HomeMy Public PortalAboutBHP Packet 2/10/22
Brewster Housing Production Plan
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
This Community Engagement Plan is an internal working document used by the consultant team,
Housing Partnership, and Town staff to guide public outreach and communications in coordination
with major project milestones for the Housing Production Plan.
Key Project Information
Timeline January 2022 through June 2022
Staff Contact Jill Scalise
jwertz-scalise@brewster-ma.gov
Advisory
Committee
Housing Partnership
Consultants
Barrett Planning Group LLC
Judi Barrett; judi@barrettplanningllc.com
Alexis Lanzillotta; alexis@barrettplanningllc.com
Gregory Zapata; gregory@barrettplanningllc.com
General Project Timeline
February
2022
March
2022
April
2022
May
2022
June
2022
Mobilization Kickoff Meeting xxxx
Housing
Needs
Assessment
Small Group Interviews xxxx
Online Survey xxxx xxxx
Draft Needs Assessment xxxx xxxx
Goals &
Strategies
Focus Groups xxxx
Community Meeting xxxx
Draft Goals & Strategies xxxx
Final Steps Final Draft HPP to Town xxxx
Joint Meetings xxxx xxxx
Final Plan Submission
Project Completion:
June 30, 2022
xxxx
Brewster Housing Production Plan
Community Engagement Plan
February 8, 2022
2
Community Engagement Overview
STAFF KICKOFF MEETING
P Timeline: February 3, 2022
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP MEETING #1
¨ Timeline: February 10, 2022
During this first committee meeting, we will:
● Discuss the Housing Partnership’s charge
● Review project timeline
● Determine an outreach plan for interviews
● Review proposed questions for online survey
SMALL GROUP INTERVIEWS
¨ Timeline: Late February
BPG suggests inviting the following to small group interviews during time slots offered over the
course of two days. While we propose doing mixed groups for these small interviews, we welcome
feedback about whether there any parties listed below who should have their own timeslot.
• Residents currently living in affordable housing
• Housing developers and property managers
• Members of the Affordable Housing Trust and Housing Partnership
• Members of other Town boards, committees, and commissions
• Housing Authority members and staff
• Schools
• Social service organizations
• Faith-based community leaders
• Organizations serving low-income and minority clientele
• Others?
In addition, BPG may reach out separately to:
• Community Development Partnership
• Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod
• HOME Advisory Council
• Others?
ONLINE SURVEY
¨ Timeline: Late February-Early March
BPG will host an online survey using Qualtrics software. We will look to the Housing Partnership and
the Town for assistance circulating this survey. Questions to consider:
• Are there any important questions missing from the draft survey questions document? (Draft
questions to be discussed during the February 10, 2022 Housing Partnership meeting.)
Brewster Housing Production Plan
Community Engagement Plan
February 8, 2022
3
• Is the survey a reasonable length?
• Are there hard-to-reach groups that would benefit from extra outreach?
• Is it necessary to offer a paper survey? If so, how will the results be recorded?
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP MEETING #2
¨ Timeline: March 2022
During this meeting, we propose to:
• Discuss findings from the survey and small group interviews
• Review preliminary data from the Needs Assessment
• Discuss plans for the community meeting tentatively planned for April
NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOCUS GROUPS
¨ Timeline: Mid-April 2022
BPG suggests inviting knowledgeable stakeholders to focus groups over several offered timeslots.
The purpose of the focus groups will be to explore barriers and constraints to affordable housing as
identified in the Needs Assessment, as well as potential opportunities to reduce or eliminate those
constraints. This will enable us to formulate draft qualitative goals for the Housing Production Plan.
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP MEETING #3
¨ Timeline: April 2022
During this meeting, we propose to:
• Discuss the draft Needs Assessment
• Begin exploring possible Goals and Strategies
• Finalize plans for the community meeting tentatively planned for April OR respond to the
community meeting depending on scheduling
COMMUNITY MEETING
¨ Timeline: Mid-to-Late April 2022
We will design, prepare for, and lead a community-wide discussion meeting during which we
propose to:
• Present key findings from the survey, small group interviews, focus groups, and Housing
Needs Assessment
• Provide opportunities to share feedback relating to housing needs, barriers, and opportunities
• Engage participants in a discussion about HPP goals and potential strategies that meet DHCD
criteria and address the Town’s housing needs
We also suggest offering both in-person and remote participation, and we are routinely following up
in-person community forums with a parallel experience using Zoom, Miro, and other tools.
