The Town of Washington, Connecticut
Minutes: Housing Commission
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www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Minutes: Housing Commission |
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Disclaimer: While we have attempted to reproduce them accurately, the electronic documents you see here are not the official public documents. Official copies may be obtained on paper from theTown Clerk . Also note that minutes of recent meetings are often not yet approved by the Commission, and are subject to correction.
Jump down to: General information about the Housing Commission
April 14 •March 17 •February 11 •January 14 •
Posted: May 3, 2008 April 14, 2008
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andrew O'Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: None
Visitors: Heather Leonard
Call to Order
Chairman Wayne Hileman called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.
Minutes of February 11, 2008
Wayne Hileman made the following correction to the minutes: Under Budget, after "budget request" added "and operating budget request".
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as corrected. Wayne Hileman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Updates/Reports
A. Liddy Adams reported on the two successive Saturday meetings of the Future Uses of the Washington Primary School Committee. This group was to have suggestions ready in case the WPS no longer would be used in its present capacity.
The brainstorming sessions produced a wide array of ideas. Everyone agreed on keeping the gym to use for appropriate activities. Other suggestions were leasing a portion of the building as studio space for artists, offering adult education classes, relocating the senior center, and/or providing elderly housing in the form of condos or rentals. Administration of housing units could be through a private interest or the Washington Housing Trust. Other ideas were added at the second meeting such as relocating Park and Recreation. Liddy Adams asked people she met informally for their opinions. She heard from several that the town should consider the building as an asset and sell it. Bantam sold its school building to the State of CT while Ridgefield sold a school building to a private company currently using it for office space. The committee agreed that this idea was definitely something to consider. The flood plain aspect of this site didn't seem to be a major issue. Whatever the school's possible uses, a resident who lives near it was concerned that the school not 'go dark' but be an active place.
All these suggestions were put into a report and given to the Selectmen. The Committee then disbanded.
B. Meeting with Don Brigham
Wayne Hileman met with Don Brigham when Don was recently in Washington. Don had come across an affordable housing complex in Sanibel, Florida. He brought some brochures on this "Below Market Rate Housing on Sanibel" for the Housing Commission to look at. The way this complex is administered reminded Don of the Washington Housing Trust's approach.
C. Letter to Zoning re: Accessory Apartments
Wayne Hileman has submitted a letter to David Owen, Chair of the Washington Zoning Commission, recommending that the Zoning Commission leave the present regulations unchanged. The current regulations help provide a source of modestly sized and priced dwellings thus promoting housing diversity.
Long Range Plan
A. The group designated as 'Tweeners', a word coined by Wayne to designate those people who have too much money to qualify for affordable housing but not enough to buy a house in town, was discussed. There is a discrepancy in determining the Area Median Income (which is fixed annually by HUD & assigned to us--currently under $80K) versus determining the Area Median Home Price (which is market driven and 'floats'- 2005-$491K, 2006-$410K, 2007-$600K). To qualify for Affordable Housing a family's income cannot exceed $64K. A median home price of $490K, with 20% down, would require an annual income of around $130K. In developing the Housing Commission's long range plan, the housing needs of various groups should include these 'tweeners'.
B. Discussion of Public Act 07-4- Incentive Housing Zones
The Connecticut Housing Program for Economic Growth, researched and promoted by the HOMEConnecticut campaign to make housing more affordable for low and moderate income workers, families and elderly residents across the state, was approved by the 2007 General Assembly during its June special session. The bill provides incentives to municipalities that voluntarily create Incentive Housing Zones at sizes and locations of their choosing. The legislation gives municipalities' complete control over the location, amount and design of the new housing. A full description can be found at www.HOMEConnecticut.org.
Wayne Hileman recommended that the Housing Commission explore this legislation to see what might be in Washington's housing interests.
Adjournment
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Liddy Adams seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is Monday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m. in the Land Use Room, Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Posted: April 5, 2008 March 17, 2008
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andrew O'Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: None
Visitors: None
Call to Order
Chairman Wayne Hileman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes of February 11, 2008
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Wayne Hileman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Welcome
Wayne Hileman officially welcomed the Housing Commission's new member, Andrew O'Hazo.
