HomeMy Public PortalAbout10.19.23 Housing Partnership Meeting Packet1
Housing Coordinator Update August 2023
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1. Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #14 & 15)
Responded to email, phone & in person requests for information and assistance, 66 total requests for
housing information (47) or assistance (19). Open office hours Thursdays from 10-noon.
Local Preference Information Session held for Select Board, Housing Partnership, Housing Trust,
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and Finance Committee. With Donna Kalinick, prepared and
presented information on local preference. Questions and discussion followed.
Updated housing webpages. Newspaper interview & article.
2. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) (HPP assorted strategies, Select Board (SB) Strategic Plan H-1)
Housing Trust’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) application for Affordable Buydown Program
presented to Housing Partnership which recommended CPC support of the application.
Housing Program Assistant job description finalized, expect to be posted in September.
Trust met and worked on additional items throughout this report.
3. Community Housing Parcel off Millstone (SB Strategic Plan H-4, HPP Strategies #12 & 16)
Name approved for development: Spring Rock Village. Woodlot Way is driveway name. Spring Rock refers
to a nearby large glacial erratic. Historically, this area had woodlots used to harvest poles for fishing weirs.
State added the 45 permitted Spring Rock Village units to Brewster’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI)
which now stands at 7.2 %, 372 units. With these units, the Town’s Housing Production Plan was certified.
Select Board voted & request letter sent to Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC)
to approve 55% local preference and 15% regional preference (Barnstable County) for initial leasing.
Spring Rock Village $500,000 CPC funding application recommended for approval by Housing Partnership.
4.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #16):
Habitat for Humanity, Phoebe Way: 30 applications received for 2 homes. Evaluating applicant eligibility.
5. Preservation of Housing and Related Support of Brewster Residents (SB H-3, HPP Strategies #20, 21 & 22)
Brewster’s Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)- Housing Trust voted to award 3 year contract to HAC.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- Brewster awarded FY 22/23 $1.7 million regional grant
for housing rehab and childcare assistance in Brewster, Dennis, and Wellfleet.
6. Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategies #21 & 22)
212 Yankee Drive- Upon the Housing Trust’s recommendation, Select Board awarded housing preservation
contract to Pearl Construction and waved building fees. Attended walkthrough of property with Pearl.
6 Sachemus Trail- Worked with homeowner, Planning, Administration, legal counsel, EOHLC, and Select
Board on deed violation. Property in resale process. Applications were due and lottery held by HAC.
Continue working on several SHI homes of concern including 11 Sean Circle.
7. Housing Production Plan (HPP) (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-2)
ADU Bylaw: Planning Board recommended ADU bylaw amendments to Select Board.
8. Collaboration and Education (HPP Strategies #7 &15)
Met with CDP. Attended HOME Consortium meeting and CDP event.
State of Emergency declared by Governor Healey for safe shelter in Massachusetts.
Upcoming Events & Announcements:
Brewster’s Housing Production Plan was certified by the state and the Town is in ‘safe harbor’ until June
13, 2024. Brewster’s SHI is 7.2%, this is based on Brewster’s 2020 census data of 5,170 year round units.
Personnel
Participated in Housing Trust, Planning Board & Select Board meetings. Also worked with: Assessors,
Building, Council on Aging, CPC, Finance, Health, Library, Planning, Public Works, Town Administration,
Vision Planning & Water.
