6/5/2018 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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confirmed that he had collaborated with Mashpee Commons on the charrette to develop a visioning, and a conceptual plan for what the expansion could look like, based on community feedback. Mr. Lehrer stated that, in conjunction with the Planning Board, a strategy for form based code within the zoning bylaw, to develop the type of development that Mashpee Commons was seeking, would be determined in the next few weeks. Mr. Lehrer supported ensuring that the language accommodated form based code with neighborhood character districts, featuring higher density. Mr. Lehrer stated that there was not a specific plan developed but that the series of workshops were intended to create a participatory planning process that would add value to the community for generations. Mr. Lehrer planned to have a call with the designers to learn more about their final regulatory proposal, designs and code. Chairman Isbitz noted that the visioning sessions covered a variety of possibilities and inquired whether there was consideration for affordable housing in their plans. Mr. Lehrer confirmed that he had spoken with Russ Preston, of Mashpee Commons, regarding feedback he received about Mashpee Commons' 40B projects and Mr. Preston stated that they would not abandon affordable housing but would approach it in a different manner. Mr. Abbott inquired whether the original phase of five buildings/52 units would result in just one building. Mr. Lehrer confirmed, on his first day of work, a final plan review had been completed for two buildings, 10 units each, but he would confirm the information. Chairman Isbitz inquired whether Mashpee Commons would be proceeding with their 40B plan and Mr. Lehrer responded that it was unclear how it would work into their plan. Mr. Abbott noted that the State provided credit for 52 units. Mr. Lehrer will follow up with Mashpee Commons and respond to the Chair with more detailed information. Main Street Village,37 Center Street-Chairman Isbitz confirmed that the Warrant Article requesting a deed restriction removal, had been withdrawn by the homeowner. A sale had occurred with the restriction in place. Concern had been expressed regarding how this situation could be avoided in the future, without jeopardizing affordable housing restrictions or the owner's situation. Gael Kelleher, of the Housing Assistance Corporation, was present as the overseeing agency at Main Street Village and was invited to share her thoughts. Ms. Kelleher distributed handouts to the Committee. Ms. Kelleher noted that, of the six deed restricted affordable units, three units had been lost due to foreclosure. Ms. Kelleher detailed individual circumstances of the units, pointing out that the project presented a challenging situation because the Fannie Mae Condo Secondary Guidelines did not allow for financing due to a commercial component on site, as well as other issues, which came into effect in 2009. As a result, most of the units sold had been cash sales. Ms. Kelleher stated that four moderate units and three affordable units remained at Main Street Village, while three lost their deed restrictions. Chairman Isbitz inquired how best to address the issue. Ms. Kelleher cautioned that the Town should lose no more units, noting that she had repeatedly tried to contact Town Hall by notice during the time of the foreclosures, but had received no response. Mr. Abbott inquired whether Ms. Kelleher was aware that there was a developer seeking to complete the project and Ms. Kelleher confirmed that she had three meetings and discussed the condominiums financing issues seeking a fixed rate 30-year mortgage. Chairman Isbitz referenced two State agencies with first time buyer programs and Ms. Kelleher confirmed that sometimes MHP would review projects, but required a perfect credit score. The Chair inquired whether MHP or MassHousing could assist the financing of the affordable piece of a project and Ms. Kelleher suggested that 2