HomeMy Public PortalAbout02.22.2024 Housing Partnership Meeting Packet1
Report of the Brewster Housing Partnership
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 the
Town’s affordable housing stock and investing in the creation of new affordable
housing units and opportunities.
In 2023 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 and continued to
allocate Community Preservation Act (CPA) proceeds to help fund a Housing
Coordinator. In FY24, the Affordable Housing Trust also allocated funds to hire a
part-time Housing Program Assistant. 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
The Housing Partnership is responsible for reviewing, commenting, and
making recommendations on MGL 40B Comprehensive Permit applications,
intended to advance the Town’s subsidized housing inventory toward 10% of our
year-round housing stock. Over the past four plus years, the Brewster Affordable
Housing Trust worked diligently with Town staff and engaged the community to
develop a project scope that would allow the Town to solicit proposals for the
development of a 16-acre parcel of town tax-title land, located off Millstone Road,
for a 100% Affordable rental neighborhood. On February 16th , the Partnership
heard a full presentation from Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) and
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) as the selected developers. The
Partnership unanimously endorsed the proposal and voted to recommend that the
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) seek to approve a Comprehensive Permit for the
project. On June 13, 2023, the Brewster ZBA approved the Comprehensive Permit
and the project, now known as Spring Rock Village, is now obtaining funding.
The Housing Partnership is also responsible for reviewing, commenting, and
making recommendations on applications which are submitted to Brewster’s
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for housing purpose funds. The CPC
accepts applications by December 1 for the May Annual Town Meeting and by
July 1 for recommendation to the Fall Town Meeting. On January 19th , the
Partnership heard presentations and voted to support requests of the following CPC
funding applications:
Town of Brewster: $78,580 towards Brewster Housing Coordinator Salary
2
Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC): $50,000 towards development of
14 Affordable rental apartments at 107 Main Street in Orleans
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Community Development
Partnership (CDP): Up to $100,000 towards the development of 46
Affordable rental units at Juniper Hill on Laurence Street in Wellfleet
Friends and Relatives with Autism and Spectrum Related Disabilities
(FORWARD) $120,000 towards the expansion of 8 additional 1-bedroom
Special Needs apartments at FORWARD 2 on Hokum Rock Road in Dennis
On August 30th, the Partnership received presentations and voted to support
requests of the following CPC funding applications:
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT): $250,000 to continue the
Town’s Buydown Program offering income-eligible buyers supplemental
funds in return for new deed restrictions, which will keep the homes
affordable to future buyers.
POAH & HAC: $500,000 towards the development of 45 affordable rental
units at Spring Rock Village off Millstone Road.
Throughout the year the Housing Partnership was involved in numerous
housing activities. On May 9th, the Town, Preservation of Affordable Housing
(POAH) and Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) hosted a ribbon cutting
ceremony for the lease-up of (30) new Affordable rental units at Brewster Woods.
The ceremony was well-attended by State officials and housing advocates from
across the Cape. Development Costs for this project were $453,000/unit. In May,
members of the Partnership toured the Bay Side Sea Camp and were pleasantly
surprised to see the good condition of so many of the seasonal buildings.
In June, the Partnership heard a presentation from Town Planner Jon Idman
about changes that the Planning Board was proposing to the Town’s ADU bylaw.
The final revisions were also discussed in September. Partnership members
commented and supported the proposed revisions.
On August 17th, the Partnership, the Affordable Housing Trust, Select
Board, Community Preservation Committee and Finance Committee attended a
local forum on State regulations related to Local Preference. The presentation was
led by Brewster Housing Coordinator Jill Scalise and Assistant Town Manager
Donna Kalinick. Questions and discussion followed regarding the Town’s potential
request for Local Preference and/or Regional Preference for Spring Rock Village.
In September, the Housing Partnership participated in the Volunteer Fair
held at the Bay Property. In November, Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod held a
wall raising ceremony for two Affordable Habitat homes on Phoebe Way. One
home is a Veteran’s Preference. We were excited that the November 13, 2023
Town Meeting approved all of the housing related articles that were presented.