2
Select Board FY24-25 Strategic Plan
FINAL AS APPROVED 08.21.23
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Timeline Vision Plan / Local
Comprehensive Plan FY23-24 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Sea Camps SC-1 Provide interim public access to and activities on both
Sea Camps properties FY24-25 X X
Town Administration and Bay &
Pond Property Planning
Committees
Select Board; Recreation Commission;
Recreation Dept; Town Staff
SC-2 Continue community planning process, engaging
residents and stakeholders, to develop long-term
comprehensive plans for both Sea Camps properties
FY24-25 X X
Town Administration and Bay &
Pond Property Planning
Committees
Select Board; BPPC & PPPC Liaisons and
Representatives, and Town Staff
SC-3 Continue to explore potential partnerships and revenue
generating opportunities that mitigate tax impacts
and/or provide enhanced services, programs, or
amenities for residents on both Sea Camps properties
FY24-25 X X
Town Administration and Bay &
Pond Property Planning
Committees
Select Board; BPPC & PPPC Liaisons and
Representatives, and Town Staff
Governance G-1 Evaluate strategies to reduce tax burden on residents,
including examining revenues and targeted local tax
relief options, and managing school budgets FY24 X Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
G-2 Develop and implement communications plan, with
focus on municipal finance and taxes, to best inform
residents and local businesses about Town affairs
FY24-25 X Town Administration Select Board; Town Staff
G-3 Identify priority areas to increase organizational capacity
to meet enhanced service needs and expanded project
demands and develop long-term financing plan to fund
necessary personnel
FY24-25 X X Town Administration, Human
Resources, & Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee; Town Staff
G-4 Conduct assessment of community recreation needs,
develop implementation plan, and provide staffing
supports to deliver enhanced recreation services FY24-25 X X Town Administration
Select Board; Finance Team; Human
Resources; Recreation Dept & Commission;
Natural Resources Dept; Department of
Public Works
Community Character CC-1 Complete Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion audit of Town
policies, provide DEI training to Town officials and staff,
and integrate DEI considerations into Town programs,
events, and activities
FY24-25 X X Town Administration Select Board; Human Resources Department;
Town Staff
CC-2 Develop and implement FY24-28 Age-Friendly
Community Action Plan based on 2023 COA community
needs assessment
FY24-25 X X Council on Aging Board &
Department
Select Board; Town Administration; Social
Services Team
CC-3 Evaluate feasibility of potential childcare subsidy
program, and implement in equitable and sustainable
manner
FY24-25 X Select Board Finance Team; Finance Committee; Housing
Department
CC-4 Evaluate impacts of short-term rentals on the
community and consider potential policy solutions FY25 Select Board & Town
Administration
Board of Health; Health Department; Housing
Department; Building Department; Planning
Department
Open Space OS-1 Develop standard criteria and process to evaluate
potential land acquisitions and consider establishing
municipal land acquisition committee
FY24 X X Select Board
Town Administration; Open Space
Committee; Affordable Housing Trust; Water
Commission; Town Staff
OS-2 Identify priority goals of 2021 Open Space and
Recreation Plan and begin implementation, including
making targeted accessibility improvements to Town-
owned conservation land
FY24-25 X
Natural Resources Advisory
Commission & Dept; Recreation
Commission & Dept
Town Administration; Select Board;
Conservation Commission; Water
Commission & Dept
1
3
Select Board FY24-25 Strategic Plan
FINAL AS APPROVED 08.21.23
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Timeline Vision Plan / Local
Comprehensive Plan FY23-24 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Housing H-1 Promote and encourage support programs that help
residents stay in their homes FY24-25 X X Housing Dept
Select Board; Town Administration;
Affordable Housing Trust; Human Services
Committee; Council on Aging
H-2 Continue implementing Housing Production Plan FY24-25 X X Affordable Housing Trust &
Housing Dept
Select Board; Planning Board; Housing
Partnership; Town Administration; Planner
H-3 Continue to provide support for Millstone Community
Housing initiative FY24-25 X X Town Administration & Housing
Dept
Select Board; Affordable Housing Trust;
Community Preservation Committee
Local Economy LE-1 Develop Guide to Doing Business in Brewster
FY25 X X Town Administration
Building Dept; Health Dept; Planning Dept;
Natural Resources Dept; Town Clerk;
Chamber of Commerce
Coastal Management CM-1 Identify and implement priority goals and strategies of
Coastal Resource Management Plan (Phase I)FY24-25 X Natural Resources Commission
