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
December 12 •November 14 •October 3 •September 12 •August 8 •July 11 •June 13 •May 9 •April 11 •March 14 •February 14 •December 13 •Previous years: 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006
Posted: December 17, 2011 December 12, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Visitors: Chris Charles
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of November 12, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Summary and Distribution of Commission Records
Wayne Hileman distributed to each member a CD onto which he had copied the materials the Commission had worked on over the past several years. Additional copies of this CD will also be available to new Housing Commission members and the Town Clerk.Discussion
Liddy Adams reported on some research she recently did about how CHFA (the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) and the Housing Commission could work together to help first time homebuyers achieve homeownership.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, January 9, 2012, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: December 1, 2011 November 14, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:03 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of September 12, 2011 Regular Meeting
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Wayne Hileman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Meeting Dates for 2012
Wayne Hileman moved to approve the 2012 Meeting Dates. Liddy Adams seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
The Housing Commission meetings will continue to be held at 5 p.m. on the second Monday of the month except for October (on the 15th) and November (on the 5th) due to scheduling conflicts. All the Commissions’ meeting dates and times can be found on the Town of Washington’s web site.Appointments/Resignations
Wayne Hileman informed the Commission that Ted Bent has resigned due to the difficulty of attending both this commission and his new membership on the Board of Finance. Ted will notify the Selectmen to that effect.Privilege of the Floor
Chairman Wayne Hileman informed the Commission that his term expires at the end of this year and he will not seek reappointment.
He considered that six years is a long time in this position and that a new person would bring fresh perspectives to the commission.
He expressed to the members that it had been a privilege to work with them and that, before his last meeting, he would compile the materials the Commission had worked on and would put these on a disc with duplicates for all those involved.
Sue Werkhoven announced that she, too, would not be going to renew her term.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:35pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, December 12, 2011, in the Land Use Room in Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: October 14, 2011 October 3, 2011
Present: Ted Bent, Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of September 12, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Ted Bent seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Wayne Hileman officially seated Ted Bent for this meeting.Updates
A. POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development) Subcommittee
Wayne Hileman brought the Housing Commission’s revision suggestions for the POCD’s Housing Chapter to the POCD’s Sub-committee meeting. There was agreement on the need to rewrite the entire Housing Chapter since so much of it was outdated. Wayne Hileman pointed out that having more housing options was not at odds with maintaining a rural character and he found the Sub-committee receptive to this concept.B. Joint efforts with CHFA (CT Housing Finance Authority)
Wayne Hileman reported that he spoke with Rose Holbrook of CHFA. She encouraged the Housing Commission, when developing their brief proposal, to utilize the experience of Washington’s private, non profit Housing Trust for selection criteria for applicants.C. Revised HC Statement of Purpose and Duties
Since two selectmen and the town’s attorney had not yet seen the Housing Commission’s revision of its ordinance and duties, it was not on the October Town meeting agenda as originally planned but instead will be on the agenda of one of the town meetings coming up in the near future.Old Business
A. Continued Discussion of HC Ordinance and Related Issues
The Housing Commission continued discussion of its goals, including summarizing data and research to share with the Planning Commission as it rewrites the POCD.Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, November 14, 2011, in the Land Use Room in Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: September 19, 2011 September 12, 2011
Present: Ted Bent, Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:03 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of August 8, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Wayne Hileman officially seated Patte Doran for this meeting.
Updates
A. Informal Joint Meeting with ZC
Chairman Wayne Hileman had spoken with Janet Hill about the Housing Commission setting a September date for an informal discussion with the Zoning Commission. It was decided to postpone this meeting since the Zoning Commission is still involved with the Wykeham Rise matter,B. Joint efforts with CHFA
Wayne Hileman reported that he spoke with Rose Holbrook who said that CHFA is still interested in working with the Housing Commission. Wayne clarified that the Housing Commission is interested in a simple approach that would involve giving an eligible applicant down payment assistance with a no interest loan to be paid off when the home is sold. This loan, coupled with CHFA’s 30 year fixed mortgage, adds increased affordability for first time home buyers. The Town of Washington would gain one point toward its affordable housing quota per CHFA mortgaged house. Ms. Holbrook has requested a one page proposal stating what the Housing Commission has in mind.Wayne Hileman will ask Ms. Holbrook whether applicants with community ties can be a factor in the selection criteria.
C. Revised HC Duties
Having approved the revision of its ordinance and duties, the Housing Commission has submitted this revision to the Board of Selectmen for approval and for vetting by the Town Attorney and to then be put on the October Town meeting agenda.
