The Town of Washington, Connecticut
Minutes: Housing Commission - 2009
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www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Minutes: Housing Commission - 2009 |
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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.
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Posted: December 21, 2009 December 14, 2009
Present: 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 November 9, 2009 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Meeting Dates for 2010
Chairman Wayne Hileman gave a copy of the 2010 meeting dates to each member and motioned for consent to approve. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.All meetings are held at 5pm on the second Monday of the month except for the October meeting, which will be held October 4 due to Columbus Day.
Updates
A. Wykeham Rise LLC – Affordable Housing Application
Wayne Hileman reported that this application is still at Inland Wetlands. The public hearing has now closed.B. Marbledale Meadows – Informational and Town Meetings
On Tuesday, December 15, 7 pm, at the Town Hall there will be an informational meeting on the upcoming funding request for the WCHT’s Marbledale Meadows project.On January 15, there will be a Town Meeting to approve the funding request.
C. Few Good Acres Initiative – 294 Sabbaday Lane
Wayne Hileman has discussed with the property owners various configurations and scenarios regarding this parcel of land.Continued Discussion
A. Talbot concept/proposal – Mill Race Road
Peter Talbot invited members of the Titus Road Ad Hoc Committee to see the presentation he gave earlier to the Selectmen. Mr. Talbot would appreciate having the town’s various commissions put in writing that this project is worthy of further study. Wayne Hileman will draft a letter regarding the observations made by the Housing Commission on Mr. Talbot’s presentation that was given at the October meeting.Preliminary Discussion
A. New Residential Zones for Village Centers
Last year the Housing Commission sent a letter to the Zoning Commission about examining ideas for the village center(s) that the present zoning regulations preclude. The Housing Commission is considering postulating some future possibilities for the village centers such as zones that would allow for more density and accommodate various types of housing development.B. Marbledale Study
The Housing Commission is considering drafting some suggestions regarding Marbledale’s village center as has been done by the Depot Study.Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:17 pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, January 11, 2010, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: November 16, 2009 November 9, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Dick Sears, Walter Whitney
Visitors: Chris Charles, First Selectman Mark LyonCall to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:03 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of October 5, 2009 Regular Meeting
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Minutes of October 24, 2009 Special Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Updates
Wykeham Rise LLC – Affordable Housing Application
Wayne Hileman reported that this application is currently under review at Inland Wetlands. Until a proposal reaches the Zoning Commission, it doesn’t warrant the attention of the Housing Commission.Request for Funds
Washington Community Housing Trust
Liddy Adams, as a member of both the Housing Commission and the WCHT, recused herself from this portion of the meeting.Walter Whitney and Dick Sears, from the WCHT, outlined their amended request for funds from the Housing Commission. They summarized some of the various scenarios they envisioned in attaining some of the funds in advance for purposes of completing their grant application to the state. They also informed the commission of the Trust’s updated plan to eliminate the proposed 1 bedroom units and create more 2 and 3 bedroom units. In addition they will be re-examining the site to see if it can accommodate more bedrooms in total.
Wayne Hileman made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen an expenditure of $110,000 from the Town’s Affordable Housing Fund to the Washington Community Housing Trust (WCHT) for pre-development costs associated with the acquisition, development, and implementation of Marbledale Meadows, 7 Mygatt Road, with the following condition: That if approved, said funds will not be distributed until the WCHT is in written receipt of a full commitment of funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) sufficient to complete the project.
Andy O’Hazo asked if this expenditure would prevent the Housing Commission from moving forward with other possible transactions. Wayne Hileman said there was money for more than just this one transaction. He went on to say that he liked the WCHT’s idea of expanding the 1 bedroom units to a 2-3 bedroom configuration which would increase the units’ marketability. Jean Suddaby concurred, saying she was never fond of the 1 bedroom units and that this was an improvement.
Wayne Hileman asked for a vote on the motion, which was passed unanimously. (Liddy Adams did not vote, being recused). This request will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen.
Talbot Proposal – Mill Race Road
Liddy Adams was reseated.Wayne Hileman said that local architect Peter Talbot recently gave the Planning Commission the same presentation he previously had given to the Housing Commission. The presentation included recommendations for soil and engineering analyses of the Old Town Garage and adjacent areas. Chris Charles said he would like to see such analyses done for the Depot as a whole.