3
We are extremely proud of our Town’s success toward preserving affordable
housing stock and preventing home loss. Brewster partnered with the Towns of
Dennis and Wellfleet to obtain a Community Development Block Grant
administered by the Bailey Boyd Associates and The Resource Inc. This program
helps with housing rehabilitation grants and childcare vouchers. In addition, our
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust operates a rental assistance program. 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, when our agenda allows, the
Housing Partnership seeks to provide a platform for presentation and a forum for
discussion about housing issues and strategies. Last year the Housing Partnership
worked closely with the Town’s consultants Barrett Planning Group to update the
2017 Housing Production Plan. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable
Communities (EOHLC) certified the Town’s 2022 Housing Production Plan due to
the Town’s effective progress toward reaching our minimum goal of 10%
Affordable year-round units. Brewster has attained “Safe Harbor” protection status
from mandatory zoning override impacts that could otherwise come from overly
aggressive large-scale housing developments. The Partnership will continue to
partner with other advocacy groups and stakeholders to sponsor and connect for
public forums. Our goal continues to be to expand housing conversations to
include more voices and more ideas.
The Housing Partnership extends its sincere gratitude to retiring Chair Diane
Pansire, who has been a member of the Partnership for years. Her knowledge of
real estate finance and mortgage origination have been extremely helpful over the
years, and her kindness and compassion for Brewster’s citizens have guided and
influenced our discussions. We thank our Select Board liaison, Cynthia Bingham,
the full Board, and the Town Administration for all of their support. We also 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, Amanda Bebrin and the CDP, HAC, HECH, Barnstable
County HOME Consortium, Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, Brewster CPA
Committee, Brewster Affordable Housing Trust, Mass Housing Partnership,
CHAPA, MassHousing and the EOHLC. (It takes more than just a village!)
Respectfully Submitted,
For the Brewster Housing Partnership
Jillian Douglass, Chair
Lisa Forhan
Vanessa Greene, Representative to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust
Ralph Marotti
4
Sara Robinson, Representative to Brewster Community Preservation Committee
Steve Seaver
5
7. Housing Partnership Goals Discussion
- Housing Production Plan Implementation
Strategies Chart
- Local Comprehensive Plan Housing
Building Block Goal, Purposes & Actions
- Select Board Strategic Plan
-Housing Trust Priority Initiatives
-Chair Douglass Housing Partnership
Goals for Review
6
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN (HPP) IMPLEMENTATION TABLE FEBRUARY 2024
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 February 2024 (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
Partial
Completion
FY24
ADU Bylaw amended at Fall
TM23. ✓
#2 Amend zoning to clearly allow mixed uses that include housing
in business-zoned areas. Planning SB, HC
TA, BHP FY24/25
Mixed use & Multi-family
Zoning Technical Services RFQ
due 3.24. 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 FY24/25
Mixed use & Multi-family
Zoning Technical Services RFQ
due 3.24. 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 In Process
Consideration of reuse of some
Sea Camps Bay Parcel buildings
for housing.
#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 In Process
Consideration of wastewater
treatment plant and housing on
a portion of the Sea Camps
Pond Parcel.
7
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of February 2024 (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
Success &
ongoing
CPC Spring TM23 fund Orleans
& Wellfleet. Spring Rock 55%
local & 15% regional preference
approved by EOHLC & CPA
funds 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
Success &
ongoing
Five year plan developed by
Trust in FY23, updated FY24.
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 FY24/25
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
FY24/25
#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
8
Town of Brewster Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of February 2024 (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
LCP approved at Fall TM23.
Several informational sessions
held. Housing 101, April 2024.
#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
Success &
ongoing
Provide training info. Housing
Institute. Brewster 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
In process Informal Encouragement
#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
Interdepartmental:
Building
Planning
Success &
ongoing
Housing Program Assistant
hired 1/2024, funded by BAHT.
✓
9
Town of Brewster
Housing Production Plan
2022-2027
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table as of February 2024 (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
Success &
ongoing
Received 1.7M CDBG FY22/23
funding as lead community.
