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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBHP Packet 5.20.21Town of Brewster Housing Partnership 2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 (508) 896-3701 MEETING AGENDA 5/20/2021 at 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: 853 9402 2099 Passcode: 301097 To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized. 2.Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85394022099?pwd=M2JSaDJWYTZPK1l3eVZPVnVmaTdiUT09 Passcode: 301097 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 Donna Kalinick Asst. Town Administrator Jill Scalise Housing Coordinator 1.Call to Order 2.Declaration of a Quorum 3.Meeting Participation Statement 4.Minutes of March 25 and April 15 Housing Partnership Meetings 5.Updates – Brewster Woods, Millstone, and Serenity Brewster 6.Housing Coordinator’s Report 7.Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Housing Rehabilitaion and Childcare 8.Preparation for next Housing Production Plan 9.Agenda for the next meeting: Local Preference and Fair Housing Forum Discussion – what approach; and Reorganization of the BHP – Chair and Clerk 10.Standing Committee Updates a. Affordable Housing Trust b. CPC c. CHAPA 11.For Your Information 12.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair 13.Next Meetings: June 24 at 6:00 pm 14.Adjournment Date Posted:Date Revised:Received by Town Clerk: 5/13/21 5/18/21 Local Preference and Fair Housing Forum Minutes of the March 25, 2021 Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________ Housing Partnership Members Present Remotely: Ralph Marotti, Diane Pansire, Vanessa Greene, Jillian Douglas Affordable Housing Trust Members Present Remotely: Ben DeRuyter, Maggie Spade-Aguilar, Madelyn Hillis-Dineen, Tim Hackert, Donna Kalinick Community Preservation Committee Members Present Remotely: Faythe Ellis, Sharon Marotti, Barbara Burgo, Diane Pansire Select Board Members Present Remotely: Mary Chafee, Ben DeRuyter, Cindy Bingham, Dave Whitney Guests Present Remotely: Jill Scalise (Brewster Housing Coordinator), Shelly Goerhing (Senior Program Manager, Mass Housing Partnership), Katharine Lacey (Senior Planner, Mass Housing Partnership), Robert Tobias (Affordable Housing Trust Finance Committee Liaison), Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator 1. Call to Order: Chair Marotti called the Housing Partnership meeting to order at 6pm and took the roll call; Diane Pansire, Vanessa Greene and Jillian Douglass present. Chair deRuyter called the Housing Trust meeting to order and took the roll call; Madalyn Hillis- Dineen, Maggie Spade-Aguilar, Tim Hackert, Donna Kalinick present. Chair Ellis called the Community Preservation Committee to order and took the roll call; Sharon Marotti, Barbara Burgo, Diane Pansire present. Chair Chaffee called the Select Board to order at 6:04pm and took the roll call; Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson Bingham present. 2. Declaration of a Quorum: All groups have a quorum present, with the exception of the CPC. 3. Meeting Participation: Chair Ralph Marotti read the remote meeting participation 4. Local Preference and Fair Housing Educational Forum a. Introduction to the forum: Why are we here? Jill Scalise noted that the group was pulled together at the invitation of the Housing Partnership. She discussed the recent Habitat for Humanity project that came before the Housing Partnership requesting Veterans’ preference and the questions that arose surrounding local preference during that discussion. Ms. Scalise noted that with this session we are addressing two strategies in the Brewster Housing Production Plan – Strategy #13 to “Develop a comprehensive education plan” and Strategy #16 to “Recognize local government’s responsibility for fair and affordable housing in Brewster”. She also highlighted the Town’s Vision Plan, Select Board’s Town Administrator’s Pledge to Enhance DE&I, the Select Board’s Strategic Plan, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Mission Statement. The goal of this session is to provide a common language and understanding of fair housing and local preference for future discussions and policy decisions. b. Zoning: Obstacles and opportunities for fair housing: Katharine Lacy introduced herself and provided background information on Mass Housing Partnership. She discussed Brewster’s historical zoning ordinances and demographics as well as the balancing act between affordable housing needs and regulatory constraints. She highlighted regulatory changes including the recently passed State Housing Choice Act which reduces Town Meeting voting threshold from 2/3 majority to simple majority for a particular subset of zoning articles. c. Affirmatively further fair housing: Shelly Goehring discussed fair housing obligations under the Act, barriers to fair housing, and benefits of inclusive communities. The Act requires an analysis of impediments to fair housing and an obligation to affirmatively further fair housing including reducing segregation patterns, promoting housing choice, eradicating discrimination, and addressing disparities in housing needs and access to opportunity. She also provided an overview of what the State is doing in this area. She noted that local preference may lead to less diversity and discussed ways that diversity leads to more resilient communities. d. Local Preference: Katharine Lacy provided an overview of local preference, as spelled out in the 40B Guidelines, and how it is implemented in MA. She reviewed details of the requirements and current guard rails. e. Brewster Housing: Donna Kalinick and Jill Scalise provided information on recent housing initiatives in the Town. They began by presenting Brewster’s housing context reviewing the housing stock and affordable housing units. The Town is currently below the 10% requirement for affordable units. Recent housing initiatives and fair housing for each was discussed. Upcoming housing opportunities were also covered. They concluded by noting that Brewster’s housing program is centered on fair housing and encouraging future work and consideration in this area. f. Questions and Discussion: A question and answer session followed. Several