10/4/2012 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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although 3 sites had been eliminated. The 5 remaining sites included 950 Falmouth Road, 290 Old Barnstable Road, Ashumet Road, 572 Bates Road and 51 Mashpee Neck. The Chair reported that, although 950 Falmouth Road was a favorite,the Town withdrew its availability to sell the parcel, but Town Meeting rejected the Article. The Committee then focused its efforts on 209 Old Barnstable Road. The Chair reported that the Ashumet Road parcel was located adjacent to the Base and was also in the Clear Zone, creating challenges for acquiring HUD money. The Chair described recent efforts to update the Housing Production Plan in an effort to acquire funding for a feasibility study and renew certification. The Chair reported that the Production Plan had been signed off by the AHC,the Planning Board and possibly the Board of Selectmen. The AHC has also attended ZBA meetings, seminars and Habitat for Humanity events. Ms. Egloff recommended adding the confirmation of affordable housing count since it was an enormous task. Mashpee Housing Authority Presentation Leila Botsford, of the Mashpee Housing Authority, reported that she was most actively working on the Breezy Acres expansion, also known as Great Cove Community. Ms. Botsford stated that Breezy Acres included 6 front public housing units, but that the back piece of the parcel would be land-leased to Housing Assistance Corporation to develop affordable units that would not be public housing. The lenders of the new 10 units have requested a clear delineation of the two types of units. HAC has reported that all documents should be complete and ready to be reviewed by attorneys and a closing date determined in order to begin construction. HAC will be responsible for all aspects of construction, lasting approximately 11 months, and once complete, the Mashpee Housing Authority would serve as the manager of the property. There was discussion regarding the way in which the affordable units would be recorded with the state. Ms. Botsford stated that units were counted automatically when built with state fiends. It was suggested that DHCD tracked subsidized housing. When asked about the differences between public housing and affordable housing, Ms. Botsford explained that public housing was built with state or federal funds and rents were affordable at 30% of a person's income. Affordable housing is housing that was affordable for people at a certain area median income level. Ms. Egloff inquired about public assistance and eligibility requirements and Ms. Botsford confirmed that there were minimums and maximums. There was also discussion about annual re-certification for rental fees and challenges with tax credits for investors. Ms. Egloff referenced the possible lack of understanding that could occur when attempting to find support for workforce housing, as compared to public housing, or affordable housing developments and expressed interest in more discussion regarding the best way to market the idea of affordable housing. Ms. Egloff inquired about the needs of the area and Ms. Botsford confirmed that family rental housing was needed statewide and that funding was currently focused on family housing, adding that affordable homes seemed to be available for purchase. Ms. Botsford stated that the waiting list for family rental units had gotten so lengthy that most had been closed down. Mr. Isbitz agreed that it was also the case statewide. Ms. Botsford stated that the MHA was seeking available land for its next project and noted that she had met with the Town Manager, Selectman John Calialane and the Town Planner to discuss available sites. Although interest was expressed in 950 Falmouth Road, Ms. Botsford suggested that it had been taken off the table for consideration. Other sites were discussed and would be shared with the MHA Board for farther consideration at next week's meeting. Among the sites to be considered by the MHA Board included 209 Old Barnstable Road, 147 Lovell's Lane and 42 Meetinghouse Road. Ms. Botsford inquired whether the AFC wished to work cooperatively. 2