AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
January 8, 2004
6:30 P.M. Selectmen’s Room
Starbard Building
1204 Main Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Ricker, Joanne O’Brien, Kimberly Ferguson, Sharon McManus
MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter Brennan
STAFF: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Jeanne Armstrong of Land Use Inc was present to discuss the committees perspective of the affordable housing status, goals and complications faced in the community. Ms. Armstrong was told that one of the major concerns raised when discussing larger affordable housing projects is the generation of school children. Ms. Armstrong stated that affordable housing projects don’t generate a large number of school children.
She was informed of the Towns low affordable housing percentage under Chapter 40B and the urgent need to create a housing study evaluating the type of housing that currently exists and the demographics associated with the types of housing. Using the information to determine what type of housing is needed and can be supported in the community was critical, particularly in negotiating the number of Comprehensive Permits that were being proposed.
The Committee informed her of the large number of single family subdivisions in the price range of $350,000-$400,000 that was being constructed and the almost complete lack of rental units and starter family homes.
Ms. Armstrong felt this was a good meeting and gave her a lot of information to gather. The Committee informed her that the housing study, which would meet most of the Planned Production requirements of the state was of the utmost importance.
A joint meeting will be conducted on January 15, 2004 The committee requested that a mailing be sent to EDC and the Board of Selectmen.
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