Depending on the Town’s technology resources, we could plan an in-person meeting alongside a
coordinated virtual meeting or an “open house” engagement with Miro or Zoom.
Brewster Housing Production Plan
Community Engagement Plan
February 8, 2022
4
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP MEETING #4
¨ Timeline: May 2022
Depending on the Housing Partnership’s schedule, this meeting may not align with the plans for a
May joint meeting with the Planning Board, Select Board, and Conservation Commission. However,
if we meet during May, we propose to:
• Review community input gathered thus far
• Finalize draft Goals and Strategies
JOINT MEETING FOR DRAFT DISCUSSION
¨ Timeline: May 2022
Following a review period of the Draft Housing Production Plan, we will facilitate a joint meeting
coordinated by the Town with the Brewster Housing Partnership, Conservation Commission,
Planning Board, and Select Board. We will use input provided during this meeting to provide any
necessary changes to the draft HPP.
HEARING AND TOWN-WIDE DISCUSSION MEETING
¨ Timeline: May or June 2022
Upon completion of revisions that result from the joint meeting, we will circulate a revised draft HPP.
Following a reasonable period for public review of the draft, we will present at a public hearing and
welcome feedback from participating members of the community. We will then review public
comments received with the Town to consider necessary revisions to the HPP and finalize the plan.
JOINT MEETING FOR PLAN ADOPTION
¨ Timeline: June 2022
Once comments have been reviewed and addressed, we will compile the final plan document and
participate in a joint meeting with the Select Board, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board
to present the final plan for adoption by the Town.
Brewster Housing Production Plan
DRAFT SURVEY QUESTIONS
1. Do you currently live in Brewster, either seasonally or year-round?
a. Yes, I live in Brewster year-round. (Skips to question 3)
b. Yes, I live in Brewster seasonally. (Skips to question 3)
c. No (Skips to question 2)
2. You indicated that you do not reside in Brewster. What is your connection to Brewster? (Skips to
question 7 after this.)
a. I work in Brewster.
b. I own a business based in Brewster.
c. I own rental property in Brewster.
d. Other (please specify).
3. How long have you lived in Brewster?
a. Less than one year
b. 1-4 years
c. 5-9 years
d. 10-19 years
e. 20-29 years
f. 30-39 years
g. 40+ years
4. In which general area do you live?1
1 Is there a better way to break down the Town geographically that would make more sense to residents?
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
2
5. Do you rent or own your home in Brewster?
a. Rent
b. Own
c. Other (please specify)
6. What type of home do you live in?
a. Single family (detached)
b. Townhouse or condo
c. Duplex/2-unit building
d. 3–4-unit building
e. 5+ unit building
f. Accessory dwelling unit
g. Other (please specify)
7. What is your age?
a. 17 or younger
b. 18 – 24
c. 25 – 34
d. 35 – 44
e. 45 – 54
f. 55 – 64
g. 65 – 74
h. 75 – 84
i. 85 or older
8. Do you have any children under 18 who reside in Brewster?2
a. Yes
b. No (Skips to question 10)
9. Please indicate whether your school-aged children attend the following. (Check all that apply.)
a. Public school
b. Private school
c. Homeschool
d. Other (please specify)
10. Do you have any older adults (age 65+) in your household, including yourself?
a. Yes
b. No
11. Does anyone in your household have a disability (any physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activity)?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
d. Other (please specify)
2 Parallel questions for those under 18? To ask whether they attend…
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
3
12. Which of the following racial/ethnic categories best describes you? Check all that apply.
a. American Indian or Alaska Native
b. Asian or Asian American
c. Black or African American
d. Hispanic or Latino (any race)
e. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
f. White or Caucasian
g. Mixed race/more than one race
h. Other (please specify)
13. How often in the last 12 months did you struggle to pay your rent, mortgage, or other housing
costs?
a. Every month
b. Most months
c. Some months
d. One month
e. Never; we have not had problems paying for housing costs
Please feel free to explain your answer:
14. Did you or anyone in your household experience a significant loss of wage or salary income due
to the COVID-19 pandemic?
a. Yes, and I/we have not yet financially recovered
b. Yes, but I/we have since financially recovered
c. No
d. Unsure
Please feel free to explain your answer:
15. The median sales price for a single-family home in Brewster was $655,000 in 2021. If you were to
buy today, would you be able to afford a home in Brewster at this price?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
16. If you needed or wanted to move and still live in Brewster, do you think you could find housing
that is suitable, in good condition, and affordable for your household?
a. I am confident that I could.
b. I think I could, but I haven’t looked into it.
c. I doubt that I could.
d. I definitely could not.
e. I don’t know.
