend the Zoning Bylaw to facilitate
creation of accessory apartments
Planning BHP
HC
Approved
TM 12/18
65
#2 Make it as easy as possible to create apartments
over commercial space in business-zoned areas
such as the Village Business District and
Underpass Road.
Planning BHP
HC
Approved
TM 12/18
65
#3 Allow small affordable units on nonconforming
lots that are otherwise unbuildable.
Planning
HC, ZBA,
Building
inspector
Medium/
Long term
65
#4 Provide effective incentives to create affordable
housing. (e.g., by providing for multifamily
dwellings with realistic density & in exchange,
requiring affordable units, or requiring proposed
buildings over a certain size to include
affordable housing as a condition of approval.)
Planning HC Medium/
Long term
66
#5 Overhaul & update existing, underutilized
provisions such as Section 139-35.2, Major
Residential Development or Section 179-36,
Planned Residential Development, in order to
encourage a mix of residential uses, including
affordable units.
Planning HC Medium/
Long term
66
#6 Remove local barriers to reusing & redeveloping
existing properties for affordable housing.
Planning HC Medium/
Long term
66
Funding & Assets
#7 Establish a Municipal Housing Trust by adopting
the provisions of G.L. c. 44,$ 55C.
HC &
Select Board
BHP
CPC
Created
2018
(TM 5/18)
66
#8 Explore possibilities for local property tax
incentives to help fund the creation and
preservation of affordable housing.
HC, BAHT &
Select Board
BHP
Medium/
Long term
67
#9 Work with nearby communities on the Cape by
pooling CPA funds & other revenue to construct
affordable housing in suitable locations
throughout the region & meet regional needs.
HC, BAHT &
CPC
Select
Board &
BHP
Ongoing
(in process)
68
September 2019
#10 Develop & carry out a plan to preserve
Brewster’s existing affordable units, especially
SHI units with restrictions that expire in the next
few years.
HC
BAHT
BHP
CPC
Ongoing
(in process)
68
#11 Advocate for adoption of special legislation to
create a seasonal rentals excise.
Select Board
BAHT & HC
BHP Medium
term &
ongoing
(in process)
69
Education & Advocacy
#12 Create a Housing Coordinator position.
Select Board
& Planning
BHP
CPC
Hired July
2017
69
#13 Develop a comprehensive housing education
plan.
HC
BHP
BAHT
Forum May
2019
Ongoing
(in process)
69
Local Policy & Planning Strategies
#14 Make good use of 40B as a vehicle for creating
affordable housing.
BHP
BAHT & HC
Select
Board
ZBA
Ongoing
Brew. Woods
Habitat
70
#15 Develop an asset management plan for Town-
owned property, including criteria for making
surplus property determinations.
Select Board
BAHT
& HC
Vision
Sessions
2017-8,
Planning
Medium
term &
ongoing
(Identification
in Process)
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#16 Recognize local government’s responsibility for
fair & affordable housing in Brewster, and lead
by example: reduce the potential for disparate
impact on protected classes.
HC &
BAHT
BHP &
Select
Board
Ongoing
(in process)
70
Notations:
BAHT- Brewster Affordable Housing Trust
BHP- Brewster Housing Partnership Committee
CPC- Community Preservation Committee
HC- Housing Coordinator
ZBA- Zoning Board of Appeals
TM- Town Meeting
In process- Areas where the Housing Coordinator, and others, have been actively working.
Accomplishments Highlighted
Additionally-
Housing Production Plan certified- November 2018 – April 2019.
Brewster Buy-Down program overhauled and 2 homes purchased with buy-down funds.
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) Goals
with priority initiatives for FY 2020:
1. Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing: The BAHT will develop and preserve affordable
housing and support the work of others seeking to do the same. Our work will serve very low-, low-, and
moderate-income individuals and families.
Explore and potentially begin steps to create a home rehabilitation program.
Develop new affordable housing (by building): Continue process for development of
community housing on Millstone Road property.
Develop new affordable housing (without building): Explore and potentially begin steps
to create a rental assistance voucher program and a rent to ownership style program.
Work to preserve existing Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) units through outreach
and, when required, with financial involvement/ commitment.
