MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD JOINT MEETING
WITH THE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Michelle Harris, Sue Meola, Brenda Bowman, Maryann Schelin
OTHERS PRESENT: Allen Rantala, Trish Settles
A general discussion was held concerning the status of the town as it currently stands in relation to the government mandated required number of affordable housing units. The town now has 7.7% of the 10% required to be maintained for Chapter 40B housing. The town needs to add 17 more per year. The Chapter 40B units to be built in Oakdale will be ownership units instead of rentals.
Ms. Trish Settles from CMRPC attended the meeting in order to gain information that she will need in order to write the West Boylston Housing Production Plan (“HPP”). She informed the members of the meeting that only 80 out of 351 (or less than 23%) of municipalities in the Commonwealth have submitted HPPs. Less than that number are still approved as some have expired after five years without an update. Only ten communities are currently certified. The HPP will have to be approved by the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen and the Department of Housing and Community Development. West Boylston is farther along than many communities because it has an approved Incentive Zoning Plan as well as a Master Plan. The formula for affordable housing does not work the same for all towns so West
Boylston’s specific housing needs must be considered.
Ms. Halpin asked about housing in town that is at an “Affordable” price point but is not counted towards the town’s 10% requirement. Ms. Settles stated that, in order to be considered “Affordable”, a housing unit requires a subsidy. The town can buy a housing unit and attach a deed restriction which will be an “Affordable Housing Covenant” that goes with the property. When the property is sold, it must go to a candidate approved for “Affordable” housing. This operates similar to a reverse mortgage. Mr. Vignaly asked that
Minutes of the Joint Meeting 2.
November 18, 2009 – Housing Partnership
Ms. Settles put that concept together as a “blurb” and Ms. Settles agreed to bring some “models” so that the town can consider them. The HPP will be produced and include:
1. A Comprehensive Needs Assessment
2. Determining Affordable Housing Goals; and
3. Setting Implementation Strategies.
Is there a mechanism to make accessory apartments “Affordable”, Mr. Vignaly queried. If it has a deed restriction, then it can be an LIP. Ms. Harris stated that there are many disabled children in accessory apartments with families. She was not sure how many were “Section 8” housing. Ms. Paré suggested that the town attempt to get a project based on Section 8 housing.
Ms. Settles stated that there is a need to clarify the role of different boards in town in relation to their role in providing and overseeing “Affordable” housing. If the Housing Authority chooses to build units, they do not need to be Section 8 housing. The Housing Authority doesn’t need to be the only entity of town government that builds “Affordable” housing. There are other models available. Land in town can be “re-dedicated” (such as that on which the Mixter building now stands). Ms. Harris stated that the organization “Community First” currently has funding. Its objective is to get people out of “facilities” (such as nursing homes) and into “special needs” homes. In these homes, bedrooms will count as
“Affordable” units. Mr. Vignaly stated that he would like to see any units created be for current residents of West Boylston.
There is no need at this time for starter homes but Ms. Meola suggested that there should be an aim to move some of the elderly population into more “Affordable” housing. Ms. Paré stated that there is a need for rental units for young families with two to three children. The Chapter 40B on Franklin Street was supposed to be for families. There does not seem to be a need in town for “work-force” housing either, but Mr. Vignaly pointed out that, with rising gas prices, people do prefer to work close to their homes rather than make a long commute. Ms. Settles stated that she will need to look at who is working here and whether their housing needs are being met. She also questioned whether there are options for empty nesters. Ms. Settles stated that she will digest the information
that she was given tonight (both printed and verbal) and get back to the boards. She will ask Mr. Gaumond to write to town agencies in order to get a number of how many units have special needs housing.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Date Accepted:____________ By:____________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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