Old Business
A. Continued Discussion of HC Ordinance and related issues
This item has been tabled until the next regular meeting.
New Business
A. Housing Commission members drafted revision suggestions for the POCD’s Housing Chapter so that Wayne Hileman could take these ideas to the POCD’s next Sub-committee meeting.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:15pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, October 3, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: August 14, 2011 August 8, 2011
Present: Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of July 11, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Wayne Hileman officially seated Patte Doran for this meeting.
Updates/Communications
A. Informal Joint Meeting with ZC
Because the Zoning Commission has two public hearings in August, the Housing Commission’s informal discussion with the Zoning Commission tentatively set for this month will be moved to a later date.
Old Business
A. Continued Discussion of HC Ordinance and Related Issues
Chairman Wayne Hileman will send a letter to the Selectmen asking to be on the October Town Meeting’s agenda for approval of the Housing Commission’s revised Ordinance.The members worked on revising the Housing Commission’s key goals and compiling the data and research they have gathered that addresses these goals with the purpose of putting this information into a report that could be used by the Selectmen and the Planning Commission for future decision making.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, September 12, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: July 16, 2011 July 11, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Patte Doran, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of June 13, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Liddy Adams seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Wayne Hileman officially seated Patte Doran for this meeting.
Updates/Communications
A. CHFA Mortgages & Affordable Housing Fund
Rose Holbrook of CHFA may be available when she is in the area this fall to speak at a Housing Commission meeting.B. POCD Subcommittee
The Plan of Conservation and Development Sub-Committee will meet sometime in August. A date has not yet been set. Wayne Hileman, who is representing the Housing Commission, will endeavor to attend.C. Meeting with Zoning Commission
Wayne Hileman will speak with Janet Hill about setting an August date for the Housing Commission’s informal discussion with the Zoning Commission.
Old Business
A. Discussion of HC Ordinance and Related Issues
Members worked on revising the HC Ordinance and Duties. The revisions will be sent to the Town Attorney and then to the Board of Selectmen before hopefully going to the October Town Meeting for approval.
New Business
A. Liddy Adams informed the Commission that she has resigned from the Washington Community Housing Trust, both because she has served for 16 years and because she wants to avoid any future perception of a conflict of interest as a member of the Housing Commission.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, August 8, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: June 18, 2011 June 13, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Ted Bent, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of May 9, 2011 Regular Meeting
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Ted Bent seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Updates
A. CHFA Mortgages & Affordable Housing Fund
Wayne Hileman has contacted Rose Holbrook of CHFA but there is nothing to report as yet.Ms. Holbrook seems to be available as a speaker at various commissions and organizations. Liddy Adams suggested that the Housing Commission ask Ms. Holbrook to speak at a Housing Commission meeting. Other town commissions and the public would be invited to attend. Wayne Hileman will ask Ms. Holbrook when she might be in this area.
B. Alternate Commission Members
Wayne Hileman will go to the Selectmen to ask for approval to appoint Patte Doran as an alternate member of the Housing Commission.The Housing Commission still has an opening for one alternate. People who are interested can contact the Board of Selectmen or the Housing Commission.
C. POCD Subcommittee
The POCD Subcommittee didn’t meet last time and has not yet scheduled another meeting.D. Meeting with Zoning Commission
Wayne Hileman spoke to Janet Hill regarding an informal discussion with the Zoning Commission sometime this summer. Ms. Hill thought the July meeting might be a possibility but there is nothing official yet.
Old Business
A. Overlay Zones for Village Centers – Senior Housing
Commissioners discussed implications from the Housing Survey report done in July of 2007. (This report is online at Washington’s web site in a PDF file.)
