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“The Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund”- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Housing Trust?
The purpose of the Trust is to provide for the creation and preservation of affordable housing in
the Town of Brewster for the benefit of low and moderate income households and for the
funding of community housing.
What are the benefits of a Housing Trust?
A Housing Trust increases local control in creating, preserving and supporting community housing. It
facilitates the Town’s ability to focus on housing goals and increases flexibility in responding to
identified, time sensitive needs and opportunities. Additionally, the Housing Trust would foster
communication and collaboration by bringing together a group of committed individuals representing
different boards and committees as well as the community.
What is the background to Brewster creating a Housing Trust?
The Brewster Vision Advisory Group was appointed by the Select Board in 2016. Through an extensive
public process that encouraged input from town residents, housing was identified as one of the 8
Building Blocks for Brewster’s Vision. The Housing Goal is: “Provide more affordable, safe, and accessible
rental and home ownership options at different price points, particularly for single people, young
families, and our older population. Achieve the state’s 10% affordable goal by 2025.”
The Brewster Housing Production Plan, accepted by the Select Board in 2017, provides a housing needs
assessment, housing goals, and identifies strategies to address these needs. These implementation
strategies are guiding the Town’s work on housing. For example, Brewster hired a Housing Coordinator
in 2017. Establishing a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund is another strategy from the Plan.
How does a town create a Housing Trust?
A Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund is established by adopting the provisions of Massachusetts
G.L. c. § 44, 55C and approving the Trust Bylaws. This is done by Town Meeting. Brewster will vote on
the creation of the Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund at the May 7, 2018 Special Town Meeting. If
accepted, the Town would then appoint the Board of Trustees and execute a Declaration of Trust.
Who would be on the Housing Trust?
The Trust would be comprised of seven members. There would be one member from each of the
following groups: Select Board, Brewster Housing Partnership, Community Preservation Committee, and
Planning Board. The Trust would also include the Town Administrator or his designee and two at large
Brewster residents. To the extent possible, the Select Board would appoint Trustees with a background
or interest in community housing, and specifically those with financial, legal or development experience
and perspective on housing preservation.
How would the Housing Trust be funded?
Most of the Housing Trust’s funding would come from the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The
Housing Trust would submit applications to the Community Preservation Committee for funding. These
funding decisions would then be voted on at Town Meeting. CPA funds received by the Housing Trust
would follow all CPA rules and restrictions. Funds can also be acquired by other means including future
designations and private donations. Article # 27 on the May Town Meeting Warrant proposes to transfer
the Brewster Affordable Housing Fund, approximately $87,000, into the new Housing Trust.
Are there examples of what a local Housing Trust has done?
Yarmouth’s Housing Trust was established in 2007 and has been very productive. Most of Yarmouth’s
programs involve partnering with a local non-profit that oversees the project. Accomplishments of
Yarmouth’s Housing Trust include: a Buy-Down Program leading to 13 affordable, deed restricted
homes; creating 6 town-wide rental homes; acquisition and construction assistance to build 6 homes
with Habitat for Humanity; preservation of 6 existing affordable units; motel redevelopment; disposition
of Town-owned land to create 3 units of housing; and Affordable Housing Support including rental
assistance.
Where can I learn more about the Housing Trust?
On Thursday April 26th at 6PM at Town Hall, Room B, there will be an informational session about the
Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Further Questions?
Contact: Jill Scalise, Brewster Housing Coordinator, jscalise@brewster-ma.gov, 508-896-3701-1169
Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator, dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov, 508-896-3701, ext. 1130