Please feel free to explain your answer:
17. How likely are you to move out of Brewster in the next five years? (Only if yes to #1)
a. Extremely likely
b. Very likely
c. Moderately likely
d. Slightly likely
e. Not at all likely
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
4
18. You've indicated that it is extremely likely or very likely that you will move out of Brewster in
the next five years. Which of the following factors do you believe most influence your likelihood
of moving out of Brewster? (Check all that apply) (Only if #17 is (a) or (b))
a. Housing/living costs have become too high
b. Prefer smaller home
c. Prefer bigger home
d. Prefer accessible home
e. Concerns about the impacts of development on the town
f. Would like to move away from coast
g. Employment opportunities
h. School choice
i. Additional community services/local amenities
j. Climate (weather)
k. Proximity to family/friends
l. Children finished school
m. None of the above
n. Other (please specify)
19. How important is it to you to stay in Brewster (either in your current home or not) as you age?
(Only if yes to #1)
a. Extremely important
b. Very important
c. Moderately important
d. Slightly important
e. Not at all important
20. You've indicated that it is extremely important or very important to stay in Brewster as you age.
What factors need to change/improve to enable you to stay in the community as you age? Check
all that apply. (Only if #19 is (a) or (b))
a. Housing costs remaining affordable
b. Accessibility improvements to home (e.g., installation of ramps, grab bars, first floor
bedroom or bath)
c. Expanded home-based services (e.g., home repair, chores, companion care, meal
delivery)
d. Pedestrian improvements
e. More transit options (e.g., buses, ride shares/taxis)
f. Expanded community services (e.g., health and wellness services/programs)
g. Availability of "lifestyle housing" (i.e., designed for active older adults, including single-
family and/or multi-family with social or recreational amenities such as clubhouses)
h. Availability of "service-enriched housing" (i.e., offers a set of services intended to meet
residents' evolving needs and can include co-housing, continued-care retirement
communities, assisted-living, and skilled-care nursing homes)
i. Availability of apartments in walkable neighborhood
j. Availability of condominiums in walkable neighborhood
k. None of the above
l. Other (please specify)
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
5
21. How likely is it that you will buy a home in Brewster the next 10 years? (For those who currently
rent or those who do not currently live in Brewster.)
a. Extremely likely
b. Very likely
c. Moderately likely
d. Slightly likely
e. Not at all likely
22. You've indicated that buying a home in Brewster in the next 10 years is moderately likely,
slightly likely, or not likely for you. Which of the following factors do you believe most influence
your likelihood of buying a home in Brewster? Check all that apply. (Only if #21 is (c), (d), or (e))
a. I do not intend to buy a home in the next 10 years
b. Extent of available of homes in my price range
c. Size of homes available in my price range
d. Location of homes available in my price range
e. Quality of homes available in my price range
f. Extent and/or proximity of employment opportunities
g. Type of lifestyle options in community
h. School options
i. Quality of life
j. Type/extent of local amenities (parks, recreation, libraries, houses of worship)
k. Proximity to family and/or friends
l. None of the above
m. Other (please specify)
23. Which of the following housing initiatives are important to you? Check all that apply.3
a. Creating homes with a convenient access to amenities
b. Creating homes with a mix of price ranges
c. Creating more housing options/choices
d. Preservation of existing homes
e. Ensuring that new homes are energy efficient
f. Ensuring that new homes are sustainably built (e.g., environmentally responsible and
resource-efficient design and materials)
g. Creating mixed-use development with retail on the ground level and residential space
on upper floors
h. Making additional public resources available to improve public housing
i. Attracting families with children
j. Helping people stay in the community as they age
k. Helping people stay in their homes as the age
l. Other (please specify)
3 Or select the top five?
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
6
24. Please indicate your agreement with the following.
Strongly agree Agree Unsure/Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Brewster is
welcoming to
people all of
races, ethnicities,
and cultural
backgrounds.
Brewster is
welcoming to
people of all
socioeconomic
backgrounds.
Brewster is
welcoming to
families with
children.
Brewster is
welcoming to
older adults.
Please feel free to explain your answers:
25. Do you think Brewster has too much, too little, or just the right amount of the following
specialized categories of housing?
Not enough Right amount Too much Unsure/No opinion
Affordable rental
units for
individuals or
smaller
households
Affordable rental
units for larger
households
Affordable home
ownership
opportunities
Senior housing
Housing for
people with
disabilities
“Starter” homes
Please feel free to explain your answers:
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
Draft Community Survey Questions
February 8, 2022
7
26. Do you think Brewster has too much, too little, or just the right amount of the following types of
housing?