participants underscored the severity of the current housing crisis providing specific examples. Multifamily zoning was discussed as a regulation that could increase diversity but could also present challenges due to the lack of sewers. It was noted that new technologies in wastewater could provide future opportunities. Further detail on the specifics of local preference and information on the comprehensive permit process was provided. Fair housing and discrimination concerns and consequences were discussed in addition to American with Disabilities Act requirements. The topic of housing as a regional need was addressed as well as information related to local preference options for families from students as it relates to regional schools. Local preference trends for rental vs. ownership situations was inquired about and it was noted that towns typically use local preference for all project or no projects and don’t differentiate between project types. 5. For Your Information: Donna Kalinick thanked Jill Scalise for her great work on the presentation. Jill Scalise thanked all attendees and offered to research any future questions for participants. She also noted that she is available for conversations with all residents with housing questions and/or needs. Donna Kalinick updated the group that the Town had just received notification that its regional application with Dennis and Wellfleet for a $1.3 million Community Development Block Grant to address housing rehabilitation to income eligible homes and childcare vouchers was approved. The Town will be putting out additional information to residents. 6. Adjournment: Selectperson Whitney moved to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 7:58pm, Selectperson Bingham second; Selectperson deRuyter-Yes, Selectperson Bingham-Yes, Selectperson Whitney-Yes, Chair Chaffee-Yes. The Community Preservation did not adjourn as they did not have a quorum. Tim Hackert moved to adjourn the Affordable Housing Trust, Madalyn Hillis-Dineen second; Madalyn Hillis-Dineen-Yes, Maggie Spade-Aguilar-Yes, Tim Hackert-Yes, Donna Kalinick- Yes, Chair deRuyter-Yes. Diane Pansire moved to adjourn the Housing Partnership meeting, Jillian Douglass second; Diane Pansire-Yes, Vanessa Greene-Yes, Chair Marotti-Yes. Respectfully submitted, Vanessa L. Greene Brewster Housing Partnership Minutes of the April 15, 2021 Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________ Members Present Remotely: Ralph Marotti, Sarah Robinson, Vanessa Greene, Steve Seaver, Jillian Douglas, Lisa Forhan (joined @ 6:02pm) Guests Present: Donna Kalinick, Jill Scalise, Cindy Bingham, Andi Genser, Paul Wallace 1.Call to Order: Chair Marotti called the meeting to order via Zoom at 6:00 pm. 2.Approval of Minutes: The February 18, 2021 minutes were approved. 3.Brewster Vision Planning Committee Housing Discussion: Paul Wallace and Andi Genser reviewed the goals and strategies outlined in the Vision Plan and shared that they had met with many other stakeholders already related to housing initiatives. Members of the Partnership highlighted work that has been done since 2018, the role of the Housing Partnership, and recommendations for the Vision Planning Committee for incorporation in the overall comprehensive plan. There was recognition of housing challenges being exacerbated by the current pandemic. Donna Kalinick read the charge of the Housing Partnership and discussed the Partnership’s role in the Local Initiative Project (LIP) process. The Partnership also highlighted work being done regionally on community housing and the resources available. The topic of local preference was raised as a potential area for future consideration. 4.Updates: a.Brewster Woods – Donna updated the group that Phase I is about 65% complete. Phase II will begin at the end of May/beginning of June. Many calls have been received inquiring about the lottery. b.Millstone Community Housing Property – The Affordable Housing Trust is working with MHP on the Request for Proposal which will continue for the next several months. Residents have an opportunity to share at each meeting. Jillian inquired as to whether there were any different names considered for the project given the name association with the recent infrastructure project. c.Serenity Brewster – Renovations have begun and the Town has received numerous inquiries about the lottery. d.Habitat for Humanity – Donna noted that the Select Board did approve the Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road LIP application and it will be submitted to the State. 5.Housing Coordinator’s Report: Jill Scalise provided an update on the following: a.Community Development Block Grant – Brewster received the grant with Dennis and Wellfleet totaling $1.3 million. The Town is still waiting on the applications to be available and they are maintaining a list of inquiries. Brewster has asked to be the lead Town for next fiscal year’s application and the Town will be working with Bailey Boyd Associates. b.Rental Assistance Program – Financial assistance is still available. At Town meeting there will be a request for CPC funds to continue for 2 more years. c.COVID Relief Fund – Provides up to $1,000 in emergency assistance to residents that have been affected by COVID-19. d.Refinances – Numerous inquiries have been received regarding refinancing on affordable properties. Approval from the Town is required. The Select Board approved one request and another is on the agenda for next week. e.Funding – The Select Board has transferred $250,000 from general stabilization to the Affordable Housing Trust. Board will be taking up a policy around the expansion of the short-term rental tax and how that will be allocated going forward. We may be the first Town taking an official action in that way. f.Latham – Ralph inquired about the potential Latham construction. Jill noted that they are planning renovations on the old fire museum and that they are also interested in creating a new residential program where residents learn to live independently. These units would be affordable and the Town would work with Latham to get the on the subsidized housing inventory. They are currently looking for grants. 