Updates
Wayne Hileman reported that he and Addie Roberts met with the Sharon Association, a 'think-tank' for area towns where public officials can exchange ideas. Although the main focus of the Sharon Association is on land use and approaches to conservation, concerns such as housing and cell towers are also shared. Wayne had an opportunity to talk to State Senator Andrew Rorabach about smaller towns' housing needs. The Senator lent a sympathetic ear but pointed out that the larger towns having more state representatives sometimes made it difficult to get the votes needed to address various issues faced by smaller towns.
Accessory Apartments
Wayne Hileman gave the Housing Commission's new member some background information on the town's accessory apartment regulations. The Zoning Commission is currently discussing a possible change to these regulations to allow either an attached or an unattached accessory apartment but not both, as now allowed. The Housing Commission feels the regulations should stay as they are since these help provide a source of modestly sized and priced dwellings, thus aiding the promotion of housing diversity. The present regulations also align with the 2003 Town Plan of Conservation and Development's recommendations to encourage housing options. The Zoning Commission has drafted a proposal to present at an upcoming public hearing. Wayne Hileman will draft a letter for members' comments and have it ready before the public hearing.
Budget
Wayne Hileman has submitted the Housing Commission's capital, non recurring housing fund budget request for this budget year.
Long Range Plan
Wayne Hileman suggested that the Housing Commission, when developing their long range plan, use Chapter Five from the Town Plan of Conservation and Development to help provide more specificity as they proceed.
Executive Session
Wayne Hileman made a motion to go into executive session to discuss a potential municipal transaction. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Wayne Hileman made a motion to come out of executive session. Liddy Adams seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Adjournment
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 14, at 5:00 p.m. in the Land Use Room, Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Posted: February 23, 2008 February 11, 2008
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: None
Visitors: Chris Charles, Stephen Kiss
Call to Order
Chairman Wayne Hileman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes of January 14, 2008
Jean Suddaby moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Communications
Wayne Hileman informed the members that the Zoning Commission received the Housing Commission's letter in support of the redesigned Myfield Project. This letter along with a letter from the Washington Housing Trust and several other letters all in support of the project were read at the Zoning Commission's meeting. The Zoning Commission approved the Myfield project, after adding a few minor provisions.
Liddy Adams felt it was important for the Housing Commission to give input on projects such as the Myfield Project when these related to the Housing Commission's goals. This input could be included in the Housing Commission minutes and/or through written letters.
Proposed Revision of Zoning Regulations re: Accessory Apartments
Wayne Hileman reported that the Zoning Commission has pushed back the accessory apartment issue to their March meeting. This should give the Housing Commission time to craft a written response, since this issue is directly within the Housing Commission's field of interest. Wayne Hileman will develop a draft on this matter for the members to peruse.
Proposed Committee to explore the future use of the WPS
Wayne Hileman said he was informed by First Selectman Mark Lyon that the Selectmen have decided to put together a committee to explore the future use of the Washington Primary School in case it would no longer have its current use. The Selectmen would like a representative from each of the various commissions. Wayne Hileman asked if any member was interested in volunteering. Liddy Adams offered to represent the Housing Commission. She saw the purpose of the WPS Committee as an ad hoc group that would have some recommendations ready to answer 'what if' questions.
Inclusion of Items Not on the Agenda
Sue Werkhoven gave an update on the Titus Road Committee's January 31st meeting. Ideas and suggestions were brainstormed regarding this area's future uses. Perk tests were recommended to determine the feasibility of a housing component. Bids were being taken for the removal of the old building. There seemed to be broad agreement that an area presently used for parking should remain with some possible reconfigurations. Other ideas included a dog park area, an indoor tennis court, and a linkage to the greenway trail. Also, it was suggested that dry hydrants be installed so fire trucks wouldn't have to back down to the river. The thinking seemed to be toward a mixed use scenario for this area. The Titus Road Committee will not meet again until spring.
Chris Charles felt that this area should be part of a broader overview where soil types and flood plain designations be determined for the entire village area as part of the Depot Study.
