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HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2023-12-07 MinutesBrewster Housing Trust December 7, 2023, 5:00 pm Meeting Housing Trust Members Present in Person: Tim Hackert, Donna Kalinick, Paul Ruchinskas, Maggie Spade -Aguilar, Ned Chatelain Remote Presence: Antone Freitas Absent: Vanessa Greene Others Present: Jill Scalise- Housing Coordinator, Robert Tobias- Finance Committee (by Zoom) 1. Call to Order, Declaration of Quorum, Meeting Participation and Recording Statement: Tim Hackert called the meeting to order at 5:02pm, read the required notice and declared a quorum. 2. Citizen's Forum: Tim Hackert shared an acknowledgment and moment of silence for Pearl Harbor Day. 3. Spring Rock Village update and presentation by David Quinn, Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) and Vita Shklovsky, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) Paul Ruchinskas recused himself for this agenda item. David Quinn, HAC, shared a presentation on the proposed changes for Spring Rock Village. The Development Team present included Cory Fellows from POAH, Christina Carlsson from Union Studio, Brian Coutre from Horsely Witten as well as Vita Shklovsky (POAH) on Zoom. David Quinn stated that since the Development Team was last at the Housing Trust in the late winter/ spring, POAH and HAC have gone through the permitting process and, with minor changes including to parking and landscaping, the project received a comprehensive permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). After the Comprehensive Permit approval, POAH & HAC advanced the conceptual plans to a further level of construction detail to obtain more accurate construction pricing. The cost estimates received in the fall were quite a bit higher than anticipated, leaving a large funding gap. This led to a further examination of possible price reductions and funding possibilities. The project has been redesigned over the past 2 months to meet financial feasibility. The goal was to create a redesign that retained the core elements, like the village center concept and the open space, and met the intent of the original RFP. POAH and HAC plan to request a modification of the comprehensive permit by the ZBA. The updated design was shared with the BAHT and BAHT feedback was requested. There are some aspects seen as improvements. Christina Carlsson highlighted the design changes made to reduce costs. The 45 affordable rental units remain the same. The proposed redesign reduces the number of buildings from 12 to 7, condenses the site, enables the design to preserve additional open space, and increases the buffer on the north. In the redesign, consolidating the buildings reduces the cost of connecting each building to utilities. Combining the center wall and reducing the windows cuts costs and creates more energy efficient buildings. Northern and southern streetscapes show a reduction in light and an increase of open space. Parking spaces increase from 65 to 66 while the bedroom count remains the same. The impervious surface has also been reduced. David Quinn wrapped up noting the benefits of the redesign including a more compact development, with a more efficient use of space. The Union Studios redesign takes the existing buildings, puts them together and keeps the same form and height and architectural style. There are no additional waivers with the redesign. Additionally, the buffer near Ocean edge increases. This was an area of concern during the ZBA process. Tim Hackert asked about the reduction of the cost. David Quinn answered, the redesign brings the construction cost to about 22 million which is considered feasible by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC). The project is in the HLC funding round right now. In addition to the cost cuts, POAH & HAC are trying to secure additional funding. CPC applications are out in Chatham, Eastham, Orleans, Wellfleet and Truro and an additional application will go to Provincetown. Brewster has given funding to projects in other towns. The regional benefits of this project will be shared along with the Town's regional preference for initial leasing. The funding request to the BAHT is expected to increase from an anticipated $500,000 to 1 million. Tim Hackert noted that the points of importance to the Trust, and included in the RFP, were addressed well, even better than it was before. Ned Chatelain noted that it is not a surprise to see costs higher than when this process started 18 months ago and is fully supportive of the redesign which meets the goals of the original RFP and is less expensive. Ned Chatelain liked the symmetry of a $500,000 request to the Brewster CPC & BAHT and asked if there is more that could be done to reduce costs. Dave Quinn answered that POAH & HAC will continue to look to reduce costs. Furthermore, all the funding applications are out right now, a request to the Brewster Trust depends on the results of the current CPC applications and the funding request to the state. POAH and HAC are waiting for more funding information before applying to the BAHT with a goal to ask for as little funds from Brewster as needed to make the project feasible. Maggie Spade -Aguilar thanked the team for the proposal and asked how the joining of the buildings would impact solar panels and how the reduction in windows would impact light in the