Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2023-11-02 MinutesBrewster Housing Trust November 2, 2023, 5:00 pm Meeting Housing Trust Members Present: Tim Hackert, Donna Kalinick, Paul Ruchinskas, Vanessa Greene, Antone Freitas, Maggie Spade -Aguilar, Ned Chatelain Others Present: Jill Scalise- Housing Coordinator, Robert Tobias- Finance Committee 1. Call to Order, Declaration of Quorum, Meeting Participation and Recording Statement: Tim Hackert called the meeting to order at 5:01pm, read the required notice and declared a quorum. 2. Citizen's Forum: None 3. 212 Yankee Drive update Donna Kalinick shared that the work at 212 Yankee Drive is progressing well. As seen in pictures, the walls and ceilings are now up. Donna Kalinick and Jill Scalise visited the site and chose paint colors. Pearl Construction and project manager Spencer Cleary have been very responsive in working with the Town. Public Works has done some fall clean- up work including power washing the deck. The electrical inspection and related work were completed within the allotted funding. Tempered glass windows in the bathroom and a storm door will be change orders. A quote for purchase and installation of appliances has also been requested. These costs will be brought before the Trust at the next meeting. Jill Scalise added that Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) will be overseeing the affordable fair housing lottery for the property. There will be a 60 day marketing for the property. After speaking with HAC, it is anticipated that marketing will begin by December 11. Hopefully, there will be pictures and a walk through of the property prior to the end of marketing. Paul Ruchinskas asked what percentage of construction was complete. Donna Kalinick answered that the project is about 40-45% complete. An updated schedule is expected this week with the project almost complete by December 15th. Tim Hackert summarized that the Trust anticipates work to be complete by the end of December, marketing to be in place before completion of construction, and resale in 2024. 4. Housing Program Assistant position update Jill Scalise shared that resumes and applications have been received. First interviews were held, and the process is moving forward smoothly. Jill Scalise thanked Susan Broderick, Human Resources Director, who has been extremely helpful with this process. Materials needed for start-up and a location in the Planning Department have also been discussed. Realistically, it would be December when someone is onboard. 5. Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Items: Annual Hearing and Town Meeting Housing Funding Articles: BAHT Buydown Program and Spring Rock Village Jill Scalise and Donna Kalinick shared about Brewster Housing initiatives at the CPC Annual Hearing. The presentation notes are provided in the packet. As for CPC housing funding requests, the Trust's Buydown Program application has been recommended for approval by the Housing Partnership, CPC, Select Board and Finance Committee. Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) request for funding of Spring Rock Village has also been recommended for approval by the CPC, BHP, Select Board and Finance Committee. At POAH and HAC's request, Jill Scalise wrote a letter regarding Regional Housing and Spring Rock Village. This letter, provided to the Trust, documents the local and regional need for affordable housing and the local and regional preferences approved by the State for Spring Rock Village. POAH and HAC included the letter with CPC funding requests to other regional towns. Eastham, Truro, and Chatham applications were due November 1St for spring town meetings. Additional applications will be due in the future. Tim Hackert noted that Town Meeting will be held on Monday November 13th at 6PM. Donna Kalinick added that there could be questions related to Spring Rock Village at Town Meeting. POAH and HAC will also be putting in a pre -application to the state for funding November 15tH 6. Housing Trust Guidelines and 2024 Priority Initiatives Discussion Jill Scalise introduced the discussion by going through the Housing Trust priorities for FY22-23. Section 1: Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing. #1 Develop new affordable housing by building (Housing Production Plan (HPP) #16, #8 & #12): The Trust has been successful in working on Spring Rock Village. The Trust has also been involved in the Sea Camps properties. #2: Develop new affordable housing without building: The ADU bylaw revisions (HPP #1) are on the Town Meeting (TM) warrant. The rental voucher program (HPP #21) has been evaluated, funded, and continued. The Trust has not seen an opportunity for a rent -to -own program (HPP #22). #3 Evaluate effectiveness and reach of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for housing rehabilitation. (HPP#20) The Town received another 1.7M in CDBG funds and the Trust has not seen a need for additional funding. #4: Continue to work to preserve 3 Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) properties (HPP# 21). 