& Dept
Select Board; Conservation Commission;
Town Administration
CM-2 Advance intermunicipal shoreline management plan
initiative with Dennis and Orleans FY24-25 X Natural Resources Dept
Natural Resources Advisory Commission;
Town Administration; Conservation
Commission
Water Resources WR-1 Continue Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
implementation and update as needed to reflect current
alternatives analyses, prioritize pond water quality, and
identify timelines FY24-25 X X Water Resources Task Force
Town Administration; Select Board; Natural
Resources Commission & Dept; Water
Commission & Dept; Board of Health &
Health Dept; Planning Board & Dept; Finance
Committee; Brewster Ponds Coalition
WR-2 Continue to manage Pleasant Bay watershed permit,
develop new watershed permits, and educate the
community about changes to Title V regulations and
new DEP nitrogen sensitive watershed permit
regulations
FY24-25 X Water Resources Task Force
Town Administration; Select Board; Board of
Health & Health Dept; Pleasant Bay Alliance;
Golf Commission & Dept; Brewster Ponds
Coalition
Community Infrastructure CI-1 Collaborate with Brewster Ladies Library Association
Board to determine priorities for library renovations and
possible funding options/opportunities FY24 X Select Board & Town
Administration
Finance Team; Brewster Ladies Library
Association Board & Library Dept; Community
Preservation Committee; Finance Committee
CI-2 Lead approved capital projects through to successful
completion and continue to communicate and engage
with residents
FY24-25 X Town Administration Select Board; Town staff
Climate Mitigation &
Adaptation
CA-1 Identify and implement priority energy and climate
mitigation/ adaptation goals and strategies consistent
with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan,
Green Communities Energy Reduction Plan, and Hazard
Mitigation Plan
FY24-25 X Energy & Climate Action
Committee; Energy Manager Town Administration; Select Board
Solid Waste Management SW-1 Establish improvement process for Department of Public
Works and Recycling Center campus based on results of
site assessment
FY24 X X DPW Director Town Administration; Select Board; Recycling
Commission
2
4
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
1
HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN (HPP) IMPLEMENTATION TABLE OCTOBER 2023
The table below outlines the responsible parties for each strategy, as well as possible time frames and progress on strategies. The column on the right
provides notes and accomplishments regarding the Town's work on the strategies one year into the 5-year plan.
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of September 2023 (Updated from Table 24 in the 2022 HPP) Note: SB FY24-25 Strategic Plan (H-2)
Implementation Strategies
CONFIRM
Responsible Entities
CONFIRM
Time Frame
NOTES
✓
Lead Support
Regulatory Reform
#1
Reevaluate the existing ADU and ACDU bylaws and other
references to accessory apartments; explore amendments to
streamline these provisions and improve their efficacy.
Planning
Building
BHP
HC
SB
In Process/
FY24
Staff feedback. PB evaluation,
drafting, listening sessions &
hearings. SB amendments
Fall23TM. Jon Idman staff lead.
#2 Amend zoning to clearly allow mixed uses that include housing
in business-zoned areas. Planning SB, HC
TA, BHP FY24
Community planning One Stop
grant application 6/23 - Jon
Idman staff lead.
#3
Reevaluate the existing multifamily dwelling bylaw (Section
179-34) and consider changes and other regulatory measures
to facilitate multi-unit residential development.
Planning HC, TA
SB FY24
Community planning One Stop
grant application 6/23 - Jon
Idman staff lead.
#4
Explore measures to require or encourage the inclusion of
affordable units in residential development over a certain
number of units.
Planning HC, TA
SB
TBD
#5 Allow and incentivize the adaptive reuse of existing buildings
for the creation of affordable and mixed income housing.
Planning
Building
TA, SB
HC
ZBA TBD
#6
Utilizing the findings of the ongoing Integrated Water
Resource Management Plan, continue to identify appropriate
wastewater treatment systems to enable the creation of
denser housing development that can support the inclusion of
affordable units.
Interdepartmental:
Water Resources
Task Force.
Health, TA, SB,
Planning, Natural
Resources
HC TBD
5
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
2
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of September 2023 (Updated from Table 24 in the 2022 HPP) Note: SB FY24-25 Strategic Plan (H-2)
Implementation Strategies
CONFIRM
Responsible Entities
CONFIRM
Time Frame
NOTES
✓
Lead Support
Funding & Assets
#7
Continue to work with nearby communities on the Cape by
pooling CPA funds and other resources to construct affordable
housing in suitable locations throughout the region and meet
regional housing needs.
