3/1/2011 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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loans. Seleawtan Richardson inquired how the Committee would decide between developing rentals or home ownership. Ms. Banner responded that it depends on the needs of the Town. Ms. Danner recently learned that HAC's first time homebuyers program is filled to capacity but that there i s also a need for rentals. Mr. Abbott inquired who determines the'Town's needs and Ms. Danner responded that the Town determines the need but that HAC could serve as a resource. Mr. Abbott referenced the Cape Cod Commission Affordable Housing Committee which has identified its priority as rentals. Chairman 'Tre at confirmed that the PlanningDepartment's Local Comprehensive Plan has identified a need for rentals. Ms. Danner indicated that a market study of the area would also be completed during the pre-development stage. Ms. Danner referenced permanent sources and displayed an example of a large binder that represents the planning of an affordable housing project. Seven copies of the plan are sent to DHCD in order to apply for state funding. During the last round of funding, 93 applications were rived and 31 projects received funding. Ms. Danner cautioned that assembling the application can be expensive but is necessary in order to get funding and includes an enviromment assessment, site plans and design plans. Chairman Trebat questioned the frequency of the DHCD grant funding process and Ms. Danner responded that here would be two rounds in 2011, one in March and one in December. Mr. Abbott inquired whether CPA funds could be used-to begin a project, if the Committee is in possession of land. Mr. Abbott also asked when HAC could assist with the Committee's efforts and Ms. Danner responded that HAC can assist at the beginning. Ms. Egloff inquired whether the application process includes any focus on green efforts, such as community gardens, and other means to make an affordable home more affordable. Ms. Danner responded that DHCD maintains guidelines for sustainable building. Ms. Danner added that HAC makes every effort to wild green, using such products as rigid foam insulation and solar orientation of buildings. Ms. Egloff questioned whether Cape Light Compact offers any assistance in building affordable green homes. ibis. Danner responded that Cape Light Compact had provided some funding for LEED certified projects a few years ago. Ms. Danner reported that energy star abates can be requested at the end of the project for installation of a high efficiency heating system. 1s. Egloff inquired about the differences between section 8 housing and affordable housing and the negative connotation associated with use of the word"project.' Ms. Danner responded that times have changed and referenced the leasing of 12 units in West Barnstable for residents aged 55 and older. ibis. Danner noted that the residents were individuals who experienced difficult times and could no longer remain in their homes. Ms. Danner further noted that, in order to move into affordable housing, residents must meet certain income guidelines, be employed and have good references. Ms. Danner stated that homes are very expensive to purchase and project based vouchers are needed on the Cape. Ms. Egloff responded that there was often support for + afi`ordabl a housing but that greater challenges arise with other types of projects because residents are often unclear where residents are coming from and express corm about the projects being placed in their"backyard." ibis. Danner recommended that concerned residents should take a closer look at Kimber Woods, located next to the YMCA in west Barnstable and Canal Bluffs in bourne, in order to see how the developments work. Ms. Egloff referenced projects 'in Falmouth that were discouraged by residents in certain locations. Iris. Egloff inquired hove best to educate residents to better understand the need for affordable housing. lis. Danner agreed that educating by example can be effective. ibis. Egloff inquired whether Ms. Danner was familiar with the use of standardized development plans rather than hlrrng an architect to create a development. IVs. Danner responded that she was unfamiliar with standardized development plans but recently spoke with someone about modular construction. Ms. Egloff has heard about standardized development plans for municipal building but Ms. Darner noted the importance of honoring the charm of Cape Cod and prefers having a say in development design. oris. Egloff inquired 2