AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
March 20, 2003
6:30 P.M. MEMORIAL HALL
TOWN HALL, 1196 MAIN STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nancy Rocheleau, Robert Ricker, Peter Brennan Tim Eithier, Joanne O’Brien
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sharon McManus
STAFF: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Wayne Everett, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity and Paul McManus, Site Selection Committee member for Habitat and wetland scientist were present . Mr. Everett explained that the organization gets minimal government funding which is utilized for staff. The organization is predominantly funded through corporate donations and grants, which constitute approximately 80% of construction costs. The income limits range between 25% -50% of the area median income and the owner of the home is required to commit between 400-500 hours of labor towards the construction of their home as well as other Habitat homes. Habitat selects homeowners by identifying those with the greatest need. The organization holds the mortgage, which is approximately $70,000 for 25 years, equaling a monthly
mortgage payment of approximately $225. The organization requires that the mortgage remain affordable for fifteen years and Habitat must have first right of refusal to purchase the home at a determined appreciation index. A typical three bedroom home is 1150 square feet and each home is given $1,500 worth of options. Homes do not typically have garages and because volunteers are doing construction the structure is kept basic. Habitat stated that they could include Town Employees but didn’t think that they could totally limit the lottery to this condition.
Paul McManus informed those present that he walked the lots with Pamela Harding, Town Planner and found that there are definitely two buildable lots, with a possibility of three. There was a map provided with a rough delineation of the wetland boundary.
The AHPC thanked Wayne Everett for all of the information and Paul McManus for visiting the sites. They informed them that a Holden resident was petitioning to have the Putnam Lane lots placed on the ballot in May to be auctioned to the public, both agreed to speak at Town meeting in favor of keeping the lots affordable.
Habitat stated that they would be willing to keep the home as affordable in perpetuity. Peter Brennan asked if Habitat provided home ownership classes, Mr. Everett informed him that classes are provided for financing, decorating and maintenance.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT – Nancy MacWilson was present from the Community Preservation Act Committee and explained to the AHPC that they were attempting to place the CPA on the Town ballot and needed approximately 525 signatures to do so. She stated that the generated funds could be used towards the construction of affordable housing and would be advantageous to the Committee. She left signature pages for those interested.
3 RESERVOIR STREET - Peggy Zottoli and Carla DeFossee own property located at 3 Reservoir Street. There is currently one eight unit structure located on the property. They informed the Committee that they were interested in constructing additional affordable rental units on the site through the Comprehensive Permit process. They asked the Committee if there was a particular affordable housing type needed. The Committee informed them that there was a need for elderly housing. The owners stated that they needed to do research but would be back before the Committee when they had a preliminary plan. They stated that they would be in touch with Pamela Harding to schedule a meeting to review the Comprehensive Permit process.
Nancy Rachelau made a motion to adopt the February 6, 2003 meeting minutes, Peter Brennan seconded the motion, all were in favor.
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