CPC
TA
HC
SB
BHP
BAHT
In process,
success, &
ongoing
Spring TM23: CPC fund HAC
Orleans & POH/CDP Wellfleet.
Spring Rock 55% local & 15%
region preference approved by
EOHLC. CPA app for Fall TM23
✓
#8 Develop a five-year financial plan for the BAHT and determine
whether additional funding streams should be explored.
BAHT & Finance
(FT) Team & SB
HC
CPC
Partially
complete &
In Process
Five year plan developed by
Trust in FY23. Trust has
interest in exploring additional
funding streams.
✓
#9
Based upon the BAHT five-year financial plan, explore other
funding opportunities to support housing initiatives at a range
of income levels.
BAHT, CPC, FT, SB,
TA & HC BHP FY24
Trust notes: RE transfer tax,
year-round deed restrictions,
standing appropriation for land,
Trust for 80-120% AMI.
#10
Explore local property tax incentives for the creation of
affordable housing, such as offering a reduction of property
taxes to an owner renting an affordable unit.
SB
TA
Finance
Assessor
HC
BAHT
TBD
#11 Develop criteria for assessing a property’s suitability for the
creation of affordable and attainable housing.
Planning
HC, BAHT
Building, Health
Cons Comm,
Open Space
TA, SB, MHP
First Not yet addressed, consider for
FY24
#12
Inventory existing Town-owned land using the criteria
developed to determine suitability for housing; develop & issue
an RFP for the development of affordable & attainable housing
on properties identified as suitable for housing development.
Planning
HC
TA
BAHT
Cons Comm
Assessor
SB
Open Space
After #11
#13
If deemed necessary based upon the findings of the Town-
owned land inventory, develop and issue an RFP for the
acquisition of privately held land for the creation of affordable
and attainable housing.
BAHT
TA
HC
Planning
SB After #12
6
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
3
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of September 2023 (Updated from Table 24 in the 2022 HPP) Note: SB FY24-25 Strategic Plan (H-2)
Implementation Strategies
CONFIRM
Responsible Entities
CONFIRM
Time Frame
NOTES
✓
Lead Support
Education & Advocacy
#14 Develop a collaborative housing education plan that connects
to the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP).
BAHT
BHP
HC
Vision
Planning
BHA, COA
In process Working collaboratively with
LCP for Fall TM23
#15
Continue to ensure regular participation by staff and members
of Town bodies in available trainings on housing-related issues
including fair housing, local and regional housing needs,
comprehensive permit administration, and other relevant
topics.
HC
BAHT
BHP
Planning
CPC
ZBA
SB
Finance
In process &
ongoing
Provide training info.
Local Preference Forum on
8.17.23.
Local Policy & Planning Strategies
#16
Continue to make good use of 40B, including the Local
Initiative Program (LIP), as a vehicle for creating affordable
housing.
BHP
BAHT
HC, TA
SB
ZBA
CPC
Success &
ongoing
Brewster Woods leased,
Habitat in development,
Spring Rock Village comp
permit approved.
SB FY24-25 Plan (H-3)
✓
#17
Encourage public/private partnerships to facilitate the
collaborative production of affordable housing to meet a range
of community needs.
BAHT
BHP
HC
TA
SB
Planning
CPC
TBD No inquiries thus far.
#18
Continue to monitor the impacts of short-term rentals on the
availability of year-round rental units; review and consider
changes to local policies accordingly.
SB
Finance
TA
BAHT
HC In process
SB FY24-25 Plan (CC-4)
Evaluate impacts of short term
rentals.
#19
Increase housing staff capacity to ensure continued and
consistent collaboration with the Building, Conservation,
Health, and Planning Departments.
TA, BAHT
Finance
HC
Interdepartment
al: Building
Planning
In process
Housing Trust approved
funding for housing program
assistant. Job description in
process for hiring FY24.