Housing Commission Budget
Wayne Hileman informed members that, since the town budget was voted on in May, the Housing Commission needed to get their official budget request done. It was suggested they use last year's request form as a template.
Long Range Housing Plan
In gathering Fire Department data for the long range housing plan, Wayne Hileman reported on a discussion he had with the Fire Chief which included the issue of available housing for fire department members.
Wayne Hileman suggested using the categories given in the Housing Section of the Plan of Conservation and Development as a framework for the data they collected.
Adjournment
Liddy Adams moved to adjourn the meeting. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is Monday, March 10, at 5:00 p.m. in the Land Use Room, Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Posted: February 10, 2008 January 14, 2008
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Stephen Kiss
Visitors: None
Call to Order
Chairman Wayne Hileman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes of December 10, 2007
Jean Suddaby moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Election of Officers
Liddy Adams nominated Wayne Hileman for Chairman. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Sue Werkhoven nominated Liddy Adams as Vice Chairman. Wayne Hileman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
The members complimented Wayne Hileman for the outstanding leadership he has provided as Chairman. They noted his dedication as well as his ability to handle contentious situations with finesse and diplomacy.
Communications
A. Letter from Don Brigham
Wayne Hileman informed members of receiving a letter from Don Brigham to the Housing Commission in which Don states that, because he has moved away from Washington, he will not be able to continue to serve on the Commission. However, Don hopes to be in town occasionally and looks forward to seeing members then.
The Housing Commission members noted Don's excellent service to the Housing Commission and look forward to his sharing ideas with them in the future.
B. Open Space Committee
The Open Space Committee has spoken to Jack Boyer from the Housing Trust and Wayne Hileman from the Housing Commission about keeping both groups 'in the loop' when considering any properties lending themselves to dual purposes (i.e., open space plus housing potential).
Items Not on the Agenda
Stephen Kiss, who has formed the Washington Low and Moderate Income Volunteer Housing Committee (WVC), gave the members an update on his organization's progress. The WVC has established by-laws so as to fulfill state requirements for a CT non profit organization. Mr. Kiss distributed a handout describing the initial structuring of the WVC, such as its officers, meeting times, and sub committees.
Sue Werkhoven asked Stephen to clarify the answer he gave to Valerie Friedman at the last meeting about duplicating the Housing Trust's efforts. Mr. Kiss felt that it was all to the good to be an additional organized community voice for the cause of moderate housing, especially limited equity single family housing. Moreover, he felt that helping to raise money for this cause could only have a positive effect.
Myfield LLC - Referral
At the Housing Commission's December 17 meeting, Joe Gitterman, seeking feedback, presented a large rendering of the Myfield Project's redesign.
Wayne Hileman asked members what, as an advisory body, the Housing Commission's role should be in regard to this project.
Liddy Adams said the Housing Trust, in a letter to the Zoning Commission, is in support of the new application.
Wayne Hileman said he examined this new application and feels the proposed Affordability Plan is in compliance with all necessary requirements as stipulated in C.G.S 8-30(g). Moreover, the proposed development concurs with a stated goal of the Housing Commission, namely, to encourage the development and continued availability of affordable housing for the people of Washington. Also, the proposed plan is consistent with Section 5 of the Town's 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development and is located adjacent to an area that has already been developed. Wayne Hileman will email to Housing Commission members a draft letter to the Zoning Commission stating that Myfield LLC has offered a plan of development that provides a diversity of housing desperately needed in the Town of Washington, and thus the Housing Commission endorses this proposal.
Accessory Apartment Regulations
A. The Zoning Commission has been discussing whether to continue to allow two accessory apartments (attached and unattached) for future dwelling units. One idea would be to restrict the number of accessory apartments to one unless the second one was deed restricted as affordable. However, there were questions regarding the logistics of implementing this approach.
The Housing Commission discussed the detrimental impact on housing diversity that this reduction would have. Wayne Hileman will draft a response to the Zoning Commission's proposals for members to peruse.
Long-Range Housing Plan
Each member gave a status report on his/her data gathering assignment.
Adjournment
Liddy Adams moved to adjourn the meeting. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is Monday, February 11, at 5:00 p.m. in the Land Use Room, Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Meetings in 2007