New Business
A. Discussion of HC Ordinance and Related Issues
Commissioners discussed the fact that the Ordinance for the Housing Commission was written before the Housing Commission was actually seated and, thus, doesn’t completely reflect the Housing Commission’s mission and duties as they have become apparent. Moreover, the purpose statement is narrower than the duties described under it. The Commissioners decided to look into revising its Ordinance.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:15pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, July 11, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall at 5pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: May 16, 2011 May 9, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Andy O’Hazo, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of April 11, 2011 Regular Meeting
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Wayne Hileman seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Updates/Communications
A. Referral to Zoning Commission re: Housing in the Business District
The Zoning Commission has approved the Housing Commission’s request that the Business Districts’ housing be freed from the minimum square footage requirement.B. Planning Commission Sub-Committee – 2013 POCD
The Planning Commission Sub-Committee will meet again this Thursday at 1 pm in the Land Use Room. Wayne Hileman is unable to attend but Liddy Adams may be able to. Wayne has already laid out to this Sub-Committee the issues which the Housing Commission would like the new POCD to address.C. CHFA Mortgages and Affordable Housing Fund
Wayne Hileman emailed Rose Holbrook of CHFA to inform her that the Housing Commission would be interested in pursuing straightforward down payment assistance in the form of a zero interest loan to help a qualified, first-time home buyer. Rose Holbrook asked if the Housing Commission could provide her with an outline or executive summary for CHFA‘s consideration. Wayne will draft this outline for the commissioners to peruse for revision before sending it on.Overlay Zones for Village Centers
The Housing Commission decided to submit some maps of possible overlay zones to the Zoning Commission and let them decide on where these might best be situated. These zones would allow for a higher density of single-family homes around the villages, and for age-restricted housing by Special Permit.The Housing Commission will ask for an informal discussion sometime this summer with the Zoning Commission when their schedule is lighter. In addition to the topic of overlay zones, the Housing Commission would also like to address senior housing, including the current moratorium on condominiums.
Alternate members for Housing Commission
The Housing Commission still has openings for two alternates. People who are interested can contact the Board of Selectmen or the Housing Commission.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:02pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, June 13, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: April 22, 2011 April 11, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Andy O’Hazo, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:06 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of March 14, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Items Not on Agenda
A report on a field trip was moved by unanimous consent to New Business.
Updates/Communications
A. Referral to Zoning Commission re: Housing in the Business District
The Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for March 25th on the Housing Commission’s request that the Business District’s housing be freed from the minimum square footage requirement. The Planning Commission has already approved this request.B. Planning Commission Sub-Committee – 2013 POCD
Wayne Hileman attended the second meeting of this committee which has a representative from each commission on it. Participants felt that certain parts of the current Plan of Conservation and Development have been working well, especially in the areas of conservation and open space. Since the Board of Education is a creation of the state, there is hesitation in addressing the area of education, but consideration of its future will be taken up in some way. The chapter on Housing warrants more than a general tweaking and will hopefully be rewritten. Also, a new section on economic development may be added.C. Affordable Housing Designation for Town Beach House
Wayne Hileman received a letter from the Selectmen’s office responding to the Housing Commission’s request for the Town to examine whether the Beach House can be qualified as ‘affordable’, thus adding 1.5 points to the Town’s Affordable Housing Appeals List. According to Mary Anne Greene the Beach House will not qualify at this time because the current tenants’ household income doesn’t meet the requirements.
Old Business
A. Overlay Zones for Village Centers
Wayne Hileman passed out information on overlay zones to the Planning Commission Sub-Committee. The members were interested in this concept since various constituencies’ housing needs could be addressed this way. Wayne also shared the latest census data which shows the Town having gained houses but having lost people, partly due to a marked increase in second homes.
New Business
A. Field Trip
Sue Werkhoven and Jean Suddaby took a field trip to an open house in the Northfield section of Litchfield where its Housing Trust had remodeled an old fire house into two affordable rental units. The Litchfield Housing Trust received a block grant as part of the project. Each unit is 1250 sq.ft. with 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms. One unit was handicapped accessible. The project was energy efficient, utilizing geo thermal heating and energy star appliances. Sue and Jean felt that the renovation was very nicely done. Almost 100 people attended the open house.B. CHFA Mortgages and Affordable Housing Fund
Wayne Hileman contacted Rose Holbrook of CHFA regarding using some of the Housing Commission’s Affordable Housing Fund to help qualified, first-time home buyers with down payment assistance. CHFA is amenable to such an arrangement, and offered various ways to achieve a partnership. The Commission discussed the different forms of assistance, including closing costs, moving expenses and renovation through 203(k). They also discussed the potential terms of assistance, from grants to interest-free loans. Members discussed the impracticality of getting involved with renovating any houses currently under the purchase price ceiling, and agreed to pursue straightforward down payment assistance. Wayne will contact Ms. Holbrook to this effect and seek further information.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:12pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, May 9, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: March 21, 2011 March 14, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Ted Bent, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo
Visitors: Peter Talbot, Chris Charles, First Selectman Mark LyonCall to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman, who then seated Ted Bent as a regular member.Minutes of February 14, 2011 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Ted Bent seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Chairman Wayne Hileman asked for unanimous consent to add the Myfield LLC Affordability Plan Referral under New Business, which was approved unanimously.
