DUXBURY LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Minutes of 5/22/08
Senior Center
Members Present: Diane Bartlett Jack Griffin Charlie Rourke
Bruce Bygate Brendan Keohan Matt Walsh
Denece Clinton Brian Murphy
Also Present: Bill Campbell
Meeting convened at 7:30 PM
Discussion of Grange/Firehouse off Franklin Street: Jack Griffin MOTION at first opportunity to go to the Board of selectmen to request an article for Town Meeting relative to the change of use of the Firehouse so that the project can move forward and be ready for a special town meeting should one occur.
Seconded by Charlie Rourke, voted 9 –0
Discussion of Island Creek letter of eligibility: Did the BOS vote to send to ZBA?
It was unsure what the discussion with the BOS was as to sending to ZBA. There did vote to send a new letter to DHCD regarding the commercial development piece of the proposal to ascertain why DHCD supported this and did not respond to their concern.
Postponed any discussion on RFP for administrator Housing Assistance Program: The Housing Trust is going to pick this up and move forward with the Homeownership program. We will not be involved in this any longer. Also discussed whether the Duxbury Housing Authority would be doing the pre-qualification of homeowners. Jack reported that Executive Director could do it, but needs to understand the scope of the work to be done. Jack reported that the price of the fee is too low to do the pre-qualifications. The Housing Trust will continue this discussion at a later time and make determination as to who will be doing the work
.
LIP Procedures: Gave out proposed LIP procedures, asks everyone to read and be ready to discuss on the meeting on the 11th with all land use boards. Circulated a clipboard for those members to sign up for the meeting on June 11th. Report number to Barbara Ripley for attendance purposes. Seven have signed up to attend.
Accessory Apartment Bylaw: Asked for members willing to serve on committee.
Matt volunteered; we will check again when all members are present. Bill Campbell made some suggestions to Matt relative to proceeding with bylaw. Jim Lambert may be another person to contact about the apartment bylaw, given his wealth of experience on the ZBA.
Other matters discussed:
Reports from subcommittees: Camp Wing: Committee has not met but will meet and bring report back for next meeting on ideas for the use of the land.
Home Ownership Application: Postponed and will be sent to Housing Trust for their work on this.
Matt asked if we could brainstorm on how to help seniors with housing:
Different ideas were thrown around about how we can help seniors stay in town.
Ideas were suggested; Marion was brought up by Charlie as an option to look at.
Diane reported the Stowe Program, which Jon Witten was involved in, did not pass muster with DHCD. They sent a letter denying the program. Particulars are not known at the time.
Matt suggested Town could grant a sum of money to homeowner, with a Affordable Housing deed restriction placed on the home, however, there would be a vetting time (two year window) after the death of the resident to have the heirs, pay back the grant or let it continue on in perpetuity and the house remain affordable, if the heirs wanted to leave it. The heirs would have the choice to make a different decision within two years.
This would be something similar in concept to a reverse mortgage, however, with other clauses built it. It was agreed we would continue the brainstorming at the next meeting.
Bill Campbell commented with a question, “Is the senior ready for different housing, maintaining a house etc.” We should look at all aspects of helping seniors.
Bill Campbell commented that the LHP has done everything that the town has asked them to do.
Bill Campbell raised the issue that the Town now owns nearly 30 acres of designated land for affordable housing. What are we going to do about it? This will be a discussion item for June.
Brian Murphy commented that Hingham went out to seek bids relative to affordable housing. Is this the board’s responsibility to seek the bids?
It was agreed we would not meet on June 12th, given the two day affordable housing conference in Wellesley at Babson College on June 12 and13th, but rather move the date to June 19th.
We will also have another summer meeting on August 1st as well and then come back to our twice a month schedule for the fall.
Denece Clinton McGann raised the question relative to moving the house and making a commitment to doing it or not. We will contact Peter Buttkus to run the route for tree cutting issues, before any decision can be made to move forward. Different routes may need to be considered. It is important to have a decision in fairness to the homeowner.
A short discussion was held about Duxbury Estates and the linkage money. They appear to be far from ready to hand any money over to the town. 14th building permit needs to be pulled before any money would be realized from this project.
Discussion of Co-chairman, as chairman will be unavailable for approximately 6 weeks.
No volunteer at the moment will reconsider in June.
Approval of minutes:
Jack Griffin MOTION to accept minutes of 3-20-08, seconded by Matt Walsh—vote 9-0
Brendan Keohan MOTION to accept minutes of 2-28-08, seconded by Matt Walsh – vote 9-0
Matt Walsh MOTION to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Charlie Rourke- unanimously voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Bartlett, Chairman
APPROVED BY THE LHP ON 09/11/08
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