Application for FY24.
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 Success &
ongoing
BAHT overseeing Buydown.
CPC funds 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. Select Board
Childcare voucher proposal.
Cape Light Compact. Water
bills.
Notations: yellow highlight- active work
ADU- Accessory Dwelling Unit CPA- Community Preservation Act MHP- MA Housing Partnership
ACDU- Accessory Commercial Dwelling Unit CPC- Community Preservation Committee SB- Select Board
BAHT- Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Cons Comm- Conservation Committee TA- Town Administration
BHA- Brewster Housing Authority COA- Council on Aging TM- Town Meeting
BHP- Brewster Housing Partnership FT- Finance Team ZBA- Zoning Board of Appeals
CDBG- Community Development Block Grant HC- Housing Coordinator
✓ = accomplishment
10
11
12
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
13
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
14
Housing Trust Priority and Ongoing Initiatives for FY 24-25
A. Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing:
Priority Initiatives:
Preserve Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) properties (HPP #21)
o Current vacant SHI homes: 212 Yankee Drive, 11 Sean Circle, 88 Belmont Park
Road
Develop new affordable housing (by building):
o Support the funding & development of Spring Rock Village (HPP #16 & #8)
Identify site for next affordable housing initiative
o Participate in the exploration of housing at the Cape Cod Sea Camps properties
(HPP#12)
o Develop criteria for property’s suitability for housing use &/or purchase
(HPP#11).
o Inventory Town-owned land and consider acquisition of land. (HPP#12)
Create a Housing Opportunity Fund (HPP#9)
Ongoing Initiatives:
Develop new affordable housing (without building):
o Continue Brewster Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) (HPP#21)
Support Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for home
rehabilitation. (HPP#20)
Manage the Brewster Affordable Buy Down program (HPP#21)
B. Educate:
Ongoing Initiative:
Participate in a collaborative Housing Education Plan (HPP #14 & #15) including
Select Board updates, joint meetings with other committees, website postings and
outreach. Coordinate with the Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP) on housing
education opportunities, including having an annual forum and encouraging
attendance at Community Education Sessions.
15
C. Advocate and Collaborate:
Priority Initiatives:
Hire a Housing Program Assistant (HPP#19)
Update 5-year Housing Financial Plan (HPP#8)
Explore year-round deed restrictions and other legislative initiatives to support
affordable and attainable housing (HPP # 9 & #18)
Advocate and explore a review of current zoning as it relates to housing
(HPP #2, #3 & #5)
Explore requesting and accepting donations to the Trust
Ongoing Initiatives:
Advocate for continued Trust funding (includes allocations from the Community
Preservation Act (CPA), dedication of the short-term rental revenue, free cash
and/or budget allocations)
Work with housing partners in Brewster and in surrounding Towns. (HPP#22)
o Support local initiatives (for example: Habitat for Humanity, Housing Institute)
o Network with local and regional housing partners
D. Engage and Communicate:
Ongoing Initiative:
Provide opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.
o Community engagement component of the Housing Education Plan
o Citizen’s Forum
o Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) exploration
Approved by the Housing Trust December 7, 2023
16
2024 Updated Goals for Housing Partnership
Extracted from Review of
Housing Production Plan Implementation Table
ADUs – Continue to identify policy & process recommendations
Mixed-Use Zoning to include Housing (primarily rentals) – comment
on potential conflicts or impacts
Site Feasibility, Screening and Acquisition Support
Funding Opportunities/Financial Planning Support
Tax Incentives - comment on potential policy impacts
Outreach/Education
Collaboration/Partner Recruitment
Study & Analysis –Effectiveness/Enhancement/Quality Control of
current policies & programs
Identification of Challenges/Opportunities – when observed or
perceived
17
Housing Coordinator Update December 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, 68 total requests for
housing information (43) or assistance (25). Open office hours Thursdays from 10-noon.
Email outreach & website postings for 212 Yankee Dr, also email to all staff about Jan. Housing session.
2. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) (HPP assorted strategies, Select Board (SB) Strategic Plan H-1)
Housing Program Assistant position- employment offer accepted. New hire will begin in January.
Trust approved Housing Trust priority goals for FY24-25, provided letter of support for CPC Housing
Coordinator application and worked on additional items throughout this report.
3. Spring Rock Village- comp permit for 45 affordable rental units off Millstone (SB H-4, HPP #12 & 16)
Discussion with Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) & Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)
about Spring Rock’s increased project costs and proposed Project Change reducing number of buildings
from 12 to 7. Project Change was presented to Trust and submitted to Zoning Board of Appeals. Housing
Trust wrote a letter of support for project change and supported the changes as ‘insubstantial’.
4.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #16):
Habitat for Humanity, Phoebe Way: Construction of 2 homes underway.
5. Preservation of Housing and Related Support of Brewster Residents (SB H-3, HPP Strategies #20, 21 & 22)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- FY22/23 Housing Rehab contract executed with The
Resource, Inc. Public Hearing for FY24 Regional CDBG application scheduled for January 22, 2024.
Brewster Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). Quarterly report: Five participants left program, 3 receiving
ongoing subsidies. 8 households entered program, now at 15 household limit. BRAP payments made for
$19,320. An additional $23,816 provided to Brewster residents with other funds. Met with HAC regarding
BRAP. Received letter from HAC requesting an increase in number of households served by BRAP.
6. Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategies #21 & 22)
212 Yankee Drive- Pearl Construction work almost complete. Site visit with The Resource Inc. HAC began
marketing began for sale. DPW did site clean-up. Guardian requested Barbie dolls, will schedule pick-up.
Serenity Apartments at Brewster (27 affordable units)- Elevation Financial will provide annual
recertification compliance in early January 2024.
11 Sean Circle- Waiting for final required work to be done prior to affordable resale.
Continue collaboratively addressing other affordable housing concerns and potential violations.
7. Collaboration and Education (HPP Strategies #7 &15)
CPC Regional Grants: Communicated with numerous parties, including legal counsel, regarding Brewster
CPC funds and the loan closing for Pennrose’s Orleans affordable housing project. Participated in lenders
pre-closing call for HAC 107 Main Street, Orleans, again representing the Town’s CPC grant funds.
Participated in HOME Consortium, Regional Housing Peer Group & Making the Case Call.
Continued library discussion about housing Town book theme emphasis.
Upcoming Events & Announcements:
212 Yankee Drive affordable home for sale for $237,900. Applications are due February 2nd. Zoom
information Session on January 10th.
Brewster Staff Housing Information Session scheduled for Friday January 19th at 11AM at Town Hall.
Personnel
Participated in Housing Trust & CPC meeting. Also worked with: Assessors, Building, Council on Aging,
CPC, Finance, Fire, Health, Housing Partnership, Human Resources, Library, Planning, Police, Public
Works, & Town Administration.
18
PLEASE POST UNTIL APRIL 15, 2024 PLEASE POST UNTIL APRIL 15, 2024
Apply Now!
Affordable Apartments
Applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.
Apply now to be considered for these current vacancies:
Brick Kiln Apartments: 123 Brick Kiln Road, East Falmouth, MA
2 Bedroom Apartment: $1,750 a month utilities not included
Cap’n Gladcliff Apartments: 817 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA
2 Bedroom Apartment: $1,350 a month utilities included
To request an application, contact:
Mary Waygan, Cape Cod Ready Renter Program, Town of Yarmouth
mwaygan@yarmouth.ma.us 508-398-2231 x1275
Return completed application to:
Mary Waygan, Cape Cod Ready Renter Program
Town of Yarmouth, 1146 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
To qualify for the apartments, households must earn no more than 80% of the Area Median Income. The
current income limits are shown below. Other requirements apply.