7
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
4
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of September 2023 (Updated from Table 24 in the 2022 HPP) Note: SB FY24-25 Strategic Plan (H-2)
Implementation Strategies
CONFIRM
Responsible Entities
CONFIRM
Time Frame
NOTES
✓
Lead Support
Community Resources & Local Support
#20
Continue the CDBG-funded housing rehabilitation program to
enable income-eligible homeowners to make critical home
repairs.
HC
TA
Finance
SB
BAHT
Building
In process
Received 1.7M CDBG FY22/23
funding as lead community.
SB FY24-25 Plan (H-1)
✓
#21 Evaluate current CPC-funded housing initiatives and consider
adjusting to meet current needs.
BAHT
CPC, SB
HC
BHP In process
BAHT will oversee Buydown,
CPC request Fall TM23. Rental
assistance continued, 3 year
contract with HAC 8.23.
✓
#22
Explore other opportunities for direct support for eligible
households, including partnerships with local non-profits and
housing assistance providers.
HC
BHP
BAHT
COA, SB
CPC
BHA
In process
Working with CDP & HAC on
ADU resources. Cape Light
Compact. Water bills.
Notations: yellow highlight- active work
BAHT- Brewster Affordable Housing Trust BHA- Brewster Housing Authority BHP- Brewster Housing Partnership
COA- Council on Aging CPC- Community Preservation Committee Cons Comm- Conservation Committee
FT- Finance Team HC- Housing Coordinator MHP- MA Housing Partnership
SB- Select Board TA- Town Administration ZBA- Zoning Board of Appeals
✓ = accomplishment
8
Lower Cape Housing Institute 2023-
2024
SEPTEMBER 2023
OCTOBER 2023
Workshop: Housing 101
Tuesday, 10/17 at 10 am - 11:30 am
DECEMBER 2023
JANUARY 2024
Workshop: ADU’s to Zoning
Changes: Strategies to Encourage
Housing Production
Tuesday, 1/9 at 10 am - 11:30 am
MARCH 2024
Regional Peer Group Meetings
Tuesday, 3/12 at 3 pm - 5 pm
APRIL 2024
MAY 2024
2024 Annual Town Meetings
JUNE 2024
FEBRUARY 2024
Outer Cape Peer Group
Tuesday, 9/12 at 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Lower Cape Peer Group
Thursday, 9/14 at 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Workshop: Community
Engagement
Tuesday, 10/31 at 10 am - 11:30 am
Workshop: Local Preference -
“But who’s going to live there?”
Tuesday, 2/13 at 10 am - 11:30 am
Workshop: Financing Affordable
Housing
Tuesday, 4/2 at 10 am - 11:30 am
Town Captain Huddle
Thursday, 5/30 at 12 pm - 2 pm
Outer Cape Peer Group
Tuesday, 6/11 at 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Lower Cape Peer Group
Thursday, 6/13 at 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Regional Peer Group Meetings
Tuesday, 12/12 at 3 pm - 5 pm
T o r e g i s t e r , e m a i l
A m a n d a B e b r i n , D i r e c t o r
o f H o u s i n g A d v o c a c y a t
a m a n n d a @ c a p e c d p .o r g
9
2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4
L O W E R
C A P E
H O U S I N G
I N S T I T U T E
H e l d S e l e c t
T u e s d a y s ,
1 0 a m -
1 1 :3 0 a m
V i r t u a l
W o r k s h o p s
Register at
capecdp.org, and click
on Upcoming Events
and then Housing to
sign up for workshops
and peer groups. Pre-
registration is
required.
