05/11/2021 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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Selectman Sherman, the Town Planner, and Assistant Town Manger about this site. We all agreed the basic objective is to develop the site for a mix of affordable and workforce housing. Also discussed was a possibility for some limited commercial uses that could possibly relate to the Community Health Center. Chairman Isbitz suggested that we should set up a meeting with the CHC leadership and see what commercial uses might be desirable there. Ms. Baker asked if some organizations locally and their employees could support this project. Union employees, such as Stop and Shop who would want to be aware of this opportunity and would likely talk in favor of the project at public meetings. Chairman Isbitz emphasized that the first step is to do the feasibility study and identify the funds to carry it out. The Trust, as the ultimate controlling public entity for the project, should approve the feasibility study, and will want to know where the funds will come from. EDIC has funds readily available to fund the study, though Selectmen Sherman cautions that EDIC will need to vote to agree to that. A quick start to this would be great. Ms. Baker also noted the census data Mr. Isbitz presented this evening might solidify that need. Previously it was agreed that we would need to transfer the title of the property to the Affordable Housing Trust. From a funding point of view, they would be the logical coordinators of the project. The Affordable Housing Trust is the housing policy implementer of Town policy on workforce and affordable housing goals. The Trust has the regulatory ability and financial capacity to sign contracts, seek and receive funding, let out loans, negotiate terms, and assess priority importance for local resources among competing projects. For these reasons, the Trust by its creation in law is intended to serve a pivotal role in the production of affordable and workforce housing. Ms. Pina thanked Chairman for providing valuable background information and painting a good picture of why this project is needed. She wanted to know if any official votes were needed to be made before adjournment. MOTION: It was moved by Melinda Baker that the Affordable Housing Committee accept Selectmen Sherman's invitation to hold a joint meeting with EDIC to explore a collaborative effort in developing 108 Commercial St to be held Tuesday, May 1811 at 6:30p.m. Ms. Pina seconded the motion. All voted unanimously to approve the motion. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: It was moved by Ms. Pina to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Baker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:04p.m. NEXT MEETING June 15, 2021, 6:30p.m. 4