HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AHSC - 01/16/2019 Cohasset Affordable Housing Steering Committee
Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2019
Town Hall
41 Highland Ave., Cohasset MA 02025
Attendees: Clark Brewer
Paul Kierce
Susan Sardina
Bridget Bearden
Beth Tarpey
Peter Hobson
Pete Matchak (Town Planner)
Jack Creighton (7:17p)
Not in Attendance: Rob Jeffers
Peter Hobson
7:05 PM meeting called to order by Paul Kierce.
Approval of last meetings minutes postponed until next meeting.
The committee discussed the process for appointing trustees to the
Affordable Housing Trust. In the winter, the Selectmen requested applications
for the trust but there were no known submissions. The Trust would consist of
seven members in staggered terms per the bylaw. The committee would like to
spread public awareness and encourage applications to the trust. Peter Matchak
will work with town administrators to extend the window for applications, so
that the positions are posted until filled. Other ideas to generate applications
include reposting an article in the Mariner and posting on the Cohasset143
Facebook page.
The town discussed how the Affordable Housing Trust needs to be
activated to further engage with Habitat. The potential property, 808 Jerusalem
Road, also has a tax title issue to be worked out. The committee requests the
town counsel outline the legal path for a clear title to enable affordable housing
development. The committee would request that the Town Manager detail what
needs to be done to get the RFP out to Habitat. Paul Matchak will follow up
regarding the path to a clear title. Once the process has been outlined Habitat
will be informed.
The committee briefly discussed a land swap proposal that was
presented to committee leadership. The committee decided to defer further
discussion to the Selectmen.
Peter Matchak is coordinating with Alexis Smith of MAPC to provide an
update on the Housing Production Plan. Alexis sent a survey and discussion
document to Paul Kierce to gather data on senior housing preferences. Paul is
doing a senior cafe discussion group on housing needs. The next senior
discussion group would be after the Martin Luther King Holiday.
Paul provided an update on the ongoing conversation with
Neighborworks, which has noted the appeal of pocket neighborhoods and the
potential of the Esposito property.
The next meeting is tentatively February 12, place TBD. Susan Sardina
motioned at 8:40 PM to adjourn, seconded by Paul Kierce. The vote was
unanimous.