212 Yankee Drive was discussed earlier, and the Town continues to work on 11 Sean Circle and 88 Belmont Park Road. #5: Work with Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to determine future of Affordable Buy -Down Program (HPP#21). As mentioned earlier, this is on the Town Meeting warrant. #6: Develop rules and program guidelines for BAHT, particularly around funding (HPP#8). The Trust guidelines were approved last year. #7: Participate in the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) process, including advocate and explore a review of current zoning as it relates to housing (HPP #14). The LCP is on Town Meeting warrant. The Planning Department is working on other zoning changes and the Town has received a grant for this work. The Trust has completed a lot over the past two years. Ned Chatelain asked about the timeline of the zoning grant. Jill Scalise responded that the work has not yet started. The grant was put together by the Town Planner Jon Idman for June 1St and the Town just received notice of the award last week. Donna Kalinick would like to see Spring Rock housing continue as a priority. For housing rehab and childcare assistance, the Select Board has a goal of looking at a childcare stipend not restricted by 80% AMI. Additionally, Donna Kalinick would like to keep priority #4 continue to work to preserve subsidized housing. Additionally, the finance team has met on an update of the 5 year financial plan. Paul Ruchinskas suggested that the priority time frame be FY24-25. Trust members agreed. Paul Ruchinskas stated, keep #1 Millstone and looking for the next development site. Keep #4. #2 & #3 can be removed. Donna Kalinick asked about keeping support of zoning discussions. The Trust may also want to consider hiring a consultant to look at potential land suitable for affordable housing which would be an action item. Maggie Spade -Aguilar had mentioned this idea several months ago. Paul Ruchinskas agreed as this follows the HPP strategies of # 10,11, 12 which include, first, looking at Town owned land and then at a set of criteria to evaluate sites. Ned Chatelain and Donna Kalinick noted that is on the Select Board strategic plan to create guidelines for purchasing land. This is all inclusive guidance for housing, open space or other uses. Tim Hackert noted that the priority is to identify the next site and the action items include having a consultant identify what is available. This is something to be coordinated with the Select Board and could potentially also mesh with other groups like the Brewster Conservation Trust. Donna Kalinick noted that the Trust's work would be housing focused. Trust members expressed that it would be nice to work collaboratively on a project that could combine housing and conservation elements. Paul Ruchinskas mentioned that initiatives for year-round deed restrictions, while they would develop new affordable housing without building, would fit better under the advocate segment. #2 could be eliminated or listed as continue rental assistance program. Jill Scalise stated the list could include ongoing programs. Based on the discussion, Jill Scalise will create a draft of the Trust priorities for review at December's Housing Trust meeting. Maggie Spade -Aguilar would like to have a priority related to the Trust's participation in the zoning discussion. Donna Kalinick clarified what she would like to keep from priority #7: Advocate and explore a review of current zoning as it relates to housing. Paul Ruchinskas noted that this might fit better under advocacy. Jill Scalise continued with Section 2: Educate. #1: Hold at least annual forums and Select Board updates as well as regularly post information on the Town website (HPP#14). #2 Hold ongoing joint meetings with other committees. #3: Community Education Sessions (HPP #7 & #15) All were actively involved in and done over the past two years as listed in the packet material. Vanessa Greene noted that the Housing Partnership (BHP) is going through a similar process. It would be helpful to coordinate primary goals for the BHP and the BAHT and make sure that efforts are not being duplicated. Donna Kalinick asked if the Trust can keep some iteration of working in conjunction with and supporting the BHP. Paul Ruchinskas noted this could go under ongoing activity. Vanessa Greene added that this area is similar to Engage and Communicate. Maggie Spade -Aguilar noted how much she appreciated the Local Preference Forum and encouraged continued education. Jill Scalise noted that it is important to coordinate with the BHP's goals and the Trust may play a supportive role in a community forum. Jill Scalise continued with Section 3: Advocate & Collaborate. #1 Advocate for the Trust's current funding strategy that includes CPA, STRR, free cash and/or budget allocations and CDBG. This was done by the Trust. #2: Develop a 5 -year financial plan (HPP#8). This was completed and is in the process of being updated. #3: Advocate for a more flexible CPA funding formula (HPP#7). This was passed last year's Town Meeting. #4: Explore other potential Trust funding (HPP#9 ) was discussed at many Trust meetings. #5: Update Housing Production Plan (HPP). The Plan was updated, approved and certified. #6: Participate in the LCP Process (HPP #14) The