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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AHSC - 07/17/2018 Cohasset Affordable Housing Steering Committee Meeting Minutes July 17, 2018 Town Hall 41 Highland Ave., Cohasset MA 02025 Attendees: Robert Jeffers (at large) Paul Kierce (at large) Susan Sardina (public/Housing Authority) Beth Tarpey (Elder Affairs-pending) Bridget Bearden (at large) Jack Creighton (Conservation Committee Not in Attendance: Peter Hobson (at large) Jack Creighton (Conservation Committee) 7:10 PM meeting called to order by Rob Jeffers. After review of the June meeting minutes, a few small changes were agreed upon, a motion to approve made by Susan Sardina, and seconded by Paul Kierce. Vote was unanimous with Bridget Bearden abstaining. In regards to the trust, Paul has requested that the town consider funding the trust with seed capital and to have a discussion with the Selectman on organizing the trust, designating trustees, and completing any other dcumens. Chris thinks the trust was established but it was never formalized. The trust is actually a 501c3? WE need to investigate the trust legal structure in more detail. Rob will follow up with Chris Senior to request the official trust documents. Cohasset is officially a Housing Choice community now, meaning we could apply for significant grants. There a couple parcels to consider for acquisition. We should apply frot the money to acquire the land. The grant money combined with CPC funds could acquire a large lot that could be developed for affordable housing. The town owns West corner. Noreen Browne from Habitat for Humanity will be attending our next meeting. Habitat may present to the Selectmen on 808 Jerusalem. The development may be 2 or 3 units. Determine which document supports that 25% of a property is affordable thus qualifying for the exemption. Is it on the deed, and double check whether it's a 30 year qualification or in perpetuity. Trettis house (72 Elm, next to fire station) update from Paul. He reached out to Senator Patrick O'Connor's office. Connected with Chris Klutchman within Mass Housing's DHCD who oversees Trettis house and disburses grants to the preferred housing communities (Housing Choice). The grant is $250k per communities. As a Housing Choice community, Cohasset can apply for this grant. Peter has to apply for the grant before July 27. If Cohasset gets the grant, the Affordable Housing Committee can request the CPC to match the grant. But the state requests that the bid for 60 Elm is submitted by July 24. There is a timing problem, it might be possible to rescind the bid. However, CPC needs to get the reallocation from CPC trust to affordable trust in Town meeting. Paul also connected with VP of Mass Housing Tom Lyons. Is there a way to combine veterans housing with 4013? Paul also reached out to Neighborworks, a non- profit to take a look at the property. Since it's publicly listed, its likely that the house will remain on the market if no bids are received. Area behind the Music Circus, which is 14 acres might have challenges in converting to affordable housing. Jack mentioned there might be environmental challenges, including wetlands, vernal pools, storm water drainage. There might be political mobilization against any type of housing development in what should be environmentally protected town land. Peter applied for a Master Planning Grant and Peter will follow up regarding the Next meeting is tentatively August 14t" , place TBD. Jack motioned at 8:30 PM to adjourn, seconded by Paul and vote was unanimous.