C o n t a c t :
A m a n d a B e b r i n
D i r e c t o r o f H o u s i n g
A d v o c a c y
a m a n d a @ c a p e c d p .o r g
5 0 8 -2 9 0 -0 1 3 0
L o w e r & O u t e r C a p e
P e e r G r o u p M e e t i n g s
Q u a r t e r l y , S e l e c t T u e s d a y s
a n d T h u r s d a y s 3 p m - 4 :3 0 p m
F a l l P e e r G r o u p
W i n t e r P e e r G r o u p
S p r i n g P e e r G r o u p
S u m m e r P e e r G r o u p
Outer Cape Peer Group
Tuesday, September 12th
Lower Cape Peer Group
Thursday, September 14th
Regional Peer Group Meeting
Tuesday, December 12th
3 pm - 5pm
Regional Peer Group Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th
3 pm - 5pm
Outer Cape Peer Group
Tuesday, June 11th
Lower Cape Peer Group
Thursday, June 13th 10
W O R K S H O P : H O U S I N G 1 0 1
What is housing, affordable and attainable?
Who needs it?
What are the various types of housing that
would meet the need of a diverse community?
What can it look like and how does it get built?
What do we need to get the best housing?
What housing developments are happening in
your town?
Date: October 17, 2023
This workshop addresses barriers to housing
production on the Lower & Outer Cape by providing
effective strategies to create more homes in your
town. You will leave this workshop with the
knowledge and language to support housing
initiatives as well as a firm understanding of what
must be done to solve your town’s housing crisis.
We’ll explore the following questions:
W O R K S H O P : C O M M U N I T Y
E N G A G E M E N T
Date: October 31, 2023
Housing opportunities are made or broken
at the local level, but recent research* has
shown that the loudest voices in the room
often do not represent the community as a
whole. In this session, we’ll explore a
variety of methods for inviting groups that
are underrepresented in local decision-
making, including renters, POC, and
parents, into the conversation in order to
create more equitable outcomes.
W O R K S H O P : A D U ’S T O
Z O N I N G C H A N G E S :
S T R A T E G I E S T O E N C O U R A G E
H O U S I N G P R O D U C T I O N
Date: January 9, 2024
Historically, zoning has been used to exclude
development, uses, and people. This workshop
will explore how we can reimagine zoning to
encourage certain development patterns, create
needed homes, and attract a range of residents.
Zoning-based tools ranging from ADU’s to design
standards and housing “by right” can be used to
accomplish these goals; this workshop will also
discuss the practicalities of implementing these
strategies.
W O R K S H O P : L O C A L
P R E F E R E N C E : “...B U T W H O ’S
G O I N G T O L I V E T H E R E ”?
Date: February 13, 2024
What are local preference and affirmative fair
marketing? Is local preference working the way
people think it does? While the term seems
self-explanatory, the mechanics of local
preference are complex and not widely
understood. Providing homes for local people
and providing homes for new residents are
equally important in a healthy, sustainable
community, and we’ll explore how local
preference is involved in that equation.
W O R K S H O P :F I N A N C I N G
A T T A I N A B L E H O U S I N G
Date: April 2, 2024
In order to address the housing shortage,
towns must allocate significant local funds
to create more units serving a range of
income levels. This workshop will examine
how affordable housing development
initiatives are financed, as well as exploring
gaps in financing, and will analyze the
impact of allocating short-term rental
taxes to housing initiatives.
11
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
8.31. 2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 4
MINUTES OF THE BREWSTER HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
DATE: August 31, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: 2198 Main Street
PARTICIPANTS: Chair Jillian Douglass, Lisa Forhan, Vanessa Greene, Sarah Robinson, Ralph Marotti
REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: David Quinn for HAC.
Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
• Chair Douglass called the meeting to order at 6:03pm and completed a roll call vote. She declared a
quorum with all current members present except Steve Seaver.
Chair Douglass read the meeting participation statement and the recording statement.
