DUXBURY LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Minutes of 4/3/08
Senior Center
Members Present: Diane Bartlett Andre Martecchini Charlie Rourke
Barbara Kelley Brian Murphy Matt Walsh
Also Present: Christine Stickney, Planning Director
Meeting convened at 7:45 PM
M. Walsh Discussion re: lawyers & realtors:
Matt Walsh reported to the LHP a group of realtors are getting together on 4/16/08 to discuss a proposal to possibly assist the Town with their local purchase program by relinquishing up to 50% of their commission. Matt also said he has contacted some of his peers and these lawyers would consider helping with title insurance and possibly some pro bono work twice a year to help affordable applicants. Matt would like to talk with local lenders to see if they would come on board with some community assistance.
Andre Martecchini wondered if we should have a lender in to discuss their end of the program and what is needed. Diane Bartlett suggested having Sara Martin Brooks from Rockland Trust to our next meeting. Members discussed different aspects of the mortgage process and if applicants would be allowed to re-finance – in the end it was agreed to have someone in the business attend a future meeting to answer these questions.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund:
Andre noted an issue has arisen as to the movement of funds from the actual accounting fund to be used for implementation of the Housing Purchase Assistance Program. The statute as designed allows for only the allocation from Town Meeting as proposed by the Board of Selectmen – there is no direct connection with the Affordable Housing Trust.
Draft RFP (OKM) Housing Assistance Purchase Program:
Members reviewed the latest guidelines in an effort to have something to present to the Board of Selectmen for consideration. Members questioned how the current market and number of foreclosures would play into the proposal of a buy down to make a unit affordable. Matt Walsh questioned the issue of refinancing and if that is what the committee wants? He recommends that there should be some way to protect the $50,000.00. Diane also mentioned that the preference groups should include parents and children of Duxbury residents. Andre Martecchini MOTION to add language to include parents and children of Duxbury residents, seconded by Charlie Rourke – Unanimously voted. Brian Murphy questioned an age restriction. Matt Walsh added as the representative of the Council on
Aging he needed to point out that many of our elderly are house rich but cash poor and that asset limitations of $50,000.00 is problematic. Diane is concerned with the preliminary remarks she got from Erin Bettiz and wants to meet with them to discuss why DHCD has issues with the program.
Evergreen house donation:
Diane Bartlett raised the issue that a site is needed for the donated house. She has reviewed the Town maps and noticed there was a lot over next to Wadsworth field that is owned by the Town. Diane would like the members feeling on this scenario. Diane questioned if the owner could some how be persuaded to contribute towards the move. Charlie Rourke questioned if the LHP can accept such a gift and Andre responded that the Board of Selectmen can accept a gift. Charlie further asked if funds were part of an allocation plan for moving the donated house could the Selectmen accept something like that – Andre felt they could. It was agreed that Diane would look into the cost of moving a house.
Local Initiative Guidelines:
Diane Bartlett asked members if we should increase the percentage of affordability? Brian Murphy questioned making the guidelines to restrictive for any negotiation. Diane noted that Bill Campbell feels we should send a letter. It was agreed to submit the proposed regulations to both the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen and see what they would have to say.
Camp Wing Proposal:
Diane asked for members that would be willing to work on a subcommittee for this parcel. Brian Murphy, Charlie Rourke and Brendan Keohan agreed to work on it.
Administrative:
Andre Martecchini MOTION to accept the minutes of 2/25/08 seconded by Barbara Kelley – unanimously voted.
Charlie Rourke MOTION to accept the minutes of 3/6/08 seconded by Barbara Kelley – unanimously voted.
Charlie Rourke MOTION to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Brian Murphy – unanimously voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:15PM
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Stickney
APPROVED BY THE LHP ON 09/11/08
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