07/08/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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Board of Selectmen/Affordable Housing Trust Minutes July 8, 2019 Presentation and Discussion with Preservation of Affordable Housing_(POAH) and Housing Assistance Corporation re: 950 Falmouth Road Affordable Housing Project: (continued) Julie Creamer was in attendance representing POAH with HAC serving as co-developers of the 950 Falmouth Road project. Also present was Steve Tice of the development design team. Mr. Tice indicated the affordable housing project was initially designed for four buildings. With cost analysis and efficiencies,the project was compromised to three buildings. The first is a small 12 unit building that may be applicable to a different source of funding. The second structure would house the bulls of the affordable units to be comprised of one and two bedrooms. The third townhouse or farmhouse style building is currently designed with a minimum of four 3 bedroom units with two side entrances and a shared common entrance for two units. All units are single level living. This was a determined preference after surveying young families. The buildings are typical and designed for communal living. Materials for the development are common to the Cape, but unique in terms of sustainability. In striving to accomplish minimal disturbance and to retain land in its natural state, the buildings have also been designed to support the site plan and topography. The buildings are currently placed informally which is typical of urban sites or downtown centers and the roof areas are maximized for the most optimum use of solar panels. One-half of the site is planned for the onsite sewerage treatment plant. Members of the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) indicated they are supportive of the substance of the proposal. However, the massing of the buildings and their appearance in terms of aesthetics is lacking appeal. There is preference for a village style with personality distinguishing one ownership rather that a boarding house or large barn style. Adequate buffer detail is also missing from the design. It was recommended the project architect soften the starkness of the buildings and further enhance the curb appeal. The project should be more than just housing units. It should feel like home and a place where people would want to live. When evaluating the project, the AHT working group also felt the massing of the buildings in the design was too great. There was interest in having more individuality and interest in the building appearance. Although the architecture may be reflective of the Cape, the massing of the design lacked attraction. It was agreed the program number and unit types are suitable. It is a stylistic change that is required of the developer. With a new design, this matter will be revisited by the Affordable Housing Trust. 5