5/8/2018 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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transmit the study report and request that the Affordable Housing Trust pursue development of the site for affordable housing. The Chair summarized that the results of the study showed that the site was developable for affordable housing. The final report suggested the possibility of 23- 69 affordable apartments,with a limit of 69 bedrooms,using one of two potential scenarios, either as a garden apartment layout of three buildings or townhomes with approximately seven groupings. The Chair emphasized that the report was a suggested approach. The intent of the letter to the Affordable Housing Trust was to seek approval of the study, followed by the pursuit of the RFP process to seek the development of affordable housing on the site. The Chair noted that a potential developer would likely create their own plan, possibly following the suggested approach identified by the consultant, or pursue a different approach. Mr. Johnson acknowledged Mr. Terry, from the public, inquiring whether he had seen the study report. Mr. Terry confirmed that he had seen the engineering and expressed interest in knowing how the project would move forward. Mr. Johnson responded that potential developers would likely offer different designs but the*limiting factor would remain at 69 bedrooms, due to wastewater restrictions. Mr. Terry expressed his interest, and the interest of the abutters, to be included in the process. The Chair expressed his appreciation for abutter interest and involvement, and encouraged their involvement every step of the way. MOTION: Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the drafted letter. Mr. Abbott seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. Chairman Isbitz will forward the letter to the Affordable Housing Trust. The Chair believed that it would take a few months to draft the RFP and additional months to solicit developer interest,. and suggested the best possible scenario that the Trust could award a developer designation during the early part of 2019. The Chair summarized that the development of affordable housing was typically a 4-5 year process,with another year or so for construction and occupancy. Members of the committee invited members of the public to share their thoughts. Interest was expressed that the.abuiters be included in the process. Mr. Abbott suggested that abutters could submit a letter or email to the Chair addressing their concerns. Mr. Johnson stated that the Committee's role was to assist in identifying appropriate parcels to be developed for affordable housing and that the Affordable Housing Trust, who had access to funding, could pursue the development of the site. Mr. Johnson added that, at 4.5%of the required 10%,the Town was short of meeting the requirement set for affordable housing and that the site could help to address Mashpee's affordable housing needs. It was noted that meetings were open for public attendance and input. Mr. Johnson noted,with good developments, affordable housing had been shown to increase surrounding property values. There was discussion regarding whether there were towns on Cape meeting the 10% affordable housing goal and it was noted that Orleans was closest to reaching 10%. Mashpee would need 3 2-3 3 units added each year in order to meet their 10%goal, so it was expected that it would take seme time to meet the goal. Mr. Johnson added that approximately 20 homes had been built in Mashpee by Habitat for Humanity, though Mr. Abbott noted that the Cape Cod Commission had determined that affordable rentals were greatly needed on Cape for workforce housing. 2