Review of Housing-Related Applications Referred by the Community Preservation Committee(CPC) :
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust’s Application for $250,000 of CPA Funding For Continuation of
Brewster’s Affordable Housing Buy-Down Program –
Presentation by Donna Kalinick, BAHT member
Ms. Kalinick introduced herself and explained that, since 2007 the Town CPC has managed Brewster’s
Buy-Down Program and has expended the full amount allocated, which was $360,000, to assist twelve (12)
income-eligible households to purchase homes in Brewster at affordable prices. Most of those homes where
units within the Town’s subsidized housing inventory(SHI), meaning they already had de ed-restrictions
related to their future resale prices. All home assisted by this program have, as a condition of CPA program
subsidy, permanent deed-restrictions, so that their future resale prices will be affordable to future
households earning no more than 70% of AMI. The program has been overseen by the Community
Preservation Committee, and is primarily administered by the Housing Coordinator (Jill Scalise). In the past
awards had been capped at $30,000 per household. This application is requesting that the program come
under the Housing Trust (as opposed to the CPC), because the Trust would have broader funding and
management flexibilities and capabilities than the CPC. The Trust will be revising the standard assistance
award amount to up to $50,000, flexing upwards if the Trust deems worthy and appropriate. It is noted that
under current market conditions, the amounts that would typically be required by a household earning 70%
AMI to buy a market-rate home (i.e.: one not discounted or currently deed-restricted for affordable re-sale)
could be over $300,000, due to the current scarcity of affordable homes in our Town and the current income
gap.
The continuation of the Buy Down Program is consistent and aligned with the goals and strategies
identified and put forward by the Community Preservation Plan, the Town’s Housing Production Plan and the
AFH Trust’s goals.
It was clarified for Mr. Marotti that an income-eligible buyer must apply for Buy-Down funds and the
home for purchase must meet standards for occupancy. If repairs are required, funds are held in escrow until
repairs are completed and the home is habitable. Costs are included in the grant amount. Ms. Forhan noted
that the thank you and support letter from a program participant was very helpful.
12
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
8.31. 2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 4
The Chair encouraged the Town to further support and encourage Brewster property owners to offer
discounted sales of their property. Ms. Kalinick noted that HAC’s Ready to Buy list is used to identify buyers,
but a lottery is undertaken to ensure fair marketing.
Sarah Robinson moved that the Partnership accept the application and recommend that the CPC support it
and forward it to Town Meeting for funding approval. Lisa Forhan seconded the motion. The vote was 5
yes, unanimously in favor.
Review of Housing-Related Applications Referred by the Community Preservation Committee(CPC) :
Application from Brewster Affordable Housing Trust for $500,000 in CPA housing funds towards the
development of 45 units of Affordable Rental Housing known as Spring Rock Village, a MGL C.40B LIP
Project permitted by the Brewster ZBA on June 13, 2023. –
Presented (virtually) by David Quinn, Director of Development for Housing Assistance Corporation(HAC) &
Vita Shidovsky of Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)
Mr. Quinn introduced the new name of Spring Rock for the development and outlined the project team &
partners. He presented illustrations of showing the location and site, pointing out that by clustering
construction in the northwest corner of the site, they were able to leave 78% of the site currently un-
touched and undisturbed.
The mix for the 45 rental units will be:
15 1-bedroom,
25 2-bedroom and
5 3-bedroom units
He further explained and illustrated the project design, inclu ding building types. His presentation showed
that the affordability ranges for the 45 units mix would be:
8 units affordable to Households of 30% AMI,
27 units affordable to Households of 60% AMI
10 units affordable to Households of 80% AMI
with current representative rents are:
1-bed = $591 - $1,739
2-bed = $821 - $1,957
3-bed = $1,252 - $2,173
Ms. Shidovsky reported that after 5 meetings with the Local ZBA, the Town approved the 40B
Comprehensive Permit for this Local Initiative Project in July. Through the process, drawings and details have
advanced to improve privacy and ambiance, as well as circulation of both vehicles and pedestrians. The
professional plan sheets are close to ready. Construction cost estimates are in progress and expected to be
completed this Fall for EOHLC submission for funding approval this Winter. Approval of local funding
assistance will be valuable towards gaining State approvals for additional subsidies and funding.
The funding sources were further detailed, including a State 9% tax credits and solar energy tax credits, and
funding from the CPC or neighboring Towns, pending final construction estimates.
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Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
8.31. 2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 4
Mr. Marotti asked about emergency back-up power, suggesting that solar battery back-up would be a nice
feature. It was noted that all systems are intended to be electric, but there is natural gas service on Millstone
Road for a potential generator. POAH will remain as the management entity as well as the developer and
they will likely explore the potential for solar/battery powered emergency back-up power at a future date.
