2/7/2012 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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Affordable Housing Plan Chairman Abbott noted that he had Mr. Johnson's comments regarding the Affordable Housing Plan. There were no recommended changes to page 1. Regarding page 2, Mr. Johnson recommended that 2009 estimates be used where 2010 census figures were unavailable. In reference to Goal#1, the Chair expressed concern regarding the ability to reach the goal of 31 affordable units per year and recommended adding"an average" of 31 units. There was discussion about the Wampanoag, Mashpee Commons and Habitat projects, as well as Breezy Acres' 10 units. Chairman Abbot expected a maximum of 12 units to be added this year. On page 3, Ms. Egloff expressed concern regarding the usage of"safe" affordable housing and its meaning, and it was agreed to remove it. Mr. Isbitz stated that"safe" was typically used as a national goal for decent, safe and sanitary housing and inquired whether removal would suggest that the Committee did not care about safe housing_ Ms. Egloff suggested that the objectives include the fair and decent housing parameters, adding that the number one goal was to develop affordable housing. Mr. Isbitz inquired about what would be considered fair and suggested using generally accepted wording or remove all of it and focus on affordable housing. Selectman Richardson suggested the possibility of the trailer parks and accessory apartments which exist in Mashpee meeting the definition of affordable Dousing. Selectman Richardson suggested that Mashpee had more affordable housing than what had been credited and inquired why they could not be considered. Chairman Abbott stated that the Committee had been reviewing other towns' bylaws regarding their rules governing accessory apartments. The Chair noted that there were rules that determined what could be classified as affordable. "Fair, decent and safe" will be removed and Ms. Egloffwill draft an appropriate objective to include with the goal. Regarding page 4, in the second sentence regarding wastewater technologies and higher densities, Ms. Egloff suggested that it was not the role of the Affordable Housing Committee to promote wastewater technologies. The Chair suggested that it could encourage affordable housing projects to tap into existing wastewater facilities. Ms. Egloff suggested that the Town of Mashpee was doing an excellent job promoting innovative wastewater technologies and that it was unnecessary as an objective. Regarding Goal 3, Objective 4, Ms. Egloff inquired whether the tax abatement program was for all ages. Mr. Isbitz noted that seeking exemptions did not help with affordable housing since it was then pitted against pressing budgetary considerations. In Massachusetts, affordable housing tended to pay its fair share of taxes. Chairman Abbott agreed to eliminate the objective for now, since he also questioned its inclusion in the document. On page 5, in reference to the first bullet about converting seasonal motels, the Chair stated that Mashpec was not in the same position as Yarmouth. It was determined that"consider the example of Yarmouth's motel conversion bylaw" be removed from the statement. In Goal 4, Ms. Egloff liked the idea of working with Human Services, particularly in regard to the needs of the Town. The Chair indicated that the figures required further verification. Mr. Isbitz questioned revising Chapter 40B legislation. The Chair explained that the former Asst. Town Planner felt that regionalization and eventual changes to the current 40B legislation would assist Mashpee. It was agreed that the Massachusetts statute was based on individual municipalities. There was agreement to add "and" between"strategies" and "funding" and remove the text following"opportunities." Chairman Abbott indicated that he would make the revisions and re-distribute the document to Committee members. The Chair also noted that Mr. Detschel had gathered mission statements from 3