Housing Committee Minutes
July 6, 2005
7:30p.m.
Town Hall
Present: Steve Schwab-chair, Josh Scott, Jim Feiner, Zelda Gamson, Thaw Malin
Member of the public: Russell Walton.
Thaw Malin came before the committee and stated that he is resigning as of today. He will submit his formal resignation to Tim Carroll as soon as possible.
The minutes of June 8, 2005 were approved as written.
The minutes of May 24, 2005 were approved as written.
The minutes of May 25, 2005 were approved as written.
The committee voted to approve the expiration date of the Homesite Housing application to be two years from its approval for Homesite applicants, as provided in the current Homesite Guidelines. All members present approved.
A question came to Deb about the process for buying a house on Middle Line. The person was wondering if they have to buy the most expensive house or can they buy the "cheaper" house if they wish. People earning at 100% of median or below are eligible for houses at the lower prices; people earning above 100% must pay the higher (but still affordable) price. On monthly payments, the banks calculate their decisions about the amount of a mortgage so that monthly payments do not exceed one-third of the income and allow for other basic expenses.
Those wishing to be reappointed to the CHC will have to write a letter to the selectmen wishing to be reappointed. Deb will email Bill Randol and Steve Gallas to ascertain their desire to be reappointed.
The committee discussed the process for developing a pool of new members for the committee including an alternate member. It was determined to contact Tim Carroll about this process.
Steve Schwab gave a review of the selectmen's meeting he attended. They reviewed the articles of the STM and the ramifications they would have. It was decided that Steve Schwab, Warren Doty, and Jim Feiner meet with Ron Rappaport about the next steps for the Middle Line Road project. Steve Schwab agreed to email his list of topics to the committee for input.
Steve Schwab presented the committee with Bob Kuehn's letter of response to the letter from Joshua Davis, attorney from Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., about the Community Preservation Act, which was requested by Ron Rappaport. Kuehn’s letter stated some fundamental differences with the opinions of both Joshua Davis and Ron Rappaport. (Correspondence attached.)
Possible affordable housing projects for the future were discussed. Zee will draw up a list of suggestions. (See attached.)
The committee read the letter from the Commonwealth about possible grants for affordable housing. Zee mentioned that there were private organizations that provide funding for affordable housing.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15p.m.
These minutes respectfully submitted by Deborah Cini, Administrative Assistant.
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