Not enough Right amount Too much Unsure/No opinion
Single family
homes (detached)
Duplexes
Condominiums
Apartments
Assisted living
facilities
Accessory
dwelling units
(smaller dwelling
unit within or
adjacent to a
single-family
house)
Please feel free to explain your answers:
27. What are the top three most significant barriers to affordable housing in Brewster? Please keep
your answers to short phrases.
Barrier #1_________
Barrier #2_________
Barrier #3_________
28. Can you identify any sites in Brewster that might be appropriate for the development of
affordable housing? What makes them a suitable location?
Report of the Brewster Housing Partnership
The lack of Affordable housing in Brewster has long been a challenge for people wishing
to live and work on Cape Cod, but the urban exodus created by the COVID 19 pandemic fueled
an extraordinary demand for low-density rural and suburban housing. Home prices in our region,
and across the Nation, have soared to new historical highs, while new housing starts not kept
pace. Occupancy rates have climbed and supply, at all levels and types, has been decreasing for
over two years, with current inventory. As high percentages of our workforce have been working
less or not at all, incomes for many households have plummeted or stopped. Eviction stays
expired in 2021, but the wait list for subsidized units is five to eight years. Concentrated attention
on the need for Affordable Housing has never been more intense. We are grateful to live in a
Town where the importance of housing affordability is recognized as a major community
concern with far-reaching social and economic impacts.
The Brewster Housing Partnership (once known as the Affordable Housing Committee)
has existed since the 1980’s, with its role fluctuating over time, but we are pleased to note that
Affordable Housing interest and activity in our town has never been greater. Brewster continues
to make strides towards preserving affordable housing stock and investing in the creation of new
affordable housing units and opportunities.
In 2021 the Housing Partnership met 10 times (twice in August), while other (newer)
entities and initiatives undertook additional supportive work. It is important to note that since
Brewster’s Community Vision Advisory Group identified Affordable Housing as a key
community value (or building block) in 2018, the Town has created an Affordable Housing Trust
Fund (now in its 3rd year) and continued to allocate Community Preservation Act (CPA)
proceeds to help fund a Housing Coordinator (for the 4th year). Without dedicated and
knowledgeable staff, our Town would not have the capacity to properly administer, monitor and
manage our community’s investments in housing initiatives. Brewster’s Housing Coordinator
fields hundreds of calls each year from citizens seeking information on housing and homeless
prevention resources.
The Housing Partnership is responsible for reviewing, commenting and making
recommendations on applications which are submitted to Brewster’s CPA Committee for
housing purpose funds. In 2021, we voted to support requests for $51,096 towards the Housing
Coordinator, $52,500 towards five (5) supportive housing units at the Cape & Islands Veteran’s
supportive housing in Dennis, $105,000 towards two (2) Habitat for Humanity ownership homes
on Red Top Road, $150,000 to support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
Program, $25,000 to hire a professional consultant to assist with the update the town’s Housing
Production Plan, and $155,000 towards the development of group housing for seven (7) students
and/or graduates of the Latham School. The Latham project was withdrawn, but the other
requests were unanimously approved by Town Meeting votes.
The Housing Partnership is also responsible for reviewing, commenting and making
recommendations on MGL 40B Comprehensive Permit applications, intended to advance the
Town’s subsidized housing inventory towards 10% of our year-round housing stock. This year
we began review of a proposal by Eastward Companies to develop rental units adjacent to the
Brewster-Orleans Office Park. That project has been postponed.
We voted unanimously to support a long-time Brewster resident’s partnership with
Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod to develop two (2) single-family affordable ownership units
on Red Top Road. One of those units will be sold to an income-eligible Veteran of the US
Armed Services.
We applaud the occupancy of the fourteen (14) new Habitat homes on Paul Hush Way,
the five (5) units in the Veterans’ Home in Dennis, and the up to sixteen (16) units of housing for
autistic adults in Orleans, as well as the groundbreaking for Preservation of Affordable
Housing’s (POAH’s) thirty (30) new rental units at Brewster Woods, on the Town land adjacent
to Well’s Court and Frederick Court Senior Housing. The Housing Coordinator reports that the
Town’s ADU bylaw has permitted or produced five (5) new Accessory Dwelling Units. These
are all projects in which Brewster citizens have invested.