2. Educate: The BAHT will work to educate individuals and organizations about Brewster’s community
housing and why affordable housing is important to the town, its residents and visitors. Coordinating with
the Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP), we will partner with other housing organizations from within
and outside Brewster to provide educational opportunities to our citizens.
Hold at least annual forums and Select Board updates as well as regularly post
information on the Town website. (Community Housing Forum & Housing Fair)
3. Advocate and collaborate: The BAHT will advocate for development proposals, projects, local
bylaws, state and federal laws, and other programs that advance our mission to create and preserve
affordable housing. We will collaborate with local, state, and federal officials as well as public, non-profit
and for-profit entities to achieve our goals.
Identify permanent funding strategy for the Trust. For example: Community Preservation
Act (CPA) allocations, short-term rental tax, Community Development Block Grants
(CDBG), free cash or budget allocation, etc.
Work with other housing partners in Town and in surrounding Towns.
For example:
o Support: local initiatives such as Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bylaw,
Brewster Woods, Habitat Paul Hush Road, Community Preservation Committee
(CPC) Buy-Down Program, Cape Housing Institute
o Network: Attend events and communicate with housing partners.
o Guide: With other Town entities (including Open Space) create guidelines for
land. Review town parcels and properties for suitability for housing.
4. Engage and Communicate: The BAHT will engage and communicate with town residents, and listen
to, and learn from, their ideas, so that our work reflects a broad consensus.
Provide opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.
o Community Housing Forum feedback time & survey
o Millstone Road Community Engagement Component
o Citizen’s Forum
o Research and develop a diversity inclusion working group
Approved by the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust August 15, 2019
Community Housing Forum
Thursday May 23rd
5:30- 7:30 PM
Brewster Ladies Library
5:30PM Housing Fair
6 PM Presentation & Participation
7 PM Housing Fair
Learn about housing in Brewster,
Meet people & gather information from
local housing organizations,
Share your thoughts and ideas
Sponsored by Brewster Housing Trust, Housing Authority, Housing
Partnership, Community Preservation Committee & Council on Aging
For more information, Contact Jill Scalise, Brewster Housing Coordinato r at
508.896.3701 X1169 or jscalise@brewster-ma.gov
Brewster
Brewster Community Fall Work Day
At Huckleberry Lane
Saturday September 28th 9AM- Noon
(Raindate Sunday September 29th 9-Noon)
Join the Brewster Housing Authority, Housing Partnership
and local residents as we spend a morning together
beautifying the Huckleberry Lane Neighborhood
Work includes raking, landscaping,
brush clearing and general fall cleaning
To volunteer: Contact Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator
at 508-896-3701 ext. 1130 or dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov
This work day is part of a larger improvement project at
Huckleberry Lane which includes State and Local grants for property rehabilitation
& another community work day in 2020.
Brewster
MILLSTONE PROPERTY
COMMUNITY HOUSING
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Thursday, October 3, 2019
6- 8 PM @ Town Hall
Learn about housing in Brewster and hear the findings of the “Due Diligence” report for 16+ acres designated for community housing.
Visualize possibilities and share your thoughts and ideas.
Sponsored by the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust. Facilitated by Barrett Planning Group with information from Bohler Engineering & Massachusetts Housing Partnership. This is part of a three-session, sequential community engagement process. The next community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 7.
For more information, contact Jill Scalise, Brewster Housing Coordinator at 508.896.3701 X1169 or jscalise@brewster-ma.gov
Brewster
Case Study
Created housing
coordinator position in
2017 at 19 hours/week.
Millstone Road Parcel
Use of Town-owned Property, HPP Strategy #15
•Outreach for Community Engagement sessions, 10/3 & 11/7
•Continued planning and coordination with consultants
•Interviews with over 20 local residents/stakeholders
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI)
HPP Strategy #10
•CPC recommended $500,000 allocation
•Working to fill two uninhabited SHI homes
•Two SHI homes to be resold
Comprehensive Permit Projects
HPP Strategy #14
•Brewster Woods (30 rental units) –waiting for MassWorks grant
•HFH Paul Hush Way (phase two, eight homes) –blitz build
A Month in the Life of a
Housing Coordinator