apartments. Christina Carlsson replied that the joined buildings are an improvement for solar power and all units will have windows and outside light. Donna Kalinick shared that the Town went through a notice of project change and modification with Brewster Woods. The development went from 4 buildings to 2 buildings (a large building with 23 units and a smaller building with 7 units plus the office and community space). In that circumstance, POAH & HAC shared the proposed changes with the Housing Authority, who issued the RFP, and the Housing Partnership as well as the ZBA as required. The ZBA determines whether the proposed change is a substantial change or an unsubstantial change. The ZBA deemed Brewster Woods redesign an insubstantial change and the ZBA modified the plans in the comprehensive permit. If the change is determined to be substantial, the ZBA comprehensive permit process is reopened. Donna Kalinick added the Brewster Woods design ended up being improved. Donna Kalinick confirmed that, at Spring Rock Village, an elevator remains in building #2, and that the height remains the same. The exteriors will be clapboard siding, this is the same as Brewster Woods. Donna Kalinick noted the redesign meets the original RFP criteria and the requirements of the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA). In terms of funding, a cost comparison of recent development costs shows that other local municipalities have provided significant amounts: $.98M in Truro, $3.5 M in Provincetown, $2.65 M in Sandwich, $1M CPA & $.5M by the Trust in Wellfleet, Brewster Woods was $.55M CPA & $1.6M MassWorks. Donna Kalinick is comfortable with a larger BAHT funding request. Ned Chatelain asked for the unit counts of the local affordable housing developments. Jill Scalise will update the cost comparison chart and add unit counts for the next meeting. Tony Freitas likes the additional open space and buffers but asked about the loss of outdoor private space for the tenants. Dave Quinn and Christina Carlsson noted the common community areas that are available. A management office, laundry, and 2 community space will also be available in the community building. Robert Tobias asked if a future phase of building could occur on the southern end of the property. Jill Scalise replied that based on the LDA, there cannot be additional development on the southern end of the property. The LDA keeps all development in the site area. The Trust allowed up to 90 bedrooms on the property and a significant amount of open space. Ned Chatelain made a motion to draft and authorize the chair to sign a letter of support for the proposed changes to the Spring Rock Village design on behalf of the BAHT. Seconded by Donna Kalinick. A roll call vote was taken: Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade-Aguillar-yes, Tim Hackert-yes. Tim Hackert thanked HAC & POAH for their work. David Quinn noted that it wasn't HAC & POAH's intention to modify the plans and thanked the BAHT for the willingness to consider the redesign. Ned Chatelain commented that seeing Brewster Woods & Spring Rock Village's need to reduce the number of buildings, the BAHT should keep in mind the energy efficiency and reduced cost of larger buildings. Good quality housing can be built in a larger building. 4. 212 Yankee Drive update and potential vote on funds Donna Kalinick described the transformation of the home. Pearl Construction has done an amazing job, and their work is almost complete. The appliances will be installed by Pearl Construction. The slider was leaking and will be replaced. Financially, with all change orders thus far the total for Pearl Construction is $274,385. There is also a dryer vent to be capped that will cost approximately $500. Overall, the BAHT has authorized $369,500 for various purposes related to the property. Total costs right now are $358,851. The back taxes will be coming from the sale of the property. There are enough funds to cover final legal fees and small items and additional financial authorization is not required but there could be clarification of funding use. Maggie Spade -Aguilar asked if any of the changes would extend the time for closing. They will not. The contract with Pearl Construction has been extended to January 15th, 2024. Ned Chatelain made a motion that the remaining funds may be used in any category needed. Second by Paul Ruchinskas. A roll call vote was taken, Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade-Aguilla-yes, Tim Hackert-yes. Jill Scalise shared that HAC began the marketing of 212 Yankee Drive on December 1St. A Zoom information session will be held on January 10th. Applications are due by February 2"d Applications are available at Town Hall, the library, and from HAC. A time will be scheduled for the Trust to see the property. Jill Scalise thanked the Town, especially the DPW for their assistance. Tim Hackert thanked Donna and Jill for their oversight of this project. Jill Scalise added that the management by The Resource Inc. and HAC has been helpful. S. Housing Program Assistant position update Jill Scalise shared that the Town has received an accepted offer of employment for the Housing Program Assistant. The new hire will begin January V and attend the BAHT January meeting. 