Trust did this for two years. #7: Work 3 with other housing partners in Town & in surrounding towns. (HPP #11,12 &22) This is a large area. The Trust was active in numerous areas. However, there were not guidelines for land created. Donna Kalinick suggested that #1 could go into ongoing or rework into community preservation for development. Keep some version of #7, whether ongoing or stand alone, as this is important to what the Trust does. Ned Chatelain asked whether advocate would be a good place for engage with state law changes. Paul Ruchinskas stated there should be a mention of housing acquisition fund as an action item under develop and preserve. Jill Scalise continued with Section 4: Engage & Communicate. #1: Provide opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and ideas. A Community Forum was held as well as monthly Citizen's Forum opportunities. An informal diversity inclusion group was created in 2020 without much follow-up. Donna Kalinick noted that this flows with the Select Board's efforts and suggested that Trust participate in Select Board's diversity efforts. Maggie Spade -Aguilar commented that other Towns have Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) working groups and asked about the Select Board's work. Donna Kalinick stated the Select Board had a DEI audit done in 2022 and received a state grant to look at Town policies and practices. The findings will inform how to move forward. Maggie Spade - Aguilar and Donna Kalinick both noted the importance of housing involvement on any possible working group. This is another area that may include BHP participation. Jill Scalise stated this concludes the overview of the current Trust priorities and continued the discussion by referencing the Housing Production Plan (HPP) Implementation Strategies and noted how the priorities connect with the strategies. Vanesa Greene asked about attainable housing, this is for folks above 80% AMI. Jill Scalise will prepare a draft of the Trust priorities for the December meeting as well as updates to the Housing Trust Guidelines. 7. Housing Coordinator update including Habitat for Humanity Phoebe Way Jill Scalise highlighted the Habitat for Humanity Phoebe Way upcoming Community Kick- off and Wall Raising dates. Habitat received 30 applications for the two homes, one build is a veteran's preference. The chosen households to build and purchase the homes will be introduced at the community kick-off. Jill Scalise and Donna Kalinick as well as several additional Trust members attended the Housing to Protect Cape Cod Summit last week. This was a great opportunity to bring folks together from different backgrounds and across the Cape to work to protect the Cape Cod community. Donna Kalinick noted that Catalyst Architects won the Gold Award from Cape Cod Homebuilders and Remodelers Association (CCHB&R) for their design of Brewster Woods. There was an article in the Cape Cod Chronicle about Brewster Woods Passive House Certification. Jill Scalise continued that 6 Sachemus Trail was resold, and the deed restriction violation was addressed. Donna Kalinick noted the amount of time and effort involved by the Housing Coordinator in this resale. The Housing Program is grateful for the Town's good relationship with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) and for HLC's guidance and assistance. Jill Scalise added that the Town is moving forward on 11 Sean Circle, trying to make sure the affordable home is habitable prior to resale. 4 8. Cape Cod Sea Camps updates Tim Hackert stated that there was a joint meeting between the Select Board, Bay and Pond Committees to address policy issues that had been raised by the consultants. The consensus was to retain the discussion of housing on one or both of the parcels. Following up at a Pond Committee meeting, a consultant from Horsely-Whitten shared how stormwater and wastewater requirements could be addressed on the Pond Property. There will be Community Forum # 3 on November 30th at 6PM. Donna Kalinick noted that the consultant from W,X,Y did high level examples of potential housing on the Pond and Bay parcels. On the Pond parcel, housing would be limited to 6 acres of the 66 acres, away from the pond. Tim Hackert added that one perspective is that conservation and open space are important, and these would have 65-70% of the parcel. The acres that might be identified for housing abut residential neighborhoods, half of the 'housing area' would remain open space, and the wastewater treatment could also assist in addressing concerns regarding the Herring River Watershed water quality issues. Donna Kalinick and Tim Hackert noted that there are many complex issues, and it is important to take a long term view. Maggie Spade -Aguilar noted the four housing scenarios are all in an area of approximately 9% of the property. Ned Chatelain thought the presentation by Horsely Witten provided excellent information. Tim Hackert added the Cape Cod Chronicle had an article about the meeting. 