9/1/2015 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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I f Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee Meeting Minutes September 1, 2015 at 6:30 pm Mashpee Town Hall Present: Chairman Walter Abbott, Berkeley Johnson, Allan Isbitz, Marie Stone Absent: Bruce Willard CALL TO ORDER Chairman Abbott opened the meeting at 6:40 p,m. with a quorum and the roll was called. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-August 4,2015 MOTION: Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes as circulated. Mr. Isbitz seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Feasibility Study Meeting Chairman Abbott reported that he and Mr. Isbitz had met with Mr. Fudala, Mr. Mayo, Selectman O'Hara and a representative from Horsley Witten. Horsley Witten will be conducting a preliminary feasibility study, with the results likely available in October or November. Mr. Isbitz added that he was pleased that the process was moving forward. The Chair noted that Horsley Witten would be following up with Laura Shufelt of the Massachusetts Housing Department. Ms. Stone inquired whether the Mashpee Housing Authority had deemed the site as not feasible for affordable housing, but there appeared to be no reasoning for its lack of feasibility at this point. Ms. Stone referenced 209 Old Barnstable and the Tribe and Town's plan to look into utilizing excess wastewater capacity. Land Disposition Project The Chair reported that he had attended a meeting with Mr. Fudala and Mr. Isbitz regarding the Land Disposition list. Mr. Isbitz stated that Mr. Fudala shared the reasoning why certain parcels were placed in their various categories. Mr, Isbitz further noted that there appeared to be two opportunities for affordable housing, including the VFW parcel and Delphic Avenue site. Mr. Isbitz referenced the VFW parcel, which was not developed by the VFW due to financing issues, as a possible site for affordable housing, although not likely an easy option. There was discussion regarding focus on large parcels or focusing on all options in an effort to move a project forward. It was suggested that usage of the VFW parcel could include a cooperative component with the VFW, such as an onsite meeting room. Ms. Stone referenced the recent hearing and reported that Tribal Council took a position that the 521 undeveloped acres identified for disposition by the Town be returned to the Tribe. A letter was being submitted to Town officials. Ms. Stone has stated to the Tribal Council that she would not advocate that affordable housing lands be returned to the Tribe as there was a need for affordable housing. Ms. Stone also was involved with drafting three warrants for consideration, addressing archeological sensitive areas. The warrant approved by Tribal Council would return all undeveloped parcels and prevent the future sale of any land in the Town without consultation with the Tribe. Ms. Stone stated that the warrant would uphold the rights of Native Americans under the 1790 Indian Intercourse Act, adding that the Town had a moral obligation to provide restitution through a consultation process in land planning. Ms. Stone suggested that there could likely be additional discussion regarding the land