7/27/2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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8 Board of Selectmen Minutes July 27, 2015 Affordable Housing Committee Update/Walter Abbott&Alan Isbitz: (continued) To increase the Town's affordable housing stock to 10%the Town would be required to produce at least 32 units annually to achieve the target by 2023. It was noted that recently, and with the assistance of Community Preservation Act funding, the Mashpee Housing Authority has added 10 additional units to Breezy Acres/Great Cove Community. With CPA funding, Habitat for Humanity has completed three projects,and received funding in May of 2015 to construct two additional homes to be deeded as affordable in perpetuity. Future and ongoing projects include the Wampanoag Tribe's project on Meetinghouse Road and the expansion of Mashpee Commons. If the projects move forward,the Town would need 251 more units to achieve the 10% goal mandated by the state. In reviewing the median income of households with less than$60,000 per year, and those in the severely rent burden category,Mr. Isbitz indicated that if the Town built 251 units,the residents would still be underserved. In discussion, it was noted the Town is also moving forward reviewing two lots located at 950 Falmouth Road and 209 Old Barnstable Road as combined sites for affordable housing. Affordable Housing Committee member Alan Isbitz strongly made note of the need to balance affordable rental and ownership units to meet the needs of low and moderate income households. Mr. Isbitz indicated the 209 Old Barnstable Road feasibility study is proposed for 20 to 24 rental units earmarked for workforce housing. At the 950 Falmouth Road property, it was disclosed the Town is currently conducting the phasb 1 of the feasibility study to review infrastructure and access requirements. After receiving a recommendation on the state level,the Town is considering combing the two properties to attract one developer for the construction and management of the subject properties. In concern to the delay in constructing affordable housing,Mr. Isbitz indicated the AHC has been working diligently to advise the Board of Selectmen.. A number of funding rounds have passed since November of 2013 when the AHC was considering the 209 Old Barnstable Road site. Mr. Isbitz stated the lack of progress represents a costly delay. Mr. Isbitz indicated the Affordable Housing Committee is hopeful the Town will proceed with deliberate speed to do what we can do for the Mashpee community. It was recommended the Town consider funding the Affordable Housing Trust with Community Preservation monies and increase intra-governmental effort and coordination to move this challenge forward. With regards to the use of CPA monies,Town Counsel has advised it would be premature and futile to place an article on the October Town Meeting warrant unless the Community Preservation Committee has authorized the use of CPA funding.