Members discussed issues such as the fact that current land use regulations precluded any such project, that a project such as this would be an investment over time, generate more tax revenue, and help insure the vitality of the village center. Liddy Adams thought that until the situation regarding the schools was resolved, projects like this will probably have to be on the back burner for now.
Wayne Hileman said the Housing Commission could help determine what land use policies might allow for proposals such as this one. Also, he will call Peter Talbot to ascertain ways the Housing Commission could be supportive, at least by getting a discussion going.
Executive Session
Wayne Hileman made a motion to go into executive session at 5:50 pm to discuss a potential municipal property transaction. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.Wayne Hileman made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:15 pm. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Wayne Hileman to recommend to the Board of Selectmen an expenditure not to exceed $2000 from the Town’s Affordable Housing Fund for an A-1 survey of a portion of 294 Sabbaday Lane. This parcel is being considered for future purchase by the Town for affordable housing use.
The motion was approved unanimously. This request will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, December 14, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: October 28, 2009 October 24, 2009
SPECIAL MEETING
Front of Bryan Town HallMembers Present: Wayne Hileman, Sue Werkhoven, Jean Suddaby
Chair Wayne Hileman called the meeting to order at 9:13am, noting that a quorum was achieved.
It was agreed by unanimous consent to enter into Executive Session for purposes of a site visit for a potential municipal property transaction.
It was agreed by unanimous consent to come out of Executive Session on site at 10:05am.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wayne Hileman
Posted: October 10, 2009 October 5, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Peter Talbot, Martin Brown
Visitors: Members of the Washington Community Housing Trust, residents of Quarry Ridge, other town residents, Press (Voices, LCT).Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of September 14, 2009 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted.
Liddy Adams seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Presentation of Titus Road Proposal
Peter Talbot, AIA Architects, gave the Housing Commission a detailed written draft describing his Mill Race Road: A Civic Sustainability Project. The accompanying letter asked for the Housing Commission’s thoughts and input on this “preliminary town planning concept that would incorporate 16 Titus Road into a neighborhood expansion of the village center”. The area involved would be approximately 11 plus acres including the 4 plus acres where the former Town Garage was situated. In his presentation, Peter proposed several possibilities for this area, all of which would protect the environment while contributing to the Depot’s revitalization. Aspects of the options were displayed on large poster boards for the Housing Commission to view. The key concept underlying these options was the creation of a new secondary street that would run parallel to Titus Road and would be tentatively named Mill Race Road. Some of the other concepts presented were those of added commercial space, mixed age and income homes, a cultural/community center, and infrastructure upgrades.If this report met the general approval of the Housing Commission, Mr. Talbot requested in his letter that the Housing Commission write a letter of support that he could take to the Board of Selectmen. Wayne Hileman told Mr. Talbot that the Housing Commission would be very interested in taking a closer look at his report. Jean Suddaby said she felt that members would love to take a walk of the area with Mr. Talbot in order to visualize his proposal more fully.
Request for Funds - WCHT
(Liddy Adams recused herself from this portion of the meeting as she is also a member of the WCHT)Chairman Wayne Hileman made a motion to recommend to the Board of Selectmen an expenditure of $110,000 from the Town’s Affordable Housing Fund to the Washington Community Housing Trust for pre-development costs associated with the acquisition, development and implementation of Marbledale Meadows, 7 Mygatt Road.
Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion.Wayne Hileman then told members the motion was now open for discussion. He referenced the September 14, 2009 packet the Housing Commission had received from the WCHT as well as answers to follow-up questions from the Housing Commission received by email on October 2, 2009.
In general the members were impressed with the site plan and drawings, though Andy O’Hazo wasn’t clear about the maintenance costs for this project’s road. Wayne Hileman thought that, as this was a private road, the costs would be shared by the Homeowners’ Association. Also, since not only the road but also the septic and the utilities were already in, this could be termed a ‘shovel-ready’ project. Wayne had some concern about the creation of more 2-story/2-bedroom houses, since the ones already there had still not been sold.
