7/10/2018 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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Chairman Isbitz referenced last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, noting that the Planning Board and Mashpee Commons were tasked with coming together on an approach to which both parties could agree, by September 11. The Chair stated that they would be seeking as many affordable housing units that could feasibly be developed, as it was needed by the Town. The Chair stated that he looked forward to hearing a favorable response from the parties involved and hoped that the Committee would be kept informed. Mr. Abbott inquired why 15% was identified and Ms. Waygan responded that current 40B projects required 25% affordable. Mashpee Commons was expected to request over 40 residential units per acre and up to 5-storics high, with some areas of conservation. The Planning Board had not yet seen a master regulatory plan that would identify the blocks. Ms. Waygan stated that Mashpee Commons was seeking high density and height, approximately two times its existing development. Mr. Abbott inquired whether there was flexibility in the 15%and Ms. Waygan responded that she thought it was reasonable and that some towns requested 20% and the Cape Cod Commission required 10%. The Planning Board had also asked for a 1:1 acre for acre set aside for open space. The Chair again echoed his hope that the two parties could work out an agreement amenable to all. Mr. Johnson inquired whether the units'would be rentals and Ms. Waygan responded that she was unsure, as they just received the Mashpee Commons proposal on June 20. Mr. Johnson expressed concern about association fees and differences for market versus affordable housing when the units were mixed, though felt it was generally preferable. There was consensus that the immediate need was for affordable rentals. There was discussion regarding affordable counts related to household income levels. Ms. Waygan noted that some affordable housing developers such as Stratford Capital, Commonwealth Community Developers and Dakota Partners were looking at the Cape for development opportunities. Main Street Village, Phase I-There was no further information regarding the issues presented by the development. The Chair wished to defer it to another meeting to follow up with Gale Kelleher. Main Street Village, Phase II Proposal-Mr. Lehrer reported that another developer had approached him recently who considered building all rental units, selling or deeding them to the Mashpee Housing Authority. Mr. Lehrer added that, according to the Building Commissioner, Phase I still had some incomplete items on their Special Permit but questioned whether a new developer could be burdened by the previous developer. 243 Cotuit Road Proposal-No progress. HAC Affordable Housing Projects in Mashpee-The Chair reported that a meeting had been held with the Town Planner and the Housing Assistance Corporation, with David Quinn and Sandy Horvitz. A new program was being developed that would target 25-30 existing seasonally rented/weekly rental homes, convincing homeowners to rent with one-year leases to increase the housing stock for year-round residents. The financial feasibility and approach were currently being considered, before launching the program. The goal was to convince homeowners that it was financially more feasible to rent annually, rather than seasonally. Once ready to launch, they will present their ideas to the Affordable Housing Committee and other towns. The Chair noted that the State was pursuing an additional tax on AirBNB rental homes, taxing them at the same rate as a hotel. Mr. Johnson suggested that it would likely depend upon the location of the home. Ms. Stone inquired about the impact to the local population of J-1 seasonal student rentals. 4