HomeMy Public PortalAboutHousing Partnership -- 2018-11-26 Minutes NOV2 00
Brewster Housing Partnership gRUSTER YTWN CLERK
Minutes of the September 19 , 2018 Meeting
Members Present : Lisa Forhan, Diane Pansire, Steve Seaver, Ned Chatelain, Vanessa Greene
Guests Present: Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator and Karen Thurber, Council on Aging
1 . Meeting called to order at 6 : 04 PM.
2 . Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted.
3 . Lisa welcomed Karen Thurber from the Council on Aging. Ms . Thurber noted that the
Council on Aging was in the process of creating its 5 year plan, with a focus on housing
issues, particularly the ability to age in place . Because of the intersection of the work of
the Housing Partnership and Council on Aging in this area, Ms . Thurber will be attending
Housing Partnership meetings going forward .
4 . Jill Scalise and Ned presented an update on the Accessing Dwelling Unit (ADU) By-law,
with a focus on the changes made to the by-law since the Housing Partnership ' s
recommendation to the Planning Board. Jill noted that there would be a public hearing on
October 10 concerning the proposed by-law. The Town is doing public outreach
including a visit to the Chamber of Commerce and a recent Realtor ' s meeting. On
October 1 , there will be an information session at the Council on Aging .
Jill noted that one significant change to the proposed by-law is that ADUs would not be
permitted in Zone II . Currently, 701 year-round homes or 20% of year-round homes in
Brewster, are located in a Zone II . Other changes were 1 parking space per bedroom vs . 1
parking space as originally proposed. Ned noted that ACDUs were not voted to be
excluded in Zone II at the Planning Board meeting . There was also some changes in
wording to help simplify language in the by-law. Jill Scalise noted that the definition of
an Accessory Single Family Dwelling Unit (ADU) is defined in the by-law as "a housing
unit, complete with its own sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities, that is accessory
and clearly subordinate to a principal dwelling. An ADU may be located within a single
family house containing a principal dwelling, or in a building accessory to a single family
house . "
Ned reported that the by-law was substantially similar to what was originally
recommended, with the two major differences being the 30, 000 square foot requirement
for approval via special permit and the Zone II restriction. Ned noted that he voted
against the Zone II restriction and that he anticipated hearing public comment on it. Jill
also noted that the Planning Board removed the 15 ,000 square foot floor that was noted in
the original draft of the by-law.
The Committee discussed the current draft by-law and whether it will tackle housing
challenges in its current form. There was discussion about the by-law being "low hanging
fruit" as noted in the Town' s Housing Production Plan and the Committee discussed
whether the by-law as written was too conservative and may not move the needle .
Diane asked a question regarding ADUs in sold properties . Vanessa noted that Ryan had
addressed that question at the Brewster Community Network Forum and had noted that
the stove would need to be removed in the instance that the new owner did not want to
maintain the ADU as a year-round rental .
The Housing Partnership voted to write a comment letter to the Planning Board in
support of the amendment, however, also encouraging re-visitation of the Zone II
restriction. Vanessa will draft the letter based on discussions at the meeting and
coordinate with the Town for submission.
5 . Jill Scalise presented her Housing Coordinator updates . She reported on a recent Habitat
for Humanity dedication - 6 homes are now being lived in. She reported that the Town of
Brewster received the 2018 Community Partner Award from Habitat for Humanity. 10
Yankee Drive sold and the new deed restriction did survive foreclosure . 80 Belmont
Drive is for sale and there has already been one offer. Jill is reviewing a buy- down
application regarding that property. The Housing Trust is now meeting; members will be
doing Housing Trust training with several other towns . The Housing Trust has submitted
a grant application to the CDC and it is currently in review. Upon request, Jill provided
an update on the Millstone project. She noted that the next step would be a pre-feasability
study.
6 . Jill Scalise reported on the upcoming Cape Housing Institute beginning October 3 and
encouraged Housing Partnership members to register.
7 . Lisa asked Vanessa to place the draft Public Engagement Policy just received onto the
agenda for next month.
Meeting adjourned at 6 : 46 PM . Next meeting : October 17, 2018 6 : 00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa L . Greene
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