All thought the WCHT had made a strong case for the housing benefits that the project would bring to the town. Wayne stated that the WCHT had established a good track record over the years. Members reiterated their faith in the dedication and commitment of the WCHT. Wayne said he could see the evidence of their success in Riverwoods, Washington’s Affordable Senior Housing, which he can see from his back yard. Sue Werkhoven said she can see the success of Dodge Farms’ affordable units from her home.
However, Wayne Hileman felt that the financial aspect of the proposal gave him pause. He had some trouble “following the money,” particularly when it came to how the Trust would buy the site. Andy O’Hazo said he felt the project could fall apart at any of the stages along the way. Jean Suddaby had concerns over whether the Town money would ultimately lead to a project; she had spoken informally to Dick Sears about whether there was any way for the WCHT to reimburse the Housing Commission should the project fall through (Mr. Sears said there was not). Sue Werkhoven voiced her support, saying that it was time for this site to be dealt with and she had faith in the WCHT.
Wayne Hileman said that for him the crucial issue was assessing the likelihood of state funding. Without it there would be no project and the Town would have nothing to show for its investment. He had investigated the grant money available from the State. There were 18 applications pending for the 12 million dollars available for 2009. He said what with the State’s current economic crisis and the fact that the State had already called one moratorium on this type of funding, he was concerned about the amount being asked for (1 million dollars)and the risk involved. He had asked the DECD whether the Housing Commission could make a conditional commitment and was told yes.
After the members were finished with their discussions Wayne Hileman then asked members from the WCHT for comment. They felt they had an excellent shot at getting their application approved and gave their reasons to support this supposition. They supplied some additional info from conversations they had with the DECD. They stated that a conditional approval was an option they could not pursue.
Wayne Hileman then re-read the motion (see above) and asked for a vote. Jean Suddaby, Andy O’Hazo, and Wayne Hileman voted no. Sue Werkhoven voted yes (Liddy Adams did not vote, having been recused).
The motion was defeated.
Executive Session
Liddy Adams was re-seated.
Wayne Hileman made a motion to go into executive session at 6:40 pm to discuss a potential municipal property transaction.
Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.Wayne Hileman made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:55 pm.
Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting.
Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.The meeting adjourned at 7 pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, November 9, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: September 23, 2009 September 14, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Representing the Washington Community Housing Trust (WCHT): Marty Meyers, Walter Whitney, David Berto
Visitors: Community residents and First Selectman Mark LyonsCall to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:03 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of June 8, 2009 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted.
Jean Suddaby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Updates
A. Wykeham Rise LLC – Affordable Housing Application
Wayne Hileman reported that this application has been denied by the Inland Wetlands Commission without prejudice, primarily due to its being incomplete. Since the applicant will have to reapply to move forward, the Housing Commission is not involved in this issue at this time.B. Letter to Zoning Commission
Wayne Hileman reported that the Zoning Commission has not yet responded to his letter regarding the property at 16 Titus Road. Request For Funds: WCHT Presentation on Marbledale Meadows
(Note: Liddy Adams recused herself from this portion of the meeting, as she is also a member of the WCHT.)
Walter Whitney, David Berto, and Marty Meyers gave the Housing Commission a packet explaining the WCHT’s plans to purchase the 13-acre property at 7 Mygatt Road, Marbledale and rename it Marbledale Meadows. (Copy of this proposal is on file with the Town Clerk) The WCHT proposes to use State HOME funds to build eleven new affordable housing units. The WCHT is requesting $110,000 from the Town’s Housing Fund to be used for predevelopment costs in order to prepare an application to submit to the DECD (CT – Department of Economic and Community Development). The WCHT is asking the Housing Commission to support this request and to ask the Selectmen to call a Town Meeting for approval.Included in the WCHT’s presentation packet is a letter dated August 10, 2009, from CT State Commissioner Joan McDonald to State Senator Andrew Roraback explaining the decision to modify the 6-month moratorium on homeownership projects, thus reopening the application process if certain criteria are met.
The Housing Commission members asked the presenters a variety of questions concerning the project’s logistics, on how their application might compare against existing grant applications at DECD, their projected timeline, the supplied budget and financial data, and the degree of risk involved regarding town monies that might be funded.
Chairman Wayne Hileman opened the meeting for public comment on this agenda item. Quarry Ridge residents Peter Tagley, Liz Kaye, Doris Matthews, and Mygatt Road resident Diane Stevens made comments, asked questions, and voiced concerns.
