5/1/2012 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

Home Browse Search

Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee Meeting Minutes May 1, 2012 at 6:30 pm Cape Cod Commission, Barnstable Present: Chairman Walter Abbott, Berkeley Johnson, Allan Isbitz Absent: Kalliope Egloff, Fred Detschel CALL TO ORDER Chairman Abbott called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. and the roll was called. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-April 3, 2012 Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Isbitz seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. OLD BUSINESS 209 Barnstable Road Status Chairman Abbott reported that the Massachusetts Housing Partnership may have offered funds for a feasibility study for 209 Barnstable Road and one other property selected by the Town. The Chair connected Laura Shufelt to the Town and a meeting occurred with Town Manager Joyce Mason, Asst. Town Manager Tom Mayo and Selectman Carol Sherman, at which they indicated they intend to include the Heritage property as the second site. The Chair contacted Selectman Sherman to determine the next course of action. The Partnership estimates a cost of$8,000 for both feasibility studies. There is a question about the feasibility of the Heritage parcel for affordable housing. It was noted that the parcel sat in the flight protection zone and is also located in the clear zone, which may require costly mitigation, such as soundproofing, and/or be an eligibility issue in applying for HUD money, as well as other federal funds. Mr. Isbitz added that it may be difficult for DHCD to grant 9%tax credits to a project located in that area. Mr. Johnson had plans to speak with Ms. Mason about Habitat for Humanity and offered to also discuss the feasibility study and 209 Barnstable Road. Warrant Articles: Habitat for Humanity and Housing Authority Chairman Abbott reported that $285,083 was available in mitigation funds from the Cape Cod Commission for affordable housing and the affordable housing reserve for the CPA funds totaled $472,830. The Warrant Article requests totaled $170,000. The Housing Authority requested a total of$300,000; $100,000 per year for three years to fund a 15`/last month rent revolving loan and mortgage assistance program. Habitat for Humanity was also seeking $70,000, though the Board of Selectmen suggested that Mashpee would be in need of the money for affordable housing. Leila Botsford, Director of the Mashpee Housing Authority, sent an email to the Committee regarding their interest in pursuing another feasible affordable housing project if the land was turned over to the Authority. The Housing Authority would also be willing to serve as property manager of a project, particularly as the Housing Authority had experience in developing affordable housing. The Chair recommended following through with the feasibility study, followed by meeting with Ms. Botsford and/or the Housing Authority Board.