To be considered for these units you must apply using the 2024 Ready Renter General
Waitlist Application and submit a completed application with all required documentation
attached. Applications shall be processed in the order received. Qualified applicants shall
be considered to fill these vacancies on a first come first served basis. All qualified
applicants not placed in housing shall be placed on the Ready Renter General Wait List in
the order received and considered for future vacancies at Ready Renter units located on Cape Cod. Cape
Cod Ready Renter Affordable Rental Units include apartments, homes, and duplexes and are a mix of
studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units. Rents range from $850 a month
including all utilities to $2,500 not including utilities, depending on the development and number of
bedrooms. Some units, such as the units owned by the Town of Dennis Affordable Housing Trust, set
rents based upon the actual income of the applicant household. Other units have a slightly lower income
limit and serve households earning less than 65% of the Area Median Income:
Households with a rental voucher are encouraged to apply.
No applications shall be accepted after April 15, 2024 at 4:30 P.M.
FY2023 Income Limits
Barnstable County
Household Size
1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person
80% Area Median Income $64,450 $73,650 $82,850 $92,050 $99,450 $106,800
FY2023 Income Limits
Barnstable County
Household Size
1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person
65% Area Median Income $52,390 $59,865 $67,340 $74,815 $80,860 $86,840
19
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
01/18/2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 5
MINUTES OF THE BREWSTER HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
DATE: January 18, 2024
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: 2198 Main Street
PARTICIPANTS: Chair Jillian Douglass, Lisa Forhan, Vanessa Greene, Sarah Robinson,
Steve Seaver,
REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: Ralph Marotti.
Presenters: Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator; Marissa Consolantis, Housing Program
Assistant; Amanda Bebrin, Community Development Partners’ Director of Housing Advocacy
for Lower Cape Housing Institute application for CPA funding; Donna Kalinick, Assistant
Town Manager/Affordable Housing Trust Board member, for supplemental CPA funding to
support Housing Coordinator position.
Agenda Items # 1-4: Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation
Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Douglass called the meeting to order at 6:02pm and completed a roll call vote. She
declared a quorum with all members present except Andrea Jones.
Chair Douglass read the meeting participation statement and the recording statement.
Agenda Item #5 – by Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator Introduction of Housing Program
Assistant, Melissa Consolantis
Ms. Scalise noted that Ms. Consolantis had started work wit the Town on 1/3/24 and had
already been introduced to the Affordable Housing Trust and had a attended the open house for
the re-sale of 212 Yankee Drive, earlier in the day. It was noted that Ms. Consolantis brings her
experience of having worked in administration of subsidized leased housing for Housing
Assistance Corporation (HAC) and that she looks forward to working for the Town. Members
welcomed her.
Agenda Item #6 – Review of CPA funding Applications, referred by CPC
6a. Amanda Bebrin, Director of Housing Advocacy for Community Development
Partners (CDP) for $20,000 over two (2) years to continue the Lower Cape Housing
Institute -
As an affiliate of the CDP, Vanessa Greene recused herself from the discussion.
Ms. Bebrin explained that the CDP’s Housing Institute is supported primarily by contributions
from the 8 Lower Cape Towns and that the Housing Institute (HI) has 2 base components:
20
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
01/18/2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 5
1. Workshops – Because Housing and Public Subsidized Housing are complex and the
laws, practices and strategies are changing, the HI leads workshops and trainings on
key Housing issues. Workshops and classes are video recorded and the recordings
and training materials serve as web-accessible educational resources to anyone
interested in housing-related topics.
2. Peer Group Networking – The HI also conducts quarterly (and sometimes monthly)
networking sessions to ensure that appointed, elected, and volunteer Municipal
Officials and advocates share information and remain up-to-date on local, regional
and State housing topics and happenings.
The CDP’s current request amounts to $10,000/ year over 2 years.
Steve Seaver asked if that request had increased form previous years, Ms. Bebrin confirmed
that the cost had gone up slightly since the inception of the Institute (3 years ago), but that the
membership and participation have also increased to over 50 regular attendees. Ms. Bebrin
added that anyone can register to attend and receive alerts by subscribing on the CPD website
(www.CDP.org) and that the CDP had submitted testimony in relation to the State Bond Bill,
advocating for the funding directed towards the unique housing challenges that the Cape faces
as a seasonal wage community in a global real estate economy.