Wayne Hileman offered to draft a motion for the October 5 regular meeting regarding a decision on the WCHT request and send it to the other members prior to the meeting.
Executive Session
Wayne Hileman made a motion to go into executive session at 6:45 pm to discuss a potential municipal property transaction. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.Wayne Hileman made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:58 pm. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7 pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, October 5, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: July 18, 2009 July 13, 2009
Present: Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Absence of Quorum
The Chair noted the absence of a quorum. Therefore, no official business could be conducted so the meeting could not take place.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, August 10, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: June 12, 2009 June 8, 2009
Present: Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:10 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.
Minutes of May 11 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman made the following correction:
Second paragraph under Updates, line 10, delete “to septic and other”, since the Health Department deals with this area.Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as corrected. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Updates
A. LISC Forum-Kent
Wayne Hileman attended a LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) forum in Kent. He met other people from small towns in the Northwest corner who are struggling with affordable housing issues, with many towns just getting started. Kent is developing a fledgling non-profit housing trust. Sharon and Norfolk each have a land parcel that was given to them as a gift which can help them expedite the building of affordable housing. Connecticut’s funding sources for affordable housing are, for the most part, gone. Only Federally funded sources still exist since the State cannot cut these. So anything the Housing Commission wants to do regarding affordable housing will have to be without state funding for the foreseeable future.B. Request for Funds-WCHT
Wayne Hileman received a reply to his letter to the WCHT in which he asked the WCHT to withdraw their request for funds at the present time. Chairman of the WCHT, Bill Fairbairn, in his reply letter, officially withdrew their request for funding. The WCHT may come back to the Housing Commission at a future time.C. 16 Titus Road – Zoning Commission Letter
Housing Commission members went over a draft of Wayne Hileman’s letter to the Zoning Commission regarding the property at 16 Titus Road. The members approved the letter as is, with the addition of sending copies to the First Selectman and the Chair of the Planning Commission. (This letter will be on file with the Land Use Administrator.)Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.The meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, July 13, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: May 17, 2009 May 11, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Visitors: Bob Papsin
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:01 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.
Minutes of April 13 Regular Meeting
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as submitted.
Sue Werkhoven seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Updates
A. Wykeham Rise
Wayne Hileman informed members that Matthew Klauer is proceeding with his Plan B, which is at the Town’s Wetlands Commission stage. (Plan B entails building 33 one-, two-, and three bedroom housing units with 30 percent to be designated as “affordable”.) However, Mr. Klauer hasn’t totally abandoned Plan A, which was for an inn, spa, and a restaurant. This first proposal is slated for mediation, but is on hold for now. Wayne Hileman has spoken with Matt Klauer periodically and he has agreed to present his ideas at a Housing Commission meeting if there is an affordable housing component as part of his project.Wayne Hileman described the approval process for a project like Plan B that includes affordable housing, starting with the Wetland Commission and then moving right on to the Zoning Commission. Since the Plan B proposal would not technically be a subdivision, the Planning Commission approval step could be skipped. Also, Wayne Hileman indicated that, under PA8-30G, Mr. Klauer doesn’t need to submit an affordability plan until it reaches the Zoning Commission, where that information is then provided. The task for the Wetlands Commission would be to determine if the project conforms to septic and other wetland regulations. The task for the Housing Commission would be to determine if the “affordable” housing component meets the criteria for this designation. Wayne Hileman felt that any final outcome regarding these proposals was probably months away.