Vanessa Green asked about local preference. Donna Kalinick reported that the Town Select Board has
requested 55% Local Preference and 15-20% Regional Preference approval from the State EOHLC. Approval
looks promising.
The Chair noted that over the course of the Partnership’s review, the project costs of $18.6M have risen to
over $27M. It was noted that the cost per unit is currently projected at $414/unit, which is substantially
below costs that are coming in for projects in other Towns. Donna Kalinick noted that the progressive
improvements to the design that have resulted from intensive public engagement have added to the cost. It
was agreed that the depth of thought and input that have gone into the public process for this project are
yielding an extremely high-quality neighborhood with extraordinary attention to detail.
It was noted that as part of the Approval of the Town’s Housing Production Plan, these 45 units, which have
been “in the pipeline”, have been included in the Town’s SHI. Since original LIP application for this project
was submitted in 2017, the Town’s Chapter 40B Affordable Housing percentage of year-round housing units
has risen 2%. In 2017, using the 2010 decennial census data the Town, 5.2% of the Town’s year-round
housing was considered Affordable. Now using the 2020 census data, Brewster has achieved 7.2% Affordable
housing. With our updated 2023 Housing Production Plan approval, Brewster has attained State status of
“Safe Harbor” stemming from its progress, and is exempted from mandatory waiver of local zoning for any
non-compliant proposed (“un-friendly”) Comprehensive Permits, until June 2024.
Mr. Ralph Marotti “enthusiastically” moved to support the Trust’s application for $500,000 of CPA Housing
funds towards HAC/POAH’s development of Spring Rock Village, and to recommend that the CPC fund the
request and forward the application to Twon Meeting for approval. Lisa Forhan seconded the motion
“enthusiastically”. The vote was unanimously 5 votes in favor.
Housing Updates
Donna – 212 Yankee Drive – Contractors to start a 12-week construction project and lottery to begin 30 days
prior to occupancy.
Lottery held for Phoebe’s Way Habitat units (2)
Lottery held for a Sachemus Trail unit. 19 of the 21 applicants September
Volunteer Appreciation Event 9/30/23, Sat. 10a-12p
Lower Cape CDP Peer Group 9/14/23 3pm, Hybrid – live or virtual options.
Governor’s Declaration of Crisis related to Emergency for sheltering of migrant populations. Joint Base Cape
Cod, Eastham potential site. Further exacerbating the temporary sheltering that occurs for our seasonal
population placements in hotel & motel.
14
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
8.31. 2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 4
Chair noted the Town of Dennis held a public hearing on Tuesday regarding a Multi-Use Re-Zoning initiative
for 4 or 5 parcels totaling 88 acres on Route 134, with a potential 700-1,200 unit build-out. She noted there
was obvious misunderstanding by the public between a specific “development project” and a re-zoning
initiative, which would simply offer the option for future development.
Donna Kalinick reported that the Draft ADU bylaw changes will be heard by the Select Board on 9/11/23.
From there it will likely be referred back to the Planning Board for public hearing. It was noted that the
Planning Board has intentions to discuss and present future zoning initiatives for Multi-Family zoning & “Top-
of-Shop” housing.
The Chair reported that the Barnstable County HOME Consortium met last week. The Cape Cod Commission
and County are working towards the establishment of a Regional Housing Service Office. They are seeking
public input on the role and responsibilities that a Regional Housing Office could fulfil, including data
collection and compilation as well as SHI monitoring and reporting.
Donna Kalinick reported that the Town had issued a Request for Quotes for Rehab work on 212 Yankee
Drive. HAC will be coordinating the rehab work and The Resource Inc (TRI) will serve as the independent
Lottery Agent
No Minutes were presented for approval.
Sept. 21, 2023 set for the next meeting.
Ralph Marotti moved to adjourn. Vanessa Green seconded. The vote was 5 yes, in unanimous favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian Douglass, Chair
15