We are extremely proud of our Town’s success towards preserving affordable housing
stock and preventing home loss. Brewster partnered with the Towns of Dennis and Wellfleet to
get a Community Development Block Grant. That program secured five (5) emergency home
repair loans for income-eligible Brewster home owners. In addition, our Brewster Affordable
Housing Trust Fund allocated $75,000 for emergency rental assistance, which continues to assist
Brewster renters who have fallen behind out their rent. The Town continues to work to return
two (2) subsidized ownership units back from vacant disrepair and available for an income-
eligible lottery purchase.
In terms of education, outreach and advocacy, members of the Housing Partnership
worked with the Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and the Community
Development Partnership (CDP) to develop and Community Engagement Initiative for Brewster.
The result was Mid-July launch of a spin-off Brewster citizen’s group called the Brewster
Housing Coalition. Similar to the CDP’s Housing Institute Peer Groups, this new Brewster group
intends to hold regular meetings, via “zoom” and in person (un-monitored and un-televised), for
interested citizens to freely discuss housing-related issues, trends, topics, concerns and ideas for
new projects and programs.
This coming year, the Housing Partnership expects to work closely with the Town’s
consultant to update the Housing Production Plan, which is now almost 5 years old, and could
never have envisioned the demographic impacts of the COVID pandemic. We anticipate working
with the Town’s Vision Advisory Group to develop the Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan.
We will continue to partner with other advocacy groups and stakeholders to sponsor and connect
for public forums. We intend to continue discussions to further identify the distinctions between
Fair Housing protections and Local Preference priorities for housing and support for local
populations which may not have protected class status. Our goal continues to be to expand
housing conversations to include more voices and more ideas.
We look forward to the Phase 2 lottery of the-twenty-seven (27) affordable studio and 1-
bedroom affordable senior rental units that are part of Serenity’s re-purposing of the Wingate
skilled nursing facility. We are told those will be occupied this Summer. We look forward also to
the development of up to 90 bedrooms in rental units on 16 acres of Town land adjacent to the
Ocean Edge Golf Course, as well as more applications for ADUs, ACDUs, repair loans, and
income-eligible buyer purchase grants.
The Housing Partnership extends its sincere gratitude to our Select Board liaison, Cynthia
Bingham, the full Board, and the Town Administration for all of their support. We thank the
citizens of Brewster for the caring generosity that they continue to show every day. We are
deeply indebted to the hard work of Jill Scalise, Donna Kalinick, Erika Mawn, Suzanne Bryan,
Andrea Aldana and the CDP, HAC, HECH, Barnstable County HOME Consortium, Habitat of
Cape Cod, Brewster CPA Committee, Brewster Affordable Housing Trust, Mass Housing
Partnership, CHAPA, MassHousing and DHCD. (Its going to take more than just a village!)
Respectfully Submitted,
For the Brewster Housing Partnership
Jillian Douglass, Chair
Lisa Forhan, Clerk
Vanessa Greene
Ralph Marotti
Diane Pansire
Sara Robinson
Steve Seaver
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update January 2022
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, 46 total requests for housing
information (25) or assistance (21). Office hours held on Thursdays from 10-12.
Completed drafts of Housing Trust & Housing Partnership webpages for new website.
2. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
The Housing Trust approved goals and priorities for FY22 and identified teams for several initiatives.
The Trust requested an extension from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) of the 2018
$100,000 CPA grant to December 31, 2023 and recommended the CPC adopt the state minimum CPA
allocation formula.
3. Community Housing Parcel off Millstone (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
The Housing Trust received a proposal from Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) & Housing
Assistance Corporation (HAC) for 45 rental units on the property. Town Administrator Lombardi is the
Procurement Officer for this proposal. Three Trust members recused themselves from the proposal
evaluation. The Trust requested a presentation of the proposal at the February meeting and voted to accept a
quote from LDS Consulting Group for the proposal Pro-forma review. With Mr. Lombardi, compiled Trust
member questions for the proposers.
4. Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6)
Serenity Brewster (55+ rental housing, 27 affordable units): Phase 2, 91units, expected to open in 2022.
Waiting on response from DHCD to Local Action Unit application that was submitted in December.
5. Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Construction continues, expected to open in summer 2022.
Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road (2 affordable home ownership): Comprehensive Permit recorded.
6. Preservation of Housing and Related Support of Brewster Residents
Assisted residents with CDBG housing rehabilitation and Covid-19 Fund applications.
7. Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
Ongoing follow-up with SHI homes. Memo sent to DHCD addressing the estimated cost and work
required for affordable resale of 11 Sean Circle.