6.Follow-up Discussion – Local Preference and Fair Housing Forum: Ralph directed the members to the link included for those that could not attend. He would like to add to the agenda for the June meeting. 7.Standing Committee Updates: Jillian noted that she is interested in taking Sarah’s place on the Affordable Housing Trust. Sarah’s term expires June 30,2021. Sarah updated the Committee on the RFP process for the Millstone Road project. Jillian inquired about the CPA applications including a reference to local preference. Donna suggested including in the overall discussion in June and then deciding on next steps. Jillian and Lisa noted that they have been attending CHAPA meetings and that they have been going well. Much of the group’s discussions to date have been centered on community engagement. 8.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair: None. 9.Next Meeting: May 20 @ 6 PM. 10.Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm. A roll call vote was taken. Respectfully submitted, Vanessa L. Greene Brewster Housing Coordinator Update April 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, 44 total requests for housing information (26) or assistance (18). Office hours held on Thursdays from 10-12.  Website announcement about Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road and Housing Office webpage updated. 2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15) At public Housing Trust meetings, Laura Shufelt, Mass Housing Partnership (MHP), continued working with the Trust to draft the Millstone Request for Proposal (RFP). Followed-up with Building Commissioner. 3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7) Select Board passed financial policy regarding short-term rental revenue, with 50% of revenue allocated to BAHT. $250,000 of Trust funding, from short-term rental revenue, is on the proposed operating budget. 4.Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP) (Strategic Plan H-2) with COVID emergency assistance Program managed by Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). Continue referring residents with needs to HAC. Stimulus funding also received. CPC grant request of $150,000 for two additional years of funding. 5.Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP) (HPP Strategy #16) Sent out material, including a link to the presentation and the Power Point slide deck, from the Local Preference & Fair Housing educational forum. Links also posted on Housing Office webpage. 6.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10) Assisted with two refinance requests. SHI home refinancing involves approval by Select Board. Follow-up regarding several affordable homes with concerns, including site visits to properties. 7.Preservation of Housing and Related Support of Brewster Residents Brewster COVID-19 Relief Fund: Sent outreach email blast. Also interviewed, completed evaluations, and recommended several applicants. For info: covidrelieffund@brewster-ma.gov Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for home rehabilitation and childcare. Waiting on applications. Presentation to Select Board for Brewster to be lead grant community in next fiscal year. 8.Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6) Elevation Financial Group is redeveloping 873 Harwich Rd. into 131, age 55+ rental units. Followed-up with Elevation, continue waiting for more information to move forward with next steps with DHCD. 9.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14) Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Infrastructure work progressing including landscaping. Bi- weekly construction meetings. Donna Kalinick overseeing Mass Works grant and coordination. 10.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9) Vision Planning Committee representatives met with and interviewed the Housing Trust & Partnership. Participated in HOME Consortium, Lower Cape Spring Peer Group, Lower Cape Rental Assistance Zoom, MA Making the Case for Affordable Housing Zoom, and CHAPA Municipal Engagement meeting. New Projects/ Upcoming Activities. Habitat for Humanity- Red Top Road- Local Initiative Program (LIP) application for two affordable homes on land donated by resident approved by Select Board and submitted to DHCD. Application in 30 day comment period. News article about the land donation and plans for homes in the Cape Cod Times. Personnel Worked with: Assessor, Building Dept., CPC, Council on Aging, Health Dept., Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning Dept., Vision Planning Comm., Select Board and Town Administration. Participated in Housing Trust, Housing Partnership and Select Board meetings. Attended trainings: Fair Housing Symposium: Building the framework for a more equitable MA, Workshop on regional approaches to housing, and Cape Cod Foundation’s Housing & homelessness across Cape Cod. CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR BREWSTER FAMILIES Thanks to funding from a Community Development Block Grant, Brewster families may now be eligible for childcare assistance. If you are interested in applying to the childcare subsidy program, please download the application below. Full applications were mailed to all that completed pre-applications. Completed applications are funded on a first come, first served basis. Income eligibility is set at 80% of Area Median Income and additional details are provided on the application. The program is administered by Baily Boyd Associates. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Bergen at cbergen@baileyboyd.com. Application is available here: FY20 Dennis, Brewster, Wellfleet Childcare Subsidy Program Application Jill Scalise Housing Coordinator Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 508-896-3701 ext. 1169 Effective March 9, 2021, until further notice: Based on current state guidance and public health data, Brewster Town Offices are open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular business hours. Residents and visitors are urged to continue to access town services remotely if possible. Phone messages and email communications will continue to be answered promptly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For the latest updates on Town services, please visit www.brewster-ma.gov.