9. Town Meeting housing related article update and discussion: Planning Board representative Tony Freitas shared that the Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw amendments would simplify the bylaw and make it easier to use while still addressing water and building concerns. Tony Frietas provided examples of the proposed bylaw changes. Paul Ruchinskas asked about the required affidavit to be filed with the Building Commissioner. Jill Scalise added the proposed bylaw provides some flexibility for the Building Commissioner to determine what is required in the affidavit. The Planning Board reached out to the Building Department, Health Department, Housing Office and community about what would be beneficial in their work to remove barriers and streamline the ADU process. Tony Frietas shared that housing and conservation can work well together. Maggie Spade -Aguilar asked about which units a year-round resident can live in. Tony Frietas replied, the homeowner can live in either unit. Paul Ruchinskas stated the proposed bylaw looks like a good improvement. Donna Kalinick shared that the Town has been working on a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) since the creation of the 2018 Vision Plan. Last year the LCP did not pass at Town Meeting around particular Wing Island concerns. An LCP is a guidance document for your community. Just because something isn't in an LCP, doesn't mean that you can't do it. For example, the Cape Cod Sea Camps purchase. The Vision Planning Committee streamlined the language, brought the LCP in line with 2023, and removed specific references to projects that are no longer on the table. Donna Kalinick noted the importance of plans and that a failure to plan doesn't mean that change doesn't happen. It means that change happens, but you haven't planned for it. Ned Chatelain recused himself for the discussion of the Citizen Petition Articles regarding short term rentals. Tim Hackert shared about the two citizen's petition articles which the Select Board and Finance Committee did not support. Tim 5 Hackert read from the Provincetown Donahue study on short term rentals. It is not clear whether the regulation of short term rentals has a significant benefit for affordable housing. The Health Department provided estimated costs to oversee a short term registration program. The Select Board has an item to address short term rentals in their Strategic Plan. Several towns do have short term bylaws, these have taken a while to be drafted and approved. Paul Ruchinskas stated this is a concept worth pursuing but not ready to be adopted at this time. Maggie Spade -Aguilar applauded the citizen's work on the warrant article and liked the idea behind these articles. Donna Kalinick encouraged anyone interested in creating a citizen's petition to work with the Town to submit the petition in the best form. Looking at short term rentals is on the Select Board Strategic Plan and in the Housing Production Plan. Finance Committee Liaison Robert Tobias stated the Finance Committee had issues with the form of the petition, not the merit, and encouraged citizens to work with the Town when creating citizen's petitions. Tony Frietas stated that short term rentals and housing advocacy are two separate issues. The Town needs to be a big tent: conservation, housing, part-time residents, all working together to solve the housing challenges. Tim Hackert added that Brewster has 1100 short term rentals, this is quite large, and the Town has an interest in making sure short term rentals fit with the community character. Tim Hackert continued and mentioned Article 11, the Community Preservation Act exclusion for folks under 80% AMI. Ned Chatelain returned and thanked Tim Hackert for highlighting this warrant article. This is an attempt to bring state authorized tax relief to residents of Brewster and to help folks to stay in Brewster. 10. Example & Discussion of potential site, 2750 Main Street, for affordable housing development. Tim Hackert noticed a listing for 9 Y acres in Brewster, a potential site for affordable housing. This would be about $2 million dollars for a housing site and an example of what purchasing land might cost. Tony Freitas also noticed a commercial building for sale on Main Street which has the potential for affordable rental units. Donna Kalinick noted, with current zoning, the only path for rental housing at this Main Street location is a Comprehensive Permit project. 11. For Your Information Donna Kalinick shared that included in the packet is a Fact Sheet on the Housing Bond Bill, this includes a local option transfer fee. 12. Matters Not Reasonable Anticipated by the Chair 13. Approval of Minutes from October 5, 2023 and joint meeting with CPC January 11, 2023 Ned Chatelain moved to approve minutes from the January 11th joint meeting CPC & Housing Trust with Scribner's edits. Second Donna Kalinick. Unanimously approved. Ned Chatelain moved to approve October 5, 2023 minutes with Scribner's edits. Second Paul Ruchinskas. Minutes approved with an abstention by Tony Frietas. 0 14. Next Scheduled Meeting: December 7, 2023 15. Adjournment At 6:51PM Ned Chatelain moved to adjourn the meeting. Second Tony Frietas. Unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator Packet Materials: 12.07.23 BAHT Meeting Packet ibrewster-ma.goy) Approved: December 7, 2023