Updates/Communications
A. CHFA (CT Housing Finance Authority) Mortgages
The Housing Commission is exploring the possibility of using some of its funds to help first time home buyers secure a CHFA mortgage. Chairman Wayne Hileman spoke with a CHFA representative about whether this can be accomplished under their current regulations. CHFA seems amenable to the idea so long as our funds were used for down payment assistance in conjunction with a CHFA loan. Washington would receive 1 point toward its Affordable Housing Appeals List for each CHFA mortgage. The commission will further explore the particulars with CHFA.B. Moratorium on Condominiums
Land Use Coordinator Janet Hill sent a response to the Housing Commission’s query regarding a possible lifting of the moratorium on condominium development. She suggested a joint Zoning/Housing meeting so that ideas could be exchanged informally. Members thought this was a fine idea, and will seek a “slow time” to schedule such a meeting.C. Planning Sub-Committee
The next meeting of the Planning Commission’s Sub-Committee on preparations for the 2013 POCD is scheduled for March 24. Wayne Hileman, representing the Housing Commission, reported that there was a good exchange of ideas at the last meeting. He pointed out that the Housing Commission didn’t exist when the 2003 Plan was written and there needs to be a complete rewrite of the housing chapter to bring it up to date. He offered the Housing Commission’s help in doing this.
New Business
A. Myfield LLC - Referral of Affordability Plan
Myfield LLC has applied to amend their special permit and return to the 13 units and 13 buildings first approved by the Zoning Commission, with 4 units in their ‘set-aside’ development to be designated as affordable. The style for the units yet to be built will be changed and there is a slight reduction in square footage from the original plan. The Zoning Commission is asking the Housing Commission to again examine the affordability plan of the application to see if it is in compliance with the requirements stipulated in C.G.S. 8-30(g). The Commission discussed the changes to the plan relative to the previous version, and believes it complies with or exceeds all requirements under the law. They will send a letter to that effect to the Zoning Commission.B. Affordable Housing Designation for Town Beach House
As the Beach House lease is up for renewal on May 1st, the Housing Commission is interested in seeing if the Beach House can be qualified as ‘affordable’, thus adding 1.5 points to the Town’s Affordable Housing Appeals List. Members discussed the details of what was required and how to best proceed. First Selectman Lyon indicated that it was always his desire to see it designated as affordable if possible. Mr. Charles asked if the Housing Commission was looking to permanently designate the Beach House as affordable. Members thought it should not be a prerequisite for hiring any caretaker, and that affordable status should be sought on a case-by-case basis. The Housing Commission will compose a letter to the Selectmen laying out how to determine eligibility according to state guidelines, offer its assistance and leave it to the Selectmen to decide.C. Discussion of 2010 Census Data
Wayne Hileman distributed the latest Census Bureau numbers for the Town of Washington, which show 3,578 residents and 2,124 housing units. They discussed the 2000 Census numbers, which were disputed over the “undercount” of housing units, thus making the population figure for 2000 very suspect. They then compared the new figures to the 1990 Census, which listed 3,905 residents and 1,856 housing units. The Commission discussed the Census Bureau’s net increase of 268 housing units over the past twenty years, which compared favorably with the Housing Commission’s compiled local housing data during the same time period.Mr. Talbot asked what the Housing Commission hoped to do, if anything, with the new Census data. Wayne replied that the figures, for now, can only be used to either confirm or refute what our local data and anecdotal information tell us. As more detailed Census info gets released we can further determine whether our demographic observations are also evident in the Census data.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, April 11, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: February 21, 2011 February 14, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Ted Bent, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of January 10, 2011 Regular Meeting
The January 10th minutes were amended as follows:
Under: Preliminary Discussion – Courtesy Visit
A. Strawman LLC – Possible Affordable Housing Plan
Words after “emphasized that seniors were looking for places to downsize to” changed to “that have two bedrooms, with at least one on the first floor but preferably both, two full baths, and an attached garage.”
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as amended. Liddy Adams seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Inclusion of items not on the Agenda
Jean Suddaby requested a discussion of the current moratorium on condominium development. Wayne Hileman moved to add this item to New Business. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
Updates/Communications
A. On the agenda for the next Zoning Commission meeting is the Housing Commission’s request that Housing in the Business District be freed from the requirement of minimum square footage as was recently applied to Conversions of Older Homes.B. Chairman Wayne Hileman has volunteered to be on the Planning Commission’s Sub-Committee that will work on revising the Plan of Conservation and Development, which must be revisited at least once every ten years. This sub-committee will meet this week.