6. Housing Trust Guidelines and 2024 Priority Initiatives Discussion Jill Scalise highlighted the material in the meeting packet which synthesizes the discussion from the last BAHT meeting and lists the proposed priority initiatives for 3 FY 24-25. The BAHT also looks to coordinate with the Housing Partnership on education. Tim Hackert asked for any comments on the priorities. Donna Kalinick attended Town Manager/ Select Board open office hours at the Council on Aging. Numerous questions emerged about housing and there is a need for another Housing 101 session. Paul Ruchinskas made a motion to approve the BAHT priorities as presented by Jill Scalise. Ned Chatelain seconded. A roll call vote was taken, Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar -yes, Tim Hackert-yes. Donna Kalinick thanked Jill Scalise for her work. 7. Brewster Rental Assistance Program, quarterly update and evaluation The quarterly update was not yet received; therefore, the agenda item was deferred to next month. 8. Housing Coordinator update including Habitat for Humanity Phoebe Way Jill Scalise highlighted the Habitat for Humanity Phoebe Way Community Kick-off and Wall Raising and shared thanks to Select Person Kari Hoffman for representing the Town at the wall raising. All is progressing well and there has been a great outpouring of support from the community. Donna Kalinick noted that there were 72 requests for housing information or assistance. Jill Scalise explained that she has been receiving a lot of questions about housing in general, not an increase in requests for personal housing assistance. 9. Cape Cod Sea Camps updates Members shared their experiences of Community Forum #3. Maggie Spade-Aguillar commented that there was a lot of discussion about housing on the pond parcel and a split of opinions. Donna Kalinick noted that there could be housing on one or both of the parcels. The comment period is open through December 101h and there will be another community forum. Key questions also emerged about the community center or community campus and resident's feelings about the overall plans. Ned Chatelain said residents in his session were more receptive to housing on the pond parcel and commented that housing, if developed, should be denser. Donna Kalinick noted that if housing development took place on the pond parcel, it would also involve a water treatment plant that could also service nearby homes. Paul Ruchinskas thought the consultants' work was exceptional. As Maggie Spade -Aguilar mentioned, there was about a 50-50 split on housing on the pond parcel, and there was some support for seasonal housing on the bay parcel. Donna Kalinick noted that this may connect to residents' desire to reuse buildings on the bay parcel. Tim Hackert noted that there was some organized opposition to housing on the pond parcel that had factual errors. Additionally, comments were made about traffic concerns at the bay parcel. Jill Scalise highlighted the robust community involvement in the forum with over 200 attendees and good participation in the breakout session. 10. Town Meeting results, including funding for the Housing Trust Affordable Buydown Program housing related article update and discussion: Donna Kalinick shared that close to 500 people attended Town Meeting. The Affordable Buydown funds passed. The 4 CPA funding for Spring Rock Village also passed. The two petitions related to short term rentals had a lot of community discussion. While they did not pass, there was some support for looking at this issue. This issue is on the Select Board strategic plan. Numerous people, including many younger people, shared their personal housing challenges. The personal stories were more powerful than data about housing need. The Local Comprehensive Plan and Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw amendment both passed. 11. Discussion and vote on Letter of Support for Town Administration Community Preservation application for the Housing Coordinator position. Donna Kalinick, on behalf of Town Administration, submitted a Community Preservation Committee application for funding for the Housing Coordinator position. The BAHT was listed as a partner in the application since the BAHT is funding a Housing Program Assistant position. As in past years, Donna Kalinick asked the BAHT for a letter of support for the application. Ned Chatelain made a motion to approve the issuance and signing of the provided letter of support, with technical changes, by the BAHT Chair. Second by Maggie Spade -Aguilar. A roll call vote was taken, Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar -yes, Tim Hackert-yes. 12. For Your Information Tim Hackert briefly described the housing articles included in the packet as well as questions about using Joint Base Cape Cod for housing. 13. Matters Not Reasonable Anticipated by the Chair None 14. Approval of Minutes from November 2, 2023 Ned Chatelain moved to approve the November 2, 2023 minutes with scribner's edits. Second Paul Ruchinskas. A roll call vote was taken, Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar -yes, Tim Hackert-yes. 15. Next Scheduled Meeting: January 4, 2024 16. Adjournment At 6:47PM Ned Chatelain moved to adjourn the meeting. Second Maggie Spade -Aguilar. A roll call vote was taken, Tony Frietas- yes, Donna Kalinick-yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar -yes, Tim Hackert-yes. Unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator Packet Materials: 12.07.23 BAHT Meeting Packet brewster-ma. ov Approved: 01.04.2024 5