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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Task Force - 11/25/2003Town of Mansfield Housing Task Force Minutes of November 25, 2003 Meeting called to order at 7:30 Members present: Donna Harrington (COA), Eric Butler (ZBA), Ken Torman (Planning Board), Jean Miller (School Committee), Steve MacCaffrie (Selectman), Charlene Lavin (FinCom), Judy Martone (Housing Committee, Beth Oberlander (Housing Authority), Lou Andrews (NRT). Town staff present: Shaun Burke (Planning Director), Dick Lewis (Conservation & Environmental Planner), John D'Agostino (Town Manager) Motion (Andrews/Torman) to elect Steve MacCaffrie, Chairman. Passed. All in Favor. Motion (MacCaffrie/Andrews ) to elect Torman vice chairman. Passed. All in Favor. The consensus was to wait until next meeting to determine a recording secretary. Lou Andrews to take minutes of this meeting. Shaun Burke explained the consultant evaluation process and method of ranking, the requirement to have two public hearings, and to establish a plan in a timely manner. The committee was supplied with evaluation sheets. Eric Butler explained recent changes in MGL that allows the Town to control 40B development if we have a housing plan in place. After a housing plan is approved by the state the town could disapprove any pending 40B developments. There are about 250 units just starting the approval process, plus the 51 units nearing approval. The housing plan would allow the town to control affordable housing and seek out development of 40B housing. Interviews for a firm to develop housing plan. 8PM Community Opportunities Group, Inc. Peter Sanborn, president. Beverly Estes-Smargiassi Judy Barrett Mr. Sanborn gave a brief statement of their qualifications (see handout) and stated his company is presently developing a plan for the town's housing rehab program under a state grant, which will aid qualified property owners to improve properties in need of repair. COG has a familiarity with Mansfield because of their existing contract. Ms. Barrett explained the importance of establishing a housing production plan in order for the town to get control of affordable housing. Chairman MacCaffrie pointed out the need for a plan that will help long term residents keep their homes and allow Mansfield's younger residents to afford a new home in Mansfield. Ms. Estes-Smargiassi noted that the town can use local initiative programs to meet their 40B 10% requirement. The town needs to establish a preliminary plan first. It will take 5 to 6 weeks for a draft version. Mr. D'Agostino mentioned the need to have public hearing at the beginning and end of the process. Ms. Estes-Smargiassi stated it would take 6 to 8 months to develop a comprehensive plan. The DHCP wants a plan to show that the Town will continue to meet the 40B 10% goal. Mr. Butler noted that the plan must be approved by the state to be implemented. One requirement is for the town to define areas suitable for 40B development. Some towns have adopted zoning to require a certain percentage of affordable housing in new sub divisions. 9:15 Karen Sunnarborg, Housing Consultant Ms. Sunnarborg reviewed her qualifications. (See handout) Estimates 4 weeks to complete a needs assessment and 4 months for a plan, including public hearings. Cannot work on plan full time do to other commitments. Recommends that a detailed plan be submitted to DHCP with a strategy on how it will be implemented. She noted that DHCP has 90 days for approval and certification. The committee filled out evaluation forms for each firm. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.