B. Town Meeting – Housing Fund Appropriation
This year’s annual allocation funds for both the Housing Commission and Open Space Committee have been cut in half. Also, the Town’s Auditor has recommended to the Board of Finance that in the future, instead of being in the capital section of the budget, these funds be put in the regular part of the budget, where they would be more clearly defined. The Town’s citizens would then vote on the capital expenditures, the general fund, and the Open Space and Housing Commission allocations. Wayne Hileman also informed members that the yearly allocations for the Housing Commission were a five year commitment ending in 2009. Therefore, he felt at some point the Housing Commission might want to approach the Board of Finance to get a sense of future monetary commitments.C. Washington Community Housing Trust
Wayne Hileman has spoken to WCHT members Dick Sears and John Millington and has concluded that their proposal is basically at a standstill for now. Therefore, Wayne suggested to the Housing Commission members that he draft a letter to the WCHT asking them to withdraw their request for funds at the present time. Leaving a pending request with no way to act on it in the near future was awkward, especially with the great flux in state and local budget matters currently occurring.D. 16 Titus Road
Wayne Hileman, acting on a suggestion from the First Selectman, Mark Lyon, brought the Housing Commission’s recommendations for possible uses of the Titus Road parcel to the Planning Commission. Some discussion occurred on flood plain regulations. State regulations do not preclude building on a flood plain but Washington’s regulations have stipulations. However, invoking the Affordable Housing Act would override these. The Planning Commission, though interested, didn’t see delving into the uses for this parcel as a focal point of their deliberations at the present time.Wayne Hileman suggested to members that the Housing Commission continue to explore various options for this property and draft a letter to the Zoning Commission to give them an idea of what these options might be. Perhaps the letter could include a request that the Zoning Commission consider the creation of a new zone specifically for Depot Center usages not already in place. Study of this little parcel could function as a microcosm of larger issues the Housing Commission sees as involved in future development of the Depot as a whole.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, June 8, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: April 20, 2009 April 13, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Peter Talbot, Martine Kolletti
Visitors: Residents
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of March 9 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
Chairman Wayne Hileman moved to make the following agenda changes:
a) add Peter Talbot to the last item under Updates, including the letter sent by Peter to the Housing Commission
b) move a letter from Concerned Citizens to Item Five, Communications
c) delete Item 6, Q & A with WCHT representatives, because they notified the Housing Commission Saturday evening that they were not able to attend.
Sue Werkhoven seconded these motions, which were approved unanimously.Item Four- Pond View Estates
Housing Commission members were informed by Wayne Hileman that, at the April 8 Town Hall meeting, voters approved buying the property that lies between Route 202 and Flirtation Avenue, with the condition that an environmental study be done. Therefore, the Housing Commission will no longer be monitoring this project.Item Four – Wykeham Rise and a “Few Good Acres”
There has been nothing new to report on these topics.Item Four – 16 Titus Road
Wayne Hileman will be contacting the Selectmen to give them official notice that the State has pulled the funding for any new Incentive Housing Zone applications. He recommended that the Housing Commission continue to gather information on various options for this town-owned property.Guest Peter Talbot gave a presentation on his ideas for developing the Titus Road parcel. He brought with him Martine Kolletti, a LEED certified consultant. Peter, in 1995, did a report for the town on this property. Also, those involved in the Depot Study had included ideas for this site’s development. Peter was interested in learning what the Housing Commission was finding out about the town’s future housing needs and what ideas he could offer to help meet these. He showed schematics that had several options, all of which were guided by a sustainable-growth- community rubric. One of its criteria was reduced vehicular traffic with an emphasis on walk-ability and bike paths. Martine explained that everything should be done ecologically, which included LEED standards applied to the buildings. These standards were becoming more and more part of building codes throughout the country. Peter suggested that they explore the kinds of funding that might be available for LEED developed projects. (LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Peter thanked Wayne for his thoughtful response to Peter’s letter.
Wayne Hileman believed that the Housing Commission has been interested in ideas similar to those expressed in Peter and Martine’s presentation. The members have focused on preserving the area along the river and recreating the natural flora that had once been there. Also consideration has been given to a possible mix of residences and light businesses, such as a yoga center or small bakery. Wayne Hileman thanked Peter and Martine for sharing their expertise with the Housing Commission.
Concerned Citizens’ Letter
Wayne Hileman read the letter, with 62 signatures attached, from Concerned Citizens for Affordable Housing. At issue was the request made at the Housing Commission’s March 9, 2009 meeting by WCHT representatives, Mr. Whitney and Mr. Berto, for $150000 of Housing Commission funds to initiate a development for an affordable housing community. This community would be named ‘Marbledale Meadows’, formerly known as ‘Myfield’. (A copy of this letter is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office)Wayne Hileman summarized what had transpired after this request had been made. He had sent an email to the WCHT outlining some questions and concerns. After some email exchanges, Wayne compiled a list of question which he emailed on March 19 to the WCHT, who offered to have some of its representative’s respond to these questions at the Monday, April 13 regular Housing Commission meeting. However, Wayne was notified the evening of Saturday, March 11, by David Berto and Dick Sears, that they needed more time to respond to these questions and wanted to postpone their appearance until the Housing Commission’s May meeting. (See list of questions at end of minutes.)