Steve Seaver moved that the Partnership recommend the CPC’s approval of CDP’s
application for $20,000 to support the Housing Institute.
Sarah Robinson seconded the motion. The Role Call Vote was: Ralph Marotti -Yes; Lisa
Forhan – Yes; Sarah Robinson – Yes; Steve Seaver – Yes; Chair Douglass – Yes (Vanessa
Greene – Abstain/Recused)
5 yes/0 no/ 1 abstention
6b. Donna Kalinick, Brewster Assistant Town Manager/Affordable Housing Trust
Member for Trust/Town application for $74,589 to supplement the salary of the Housing
Coordinator position. (Ms. Scalise left the room to eliminate the appearance of any
conflict of interest)
Ms. Kalinick noted that the Housing Coordinator position had been a recommendation of the
town’s 2017 Housing Production Plan (HPP). The position had originally been funded part-
time. The Town expanded the position to 30 hours/week, which triggered statutory obligation
to provide benefits (for any employee working over 20 hrs/wk). CPA funds can cover the
salary and the Town will cover the approximate $40,000 cost for benefits. It was noted that the
New Program Assistant is funded at 19 hrs/wk via the Affordable Housing Trust.
Ms. Kalinik noted that the Town has been able to achieve State acknowledged
accomplishments that would not have been possible without the staff support of the Housing
Coordinator. She added that housing, public construction, and development all involve
21
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
01/18/2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 5
complex regulations, requiring specialized training to navigate. Development, outreach and
support programs such as CDBG Grant Administration, are time intensive, requiring
meticulous and constant oversight and coordination. The complicated legal and regulatory
landscape also requires training, research and outreach, all of which require dedicated staff.
Ms. Kalinick added that the in-depth monitoring the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory
(SHI) has also revealed property-specific complications, like the need for the Town to step-in
and rehab a foreclosed Yankee Drive LIP home for Affordable Lottery re-sale, which
otherwise would have not been affordable. Further, in order to maintain Local Action and
Community Housing units, the Town will be responsible for monitoring their compliance.
Since 2017, the Town has added 125 new units and the Spring Rock Village project on Town
land will add an additional 45 units. The Town has progressed from having 5.31 % of its year-
round housing qualify as Affordable in 2017, to having 7.2% Affordable in 2023. The Town’s
2022 HPP update has been certified and the Town has achieved “Safe Harbor” status from
mandatory zoning over-rides for over-sized Comprehensive Permit developments.
Through the addition of the Housing Coordinator, Brewster accomplished exemplary housing
work and is able to offer other Income-eligible Support Programs and Housing outreach,
education and counseling classes, as well as “office hours” at the COA. Ms. Kalinick also
noted that the Coordinator position facilitated inter-department collaboration within the
Administrative, Finance, DPW, Water, Health, Planning, COA and Conservation departments.
Steve Seaver (enthusiastically) moved that the Partnership recommend the CPC’s
approval of Town’s application for $74,589 to support the Housing Coordinator and
Housing Programs.
Sarah Robinson (emphatically) seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was, with
unanimous exclamations): Ralph Marotti -Yes; Vanessa Greene – Yes; Lisa Forhan – Yes;
Sarah Robinson – Yes; Steve Seaver – Yes; Chair Douglass – Yes
6 yes/0 no
Agenda Item #7 – Housing Coordinator’s Reports (Ms. Scalise rejoined the meeting to
present)
Included in the packet were activity reports for the months of July, August, September and
October.
Ms. Scalise reported that the Internal Open House for the 3-bedroom single family home at
212 Yankee Drive had been successful with light attendance. She stated that attendance had
been heavier at the on-line information session and that the deadline for Lottery Applications
22
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
01/18/2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 5
for the $237,900 home is 2/2/24. She thanked the staff of Administrative, Finance, DPW,
Water, Health, Planning, COA and Conservation departments, as a well as Pearl Construction,
TRI and HAC for all of their help restoring that property to its excellent current condition.
