Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Minutes of Meeting
Monday, November 19, 2007
A regular meeting of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund was held on Monday, November 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the 3rd floor Room 313 at 120 Washington Street.
Members present were Councillor Jean Pelletier, Councillor Matthew A. Veno, Michael Northcutt, Kathleen Burke, and Mary Dennesen. Also present were Lynn Goonin Duncan, Director of the Department of Planning and Community Development, serving as the Mayor’s designee, and Jennifer Kolodziej, Housing Coordinator.
Members absent were Mayor Driscoll, Councillor Lucy Corchado, Jennifer Raitt, Chad Colarusso, Mary Lauby and Leonette Strout.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board meeting held on October 9, 2007 were presented for approval. Councillor Pelletier moved to approve the draft minutes as amended (with a correction on page 2 of the pre-trial hearing and trial dates from February 2007 to 2008), seconded by Mickey Northcutt and approved, (6-0).
FY 2007 Annual Report Update
The FY07 Annual Report was submitted to and accepted by the Salem City Council at its meeting on November 15, 2007. Councillor Lovely asked if the St. Joseph’s project allocation of $25,000 should be noted in the report. Councillor Veno explained that the Trust awarded those funds in Fiscal Year 2008.
Election of Trust Treasurer
At the last Trust meeting on October 9, 2008, Mayor Driscoll nominated Councillor Veno to serve as the Trust Treasurer, seconded by Councillor Pelletier. A vote was held for the next meeting when Councillor Veno would be present.
On, November 19, 2008, Mickey Northcutt made a motion to nominate Councillor Veno for the position of Treasurer, seconded by Councillor Pelletier, and approved,(6-0). Councillor Veno accepted the post of Trust Treasurer.
CPA Voting Results
On Election Day, November 6, 2008, the Community Preservation Act (CPA) was rejected by a vote of 2,934 to 2,594. The CPA fell by a margin of only 340 votes, however approximately 400 ballots left the CPA question blank. The best chance of getting the CPA back on the ballot next year would be to collect signatures from 5% of Salem’s registered voters. With next year being a Presidential election year, an increased voter turn-out is expected.
Review and Discussion of Accessory Dwelling and Inclusionary Zoning Ordinances
Board members reviewed the Model Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) from the Massachusetts Smart Growth Toolkit. Jennifer Kolodziej and Lynn Goonin Duncan explained the purpose and advantages of the Ordinance. Whether or not to attach an affordability restriction to the units was identified as an early decision point in considering an Ordinance. Lynn Goonin Duncan pointed out that the more flexible the requirements are, the more desirable the units will be to homeowners. Many homeowners want an ADU to accommodate an in-law or an aging family member, who may not meet the definition of a low- or moderate-income household. In addition, present HUD Fair Market Rents are equal to or slightly higher than the current market rents being charged in Salem for studio, and one and two bedroom
apartments. Furthermore, ADUs tend to be very smaller, so the rents are usually low.
Members considered setting a cap of the number of ADUs that can be constructed in a year. Many decided that a cap was not necessary, but the board asked Jennifer Kolodziej to find out the number of ADUs developed in cities and towns that have passed an Accessory Dwelling Ordinance. Lynn Goonin Duncan suggested that zero percent, deferred payment loans could be offered to homeowners through the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program to help existing illegal accessory dwelling units meet Housing Quality Standards.
The board decided to focus its efforts on drafting an Accessory Dwelling Ordinance and put off consideration of an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.
Adjournment
There being no further business a motion was made by Councillor Pelletier to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Kathleen Burke.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
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Jennifer Kolodziej, Housing Coordinator
Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund
AHTF 12.10.2007
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