TOWN OF MARION
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
MINUTES
October 13, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ora Mae Torres, Chair
Dorothy Burrill
Jon Henry
James Grady
Roger Blanchette
Reginald Foster
MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Cushing
ALSO PRESENT: Jon Witten
Helen Westergard
Karen Sunnarborg
Mrs. Torres called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Moved by Mr. Grady and seconded by Mr. Henry with 1 change regarding the vote to approve the minutes of the September 8th & October 1st, 2009 meeting of the maintenance log update vote from 5-0-0 to 4-1-0. VOTE: 5-0-0
LNV Expansion Project
Ms. Torres noted that everyone has received notification that EA Fish received a permanent loan from Mass Housing in the amount of $875,000.00. There was an article in the Sentinel, Standard Times and Bankers & Tradesman. The Memorandum of Agreement has been signed with Mass Housing. We are waiting for a copy back from Mass Housing.
Hermitage Trust Property
Jon Witten added that the plan is tentative to close next Friday for Hermitage Trust. Jon is waiting final confirmation. Mrs. Torres asked what the process was in terms of a closing on the property. Jon Witten explained it is an exchange of papers and money. Jon will forward everything to the trust. Mrs. Torres asked about the lot line and dissolving the current one. Jon Witten noted the lot should be surveyed by the town or fish. You can build over the lot line and is not a problem because the town owns the land. Not urgent but should be done. Jon Witten noted this should be made one parcel by the town. Jon Witten added that we would do the dissolving of the lot line but he would like to use EA Fish’s resources. Jon Witten said there was
no immediacy to it because the Building Department has already issued a building permit.
Executive Session
Moved by Mr. Grady to go into executive session and to return for the purpose of discussing the terms of a lease that is currently being processed and to seconded by Mr. Henry. VOTE: A roll call vote was taken with Mr.Grady, Mr. Henry, Mrs. Torres, Mr. Blanchette, Mr. Foster, and Ms. Burrrill all voting yes.
Housing Production Plan
Karen Sunnarborg was introduced and welcomed by the MAHT. Mrs. Torres noted she came highly recommended. Ms. Sunnarborg addressed the risk of homelessness and offered some suggestions. There is no specific HUD term for those at risk. Ms. Sunnarborg would like a breakdown of the values on all residential properties in Marion. Mr. Henry asked would she include Tabor in the numbers. Ms.Burrill asked would she be able to do primary research for affordability and rent tiers in Marion and will we be able to get a handle on the real need for low income housing among seniors in Marion? Ms. Sunnarborg said surveys are very unreliable. Mr. Blanchette suggested that the Tabor students should not be included in the numbers. Ms. Sunnarborg said that would be considered when
going through the demographics. Mr. Grady asked if the issue of zoning and multiple families would be addressed and did Ms. Sunnarborg have any recommendations? Ms. Sunnarborg said the document would be done in two segments, 1 looking at the demographics analysis of housing situations and barriers. Zoning concerns will be addressed in the first section. More discussion is needed. Ms. Sunnarborg will have more data at the December meeting. She noted that she is delighted to be working with the trust. The MAHT will follow-up on the D’Italia project to get the numbers certified in SHI.
Little Neck Village
Maintenance Log Update
No incidents reported. Mrs. Torres said a letter was sent out and everyone was made aware of the procedure.
Waiting List Update
Ms. Torres noted that the trust received a draft of the letter to send to people on the waiting list. The letter is fine.
Vacant Unit
A meeting was held with Laurie McGuire, Administer for Peabody Properties to review the application process. Ms McGuire offered several suggestions for additions to the application. Present were Ms. Torres, Ms. Burrill & Ms. Hatch.
CPA
Ms. Burrill said the next meeting would be October 20, 2009 to reorganize and create a plan for the new year. She will follow-up. Ms. Torres asked if anyone had ideas. Ms. Burrill suggested to pull out the 2009 Community Preservation Act Project .
New Business
Ms. Torres asked if election of officers should be done annually. Mr. Foster nominated Ms. Torres as chairman. Seconded by Mr. Henry. Hold for discussion in December. Mr. Grady noted there were no bylaws so that it stays informal. Mr. Henry nominated the chairman. The transcription recorder was purchased.
Mr. Foster reminded the trust that they received a request from the tri-town affordable housing a while back. Mr. Foster noted that they would revisit ideas for the CPA funds application. Vote to adjourn
Minutes from transcription by,
Grace Hatch, Assistant - MAHT
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