5/5/2015 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee Meeting Minutes May 5, 2015 at 6:30 pm Mashpee Town Hail Present: Chairman Walter Abbott, Berkeley Johnson, Allan Isbitz, Bruce Willard Absent: Marie Stone CALL TO ORDER Chairman Abbott opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. with a quorum and the roll was called. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-April 7, 2015 MOTION: Mr. Willard made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Isbitz seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Mashpee Commons Chairman Abbott reported that work had begun at Mashpee Commons with plans to build just 25 of the 50 anticipated units this year. Regarding affordable units, it was anticipated that only 6 units would be built in 2015. The Chair reported that decisions were still being made regarding access to Mashpee Commons for the land located across from the Mobil Station, which was causing some delays. The hotel building has also been delayed. The "box center" land has wildlife issues but it was possible that there were plans for that parcel as well. There was additional discussion regarding the affordable units. RFP/Feasibility Study The Chair invited Assistant Town Manager Tom Mayo to discuss the RFP but he was out of the office unexpectedly, due to emergency surgery, for some time. Additionally, the Chair had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Cotton who was running for Selectman. The Chair spoke also with the Town Manager who indicated that the RFP was on hold until Mr. Mayo's return and that it would not be addressed until the Board of Selectmen place the issue on the Town Meeting Warrant, the earliest time being October. The Chair shared the DHCD application for the feasibility study of 950 Falmouth Road, which was issued on March 11. It was noted that the Old Barnstable Road feasibility study cost was $15,000 while the new study has been estimated at $22,500. Mr. Johnson noted that acreage was four times larger. Mr. Isbitz inquired about the reasoning for removing the release of the two parcels from the Warrant and the Chair responded that the Town was awaiting the results of the feasibility study. There was discussion regarding available funding such as DHCD, CPA, and Cape Cod Commission mitigation funds. Mr. Isbitz inquired about the best means to facilitate the feasibility study and the Chair suggested following up with Mr. Mayo upon his return. Mr. Johnson expressed concern regarding the timing and the possibility of having to wait until May Town Meeting. The Chair referenced the Article moving Cape Cod Commission funds to the Trust but noted that it did not appear on the Warrant despite Selectman Richardson's intent.