8.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
The Housing Partnership & CPC reviewed & recommended approval of three CPA Housing grant requests.
Attended the Community Development Partnership Housing Institute Community by Design Workshop.
Participated in Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) Making the Case for Housing Call.
New Projects/Upcoming Activities
1. Housing Production Plan (HPP) (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-2)
Barrett Planning Group, LLC was hired, with CPA funding, to update Brewster’s HPP. A kickoff meeting
with the Housing Partnership is scheduled for February 10th. A survey, interviews, and community meetings
will follow. The update is expected to be completed in summer 2022 and, after approved, will be part of the
Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan.
Personnel
Worked with: Assessor, Building Dept., Community Preservation Committee, Council on Aging, Health
Dept., Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, Planning Dept., Project Manager, Select Board, Treasurer, and
Town Administration.
Attended Housing Trust, Housing Partnership, and Community Preservation Committee meetings.
Received certification of completed Affirmative and Fair Housing Marketing and Lottery Training.
Housing Trust Information
Housing Trust Mission Statement
The Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (“BAHT”) seeks to expand and preserve year-round rental and
ownership homes that are affordable to moderate, low, and very low-income households. Our efforts
will foster a welcoming environment for demographically and socio-economically diverse populations.
The BAHT is committed to education, collaboration, and community engagement.
- Accepted April 4, 2019
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) Goals
The Trust has identified the following goals:
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, which means households with up to 100% Area Median
Income (AMI).
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.
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.
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.
Originally approved by the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust August 15, 2019
Edited and approved January 6, 2022
Housing Trust Priority Initiatives for FY 2022-23
Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing:
Develop new affordable housing (by building):
o Support and advance the development of community housing on the Millstone
Road property. Subsequent to RFP issuance, select developer and support their
efforts to develop rental housing in a timely manner. Determine the amount of
funding that the Trust should reserve for a potential request, provide support
through funding cycles and permitting process, continue to engage the public.
o Participate in the exploration of the potential development of community housing
on the Cape Cod Sea Camps Parcels.
Develop new affordable housing (without building):
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the current accessory dwelling unit bylaws and
advocate for policy, financial, or implementation changes if necessary.
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the current rental voucher program.
o Revisit the feasibility of a rent-to-own program.
Evaluate the effectiveness and reach of the existing Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) home rehabilitation program, refine procedure, and study whether the
Trust needs to explore supplementing the program in any way.
Continue to work to preserve the existing 3 Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) homes
in distress and other units through outreach and, when required, with financial support.
Work with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to determine the future of the
Brewster Buy Down program
Develop rules and program guidelines for the BAHT, particularly around funding
requests
Participate in the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) process, including advocate and
explore a review of current zoning as it relates to housing.
Educate:
Hold at least annual forums and Select Board updates as well as regularly post
information on the Town website.
o Community Housing Fair and Forum
Hold ongoing joint meetings with other committees such as CPC, BHP, SB & FC
Hold, and/or participate in, Community Housing education sessions and forums that
address or include Fair Housing, Local Preference, and Regional Partnerships.
Advocate and Collaborate:
Advocate for the Trust’s current funding strategy that includes allocations from the
Community Preservation Act (CPA), dedication of the short-term rental revenue, free
cash and/or budget allocations, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Develop a 5-year Financial Plan
Advocate for a more flexible CPA funding formula
Explore other potential Trust funding
Update Housing Production Plan
Participate in the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) planning process
Work with other housing partners in Town and in surrounding Towns.
For example:
o Partner: Explore partnering with local entities for street/yard clean-ups like the
Big Fix or Huckleberry Lane event.
o Support: local initiatives such as Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw review
with BHP, Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Buy-Down Program, Cape
Housing Institute, Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road, Serenity at Brewster, and
Cape Cod Sea Camps.
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.
Engage and Communicate:
Provide opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.
o Community Housing Forum
o Continue engagement with residents during the Millstone Road developer
selection process.
o Citizen’s Forum
o Develop a diversity inclusion working group
2022 Designated Key Priorities:
Support and advance development of community housing on the Millstone Road parcel
5- year Financial Plan
o Action Group (Donna Kalinick & Ned Chatelain)
Trust Guidelines
o Action Group (Tim Hackert & Maggie Spade-Aguilar)
Community Housing Fair and Forum (including a fair housing/diversity component)
o Action Group (Madalyn Hillis-Dineen & Maggie Spade-Aguilar)
Approved by the Housing Trust January 6, 2022