Minutes
North Stonington Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Dec.21, 2010
In attendance: James Scaramozza, Michelle Brophy, Tim Pelland, Mary Ann Ricker, Stella Neves- Elbaum
Absent: none
Guests: Juliet Leeming, Marilyn Mackay, Leslie Higgins-Biddle
Location: North Stonington Elementary School, Library
Tim Pelland, co chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. It was moved, seconded and carried to formally approve the minutes of the Nov.16, 2010 meeting.
The educational brochure was printed and distributed earlier this month to town residents, with the huge assistance of volunteer. Marilyn Mackay. The brochure has been positively received, and the committee plans on using this brochure for future outreach efforts.
The committee discussed the planning of a town-wide workshop/open house/meeting for our citizens to learn more about programs available including tax incentives, home repairs and mixed income senior housing. Juliet Leeming, the Zoning and Planning Commission, the Town Assessor and Julie Savin will be invited to participate in the planning of this event.
- Tax Incentive programs for affordable housing properties will be discussed with the Tax Assessor’s office and the Board of Finance
- Home Repair programs , including environmental and energy efficiency components will be discussed with Julie Savin
- Zoning issues, including accessory apartments and incentive housing zones will be discussed with Juliet Leeming
A guest at the meeting, Leslie Higgins-Biddle was introduced to the members by James Scaramozza. Ms. Higgins-Biddle is the Senior Program Officer of the Housing Connections of Connecticut, a program of LISC, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. (Attached is a brochure that describes this program.)
Ms. Higgins-Biddle described the services of LISC and how it can be a resource for the AHC, including project development, administration, planning and zoning policies that could encourage affordable housing. Her group can participate with us in community outreach and educational workshops as well as help with grant money
There was discussion about identified town owned land that might be considered possible sites for construction of affordable housing units in the Kingswood neighborhood - Stella Neves-Elbaum has invited Robert Fusari of HOPE Partnership to meet with us and evaluate those parcels and the feasibility of them as potential sites for affordable housing. Due to prior commitments, he is unavailable to join us at our scheduled meetings, but she will plan something with Juliet Leeming during regular business hours.
Tim Pelland is still trying to contact Steve Wood about a parcel of land off Rte 184 that had been zoned for a sub-division, and is now dormant. This could be an excellent location for affordable housing units.
There being no other matters in which to discuss, a motion was made and thereafter seconded that the committee meeting be adjourned at 7:15PM.
The next meeting will be held Jan.19, 2011, at 6:30 PM at the Wheeler High School Media Center.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stella Neves Elbaum
Recording Secretary
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