Ms. Scalise reported that another Affordable Lottery for the re-sale of 11 Sean Circle (another
foreclosed 3-bed room single family HOP Affordable home in Belmont Park) was also open
with a deadline of 2/5/24. She added that applications are now available on the Town’s website
and applicants wishing to be considered for both the Yankee Drive and Sean Circle homes
need only submit one application indicating their interest in both lotteries.
Ms. Scalise reported that Town water had been extended down Red Top Road in connection
for with the development of the 2 Habitat Homes on Phoebe’s Way.
She reported that the POAH/HAC had applied to the ZBA for a minor amendment to the 40B
permit for Spring Rock Village in relation to cost savings that could be realized by clustering
the 45 units into 7 buildings (as opposed to the original proposed 12 buildings). The
consolidation of units into fewer buildings further reduces the total project “foot print” on the
site, reducing the need for some exterior walls and pavement, and allowing for expanded set-
backs and buffering from adjacent/neighboring properties. The ZBA determined that changes
are insubstantial. The State EOHLC has invited Spring Rock Village into the FY2024 Winter
funding round.
Ms. Scalise reported that the Town will hold a public hearing in relation to the sub-regional
CDBG grant funded programs, led by the Town of Brewster. One program is for zero-interest,
forgivable loans to income eligible Brewster homeowners to make essential repairs to their
homes. The other is for Child Care Vouchers for income-eligible families at 100% of AMI).
The hearing will take place at 6:15pm as part of the 1/2/24 Select Board meeting.
Ms. Scalise reported that on Friday 1/26/24, the Town will hold a Housing 101 training for
Town Staff members to educate them further on the Town’s housing plans and programs and
how each Town department related to the Town’s overall housing efforts. She added that the
Housing Office would coordinate with the Partnership and the Trust to offer another Public
Workshop in the Spring of 2024.
Members remarked on Brewster’s extraordinary progress and advancements in assisting its
residents to attain Housing Security and Affordability and thanked the Town’s staff for its
collaborated work.
23
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
01/18/2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 5
Agenda Item #8 – Annual Report
Chair Douglass noted that she had not provided a draft annual report in the January meeting
packet, but would work with the Housing Coordinator to circulate a draft in advance of the
February meeting in hopes of getting a final report submitted to the Town Manager’s Office
for inclusion in the Town’s 2023 Annual Report. Ms. Scalise noted that the deadline for
submission for the Town Report is 2/22/24.
Agenda Item # 9 – FYIs/ Correspondence –
None were noted.
Agenda Item #10 – Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair –
None were noted.
Agenda Item #11 - Approval of Minutes
Steve Seaver moved that the Partnership accept the draft minutes of the 9/21/23 meeting.
Sarah Robinson seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was: Ralph Marotti -Yes;
Vanessa Greene – Abstain; Lisa Forhan – Yes; Sarah Robinson – Yes; Steve Seaver – Yes;
Chair Douglass – Yes
5 yes/0 no/1 abstention
Steve Seaver moved that the Partnership accept the draft minutes of the 10/19/23
meeting. Sarah Robinson seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was: Ralph Marotti -
Yes; Vanessa Greene – Yes; Lisa Forhan – Yes; Sarah Robinson – Yes; Steve Seaver – Yes;
Chair Douglass – Yes
6 yes/0 no.
Agenda Item #12 – Next Scheduled Meeting
The next meeting of the Partnership is scheduled for 2/22/24
Agenda Item #13 – Adjournment
Steve Seaver moved that the Partnership adjourn the 1/18/24 meeting. Sarah Robinson
seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was: Ralph Marotti -Yes; Vanessa Greene – Yes;
Lisa Forhan – Yes; Sarah Robinson – Yes; Steve Seaver – Yes; Chair Douglass – Yes
6 yes/0 no.
Respectfully submitted by Jillian Douglass,
Chair, Brewster Housing Partnership
24