C. The Selectmen’s Office has inquired whether the Housing Commission foresees any unusual expenses for the coming year. The Housing Commission sees none.
Old Business
A. Overlay Zones for Village Centers
Wayne Hileman will present to the Planning Commission’s Sub-Committee the concept of a Washington Depot Residential District, which is an overlay district. Its purpose would be to allow for a higher density of single-family homes around the village, and for age-restricted housing by Special Permit. Since little or no Federal and State funding will be available for housing issues in the foreseeable future, towns will have to be innovative in addressing these problems.Sue Werkhoven liked the outline’s phrasing of “preserving our way of life” rather than “preserving our rural character” as currently stated in the Plan of Conservation and Development.
New Business
A. Possible Survey of Accessory Apartments
A unanimous decision was made not to pursue this idea at this time.B. CHFA Mortgages
Wayne Hileman informed members that each town can receive a point toward its affordable housing count for each CHFA mortgage. Lisbon, CT for example has 34 CHFA mortgages. Washington has none. The Housing Commission will explore the possibilities and pitfalls of using some of its funds to help first time home buyers with a CHFA loan. The Housing Commission will get further information from CHFA officials as to whether this can be accomplished under their current regulations.C. Condominium Moratorium
Jean Suddaby reminded members that the senior housing survey done in 2007 showed a majority of the Town’s senior citizens wanted housing in Washington for downsizing. She feels that this demand has only increased since the survey. Therefore, she would like the Housing Commission to make a request to the Zoning Commission that it lift the moratorium on condominium development. Wayne will speak with Janet Hill as a first step about the best way to approach this concept.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:12pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, March 14, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: January 17, 2011 January 19, 2011
Present: Liddy Adams, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven, Ted Bent
Guests: Chris Charles, Kelly Boling
Visitors: Peter Talbot, Emily AlterCall to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:04 pm by Vice Chairman Liddy Adams who then seated Ted Bent as a regular member.Minutes of December 13, 2010 Regular Meeting
Ted Bent moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Architect Peter Talbot introduced Emily Alter, a former intern of his when she was in college. Miss Alter will soon be off to work on a project in Europe involving organic farming. In the interim, Peter Talbot hopes to have the benefit of Emily’s training in town planning when considering the future of the Town’s five village centers. Some ideas were mulled over, including the possibility of elder housing with an assisted living component in one of the village centers. Liddy Adams said she could envision elder housing as part of the Washington Elementary School’s future use.Liddy Adams said the Housing Commission welcomes the sharing of ideas from professionals such as Peter and Emily and thanked them for their input.
Preliminary Discussion – Courtesy Visit
A. Strawman LLC – Possible Affordable Housing Plan
Chris Charles and Kelly Boling, representing Strawman LLC, gave a brief overview of a proposal they were working on which includes an affordable housing component. The location involves land behind the Church Hill subdivision done in 1971 which became the Bee Brook Condominiums. The proposal consists of two components: 6 single family 2 bedroom houses and 20 one-floor condominiums with 30 percent of each component affordable. Chris Charles wanted to know what the Commission was hearing from senior citizens about their housing needs. Jean Suddaby said both the 2006 Senior Survey and current anecdotal data from the Senior Center emphasized that seniors were looking for places to downsize to that are one level or have a bedroom on the first floor and have an attached garage. Also, respondents felt that River Woods was too small and Quarry Ridge was too big. Chris and Kelly would welcome further clarification from the Housing Commission about the 8-30g Affordable Housing Act’s criteria.
Election of Officers
Reappointment and Election of Officers
At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting held September 2, 2010, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Ted Bent as an alternate member of the Town’s Housing Commission. This appointment continues until January 1, 2013.At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting held December 22, 2010, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Andrew O’Hazo as a member of the Town’s Housing Commission. This appointment continues until January 1, 2014.
At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting held December 22, 2010, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Lisabeth Adams as a member of the Town’s Housing Commission. This appointment continues until January 1, 2014.
Wayne Hileman was reelected unanimously as Chairperson, with Susan Werkhoven nominating and Jean Suddaby seconding the nomination. Liddy Adams was reelected unanimously as Vice Chairperson, with Jean Suddaby nominating and Sue Werkhoven seconding the nomination.
Updates/Communications
A. Letter to AC re: Housing in the Business District The letter was approved for distribution.B. Few Good Acres Initiative
There is nothing more to report on this initiative.
Adjourn
Ted Bent moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, February 14, 2011, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Meetings in 2010