EASTHAM AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
Draft MEETING MINUTES Draft
Small Meeting Room
October 14, 2015
Members Present: Eileen Morgan, John Knight, Peter Wade, Bill Burt, Jim McMakin Staff Present: Paul Lagg, Town Planner
Others Present: Marilyn Miller, Reporter – Cape Codder
Scott Kerry, Kerry Insurance Agency, Inc.
Leedara Zola, Habitat for Humanity
Meeting was called to order at Noon by Chair, Eileen Morgan
Approval of Minutes of the September 15th Meeting
Jim McMakin moved that the minutes of the Sept.15 meeting be approved, Peter Wade made the second, minutes approved 4-0-1
Insurance Policy Overview
Scott Kerry provided the Trust with an overview of the insurance coverage on the Trust owned properties at Wampum Lane, Stellwagon Way, Massasoit Rd. and Dory lane. Trust members had questions regarding renters insurance, business income loss, and the building insurance coverage held on the Brackett landing condo properties, presently held by Downing and O’Neil in Chatham. Mr. Kerry said he would return next month with answers on the questions raised by the Trust.
Discussion on potential future housing developments
Habitat for Humanity- Rabbit Run update- Eileen Morgan told members that HFH was looking for volunteers for the Rabbit Run project, which has scheduled a Wall-raising Event for October 24th, 8:30AM.
Peter Wade introduced Leedara Zola, and told members that Habitat for Humanity (HFH) had applied to the CPC for funding, and noted their ability to leverage funding to create home ownership opportunities, at a lower cost than purchasing existing properties. He felt working with HFH was worth exploring, possibly utilizing the Ballwic property near the Children’s Place.
Leedara then provided a presentation on HFH projects done elsewhere. (Brewster, Yarmouth, Chatham) showing schematics of the homes built, and the layout of the various development designs. There were questions and discussion about home design options: one bedroom units, duplexes, quadplexes etc. She noted that HFH would welcome the opportunity to work with the town on a project.
Eileen Morgan suggested that the Trust have HFH come to a Board of Selectmen’s meeting in the future. Town planner Paul Lagg and Peter Wade reminded Trust members that the recreation department and the Children’s Place were also interested in potential use of the Ballwic property, and Paul noted this might be an opportunity for a joint project.
Tee Time – Eileen Morgan felt that the Trust should provided some input on the project, and asked members to express their concerns/support etc. Bill Burt noted that he favored the concept of an affordable housing project on the site, but added the scope of the presently proposed development project is one that Eastham has never seen before; hence it is reasonable to expect citizen concern. He went to say that the history of the management of affordable developments has not been good in many areas of the northeast, and this has further generated concern over building new projects.
Jim McMakin told members he has been approached by many people about the size of the project, traffic concerns etc. John Knight noted he had concerns, but thought that such a project/concept was worthwhile. He noted he has not made any decision about this specific project one way or the other yet. The Stratford Capital Group will meet with the Selectmen on Oct. 19th. Peter Wade said his major concern was the size of the project, and that he felt many families who live in the area and are struggling with high rent, are likely over or just over the 65% of median income; and therefore would not be eligible for the project as proposed. He approached the developers with questions about that issue and also asked if they could downsize the overall number of units. The developers responded and said they would look
into modifications. There was further discussion about the 40B process, and what type of motion, if any, the Trust should make. John Knight finally made a motion to support the concept of the project, leaving out specifics. Peter Wade thought a more concrete motion might be needed. Bill Burt amended John Knight’s motion and made a motion that the Eastham Affordable Housing Trust supports the Stratford Capital Group continuing to work with the Town to develop affordable housing on the Tee Time Property. Jim McMakin made the second. Motion passed 5-0.
Monthly Report (Paul Lagg)
Driveway upgrades – Driveway upgrades are needed at 60 Dory Lane and 4 Stellwagon after the paving project was completed. These upgrades will level the driveways to the new pavement height. Bill Burt made a motion to approve $870. for the upgrades at the two properties.
The work will include, base material, compaction and installation of crushed shell top dressing. Work will be done by Maffie Landscaping, who provided a quote to CDP. Jim Mcmakin made the second. Motion passed 5-0.
Dead Tree Removal – A dead tree needs to be taken down at 6 Dory Lane. There is a quote of $150 for Tree Removal and $75 for stump grinding. Jim McMakin suggested having the tree flushed cut to the ground with no grinding, others agreed. Bill Burt made a motion to approve $150.00 for the tree removal doing a flush cut. Jim McMakin made the second Motion passed 5-0.
Exterior painting 60 Dory Lane – Some areas of exterior trim and corner boards need to be painted. The quotes CDP received were $1800 and $2100. Trust members thought these quotes were high and asked planner Paul Lagg to request some other quotes from CDP.
17 Dory Lane – John McShane signed the last of the paperwork, and Trust’s attorney Michael Dutton will record these asap.
Lawn sprinkler failed at this unit. Association is responsible for maintenance, waiting for status update.
CPC FY17 Recommendations – During this discussion Peter Wade said he finally was able to reconcile funding questions, and at this point the Trust still had $800K+ encumbered for rental
purchase/rehab program. Eileen Morgan said that any new proposal should be for general housing purposes as suggested by the town planner. Given the uncertainty of the Tee-time proposal Bill Burt suggested that while there is $212K available in the next fiscal year, perhaps the Trust should hold off on a proposal to see where things stand by the first of the year. A change in the use of the $800K would require going back to town meeting, Peter Wade noted, but it could be done.
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