3/4/2014 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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The Chair reported that the Town Manager sent a letter on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, requesting that the Committee forward a recommendation as to whether the Committee wished to move the project forward. Upon receipt of the recommendation, it would be submitted to the next available Board of Selectman meeting for a vote, at which time Ms. Mason would work with the BOS to determine the best approach for funding, development and management of the project. Mr. Johnson made a motion that the Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee respond to the inquiry by the Town Manager that the Committee believes, in view of the positive results of the feasibility study,the Selectmen should go forward to promote this project in a manner that would encourage a broad participation by prospective developers who would be suitable for the site. Ms. Egloff seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. The Chair invited Mr. Isbitz to draft the letter. Chairman Abbott also recommended further discussing what the Committee wished to see for the development. Mr. Johnson suggested that the level of detail was not yet necessary and Ms. Egloff agreed. Mr. Johnson also pointed out that a developer would wish to create the design. Ms. Egloff recommended a simple letter reflecting the vote taken rather than complicating the issue. Mr. Isbitz inquired about the status of the Committee's resolution forwarded to Ms. Mason, noting that it was a clear statement reflecting the goals of the Committee. There was discussion regarding another possible RFP from Laura Shufelt, Mr. Isbitz indicated that he would draft a letter and distribute it by email to the other members of the Committee. ' Mr. Marcus inquired whether there were budget constraints or concerns regarding the ability to fund and gain a return from the project. Mr. Isbitz responded that most towns would not be able to subsidize affordable housing for a great length of time, however, federal and state funds, with the backing of the town showing their commitment to the project, would assist with the ongoing operating expenses. Mr. Isbitz further explained that the developer would be responsible for identifying and acquiring the funding for such a project. Mr. Marcus indicated that he was aware of the State mandates for affordable housing but had heard no conversation regarding the costs but it was pointed out that it was too early in the process to know the costs. Ms. Egloff added that discussions had occurred with other communities regarding their affordable housing as well as with the Cape Cod Commission. Mr. Cocuzzo inquired about the ownership of the land and how it would be conveyed. The Chair confirmed that it was town-owned open land. Mr. Johnson indicated that an RFP would be developed for the land. Mr. Isbitz suggested there would likely be an appraisal, possibly selling it for market value or less. Developers would then put together a formula and develop a plan in order to pay for the project and all parties would need to be in agreement to move forward. Chairman Abbott referenced Breezy Acres and HAC's efforts to acquire funding from Cape Cod Commission mitigation funds and CPC funds. Mr. Cocuzzo inquired about management of the property and Mr. Isbitz responded that the developer would need to have a plan for managing units, noting that the State would require a professional manager with a good reputation. The Chair also referenced the Mashpee Housing Authority who managed a number of affordable rental units. Mr. Isbitz emphasized that management of the facility could be a competitive process and that the State funding agency would ensure that it would be a firm with a good reputation. Ms. Egloff added that the Committee was seeking work force housing, rather than subsidized housing. 2