Wayne Hileman invited public comment. Questions included unease about the traffic impact the Marbledale Meadows project could have on Mygatt Road because there are already 43 residences on it. Also, there was some feeling expressed about clustering those in affordable housing altogether instead of scattering them throughout the community.
Wayne Hileman said the WCHT has yet to show that their proposal can be accomplished. The Housing Commission is waiting for the response to its questions before it can determine what the next step might be.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Liddy Adams seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, May 11, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Housing Commission Questions for the WCHT
1. How much will the WCHT pay to acquire the property?
2. How much $$$ does the WCHT have at risk to date? How much will you put at risk in total?
3. Did you pass on the 2 existing houses or did Myfield refuse to put them in the deal?
4. If you gain approval for the $150K, how soon until you're ready to apply for the state grant?
5. How do you get to a total project cost of $3.1 million?
6. How many 1bd, 2bd & 3bd units do you envision? Will some of these be 1-level?
7. Are you considering stick-frame or modular construction?
8. What is the specific grant for which you are applying? If this does not work out, are there others you can apply for? Can you apply for more than one at a time?
9. Since the Myfield guys are direct beneficiaries of your good will, why don't they at least partially fund the pre-development costs? Are they 'made whole' in this buyout?
10. In the last project that involved state money (Dodge Farm) the Trust was able to pay back the up-front money to the town. Has anyone revisited that deal to see if there are lessons to be learned? Questions since the DECD moratorium:
1. Do you know what prompted their decision? What is the effective date? What assurances, if any, have they given that things will be 'business as usual' after 6 months?
2. Does the fact that they specifically mentioned 'home ownership' proposals imply that rental projects are still in play?
3. Can the Trust find any other sources of funding to move the project forward, or is state $$$ the only way to make this happen?
Posted: March 17, 2009 March 9, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby
Guests: Five members of the Washington Community Housing Trust
Visitors: Several residents and First Selectman, Mark Lyon
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of the February 9, 2009 Regular Meeting
Correction:
Page 2 under Review of Pending and Potential Affordable Housing Applications Part B, second paragraph, first sentence: changed “limited equity family” to “age restricted”.Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as amended. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Washington Community Housing Trust
Walter Whitney, a member of the W.C.H.T, presented a development proposal that included a request for $150,000 from the Town of Washington’s Housing Fund. Mr. Whitney introduced David Berto of Housing Enterprises, Inc., to explain this projected project whose goal is to create housing for persons of moderate means. According to Mr. Whitney and Mr. Berto’s Handout, “There is a need for moderately priced homes in Washington.----Members of the Washington workforce such as teachers, town employees, and service workers desire home ownership.” The Handout states that “The Washington Community Housing Trust has secured an option to purchase the former Myfield development at 7 Mygatt Road, Marbledale. Renamed MARBLEDALE MEADOWS, the property will be redesigned to provide eleven, new one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for moderate-income families. -----Four years ago, the Town began putting money aside to assist in creating housing for persons of moderate means. WCHT is asking the Housing Commission, and Boards of Finance and Selectmen to consider this request and to place it before a Town Meeting.--------“(The WCHT is requesting $150,000.)---“Currently, there is a balance of $225,000+/- in the Housing Fund. This grant will be used for predevelopment costs in the preparation of a grant application to the CT Department of Economic and Community Development. The State grant will be used to purchase the property and develop the eleven new, owner-occupied homes.” The Handout goes on to give further detailed information.Wayne Hileman explained the process involved in a formal request for Affordable Housing Fund monies. First, the Housing Commission must determine the merits of the request. If it is decided that the request is worthy of consideration, the Housing Commission makes a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen who approve or disapprove it. If approved, the request goes to the Board of Finance, who insures that the monies are being used according to the Housing Commission’s Ordinance. The request then goes to a Town Meeting for final approval.
Wayne Hileman asked Mr. Berto and Mr. Whitney why they were redesigning their project rather than keeping the previous configuration. Mr. Berto said their vision was for a different market demographic than that of the previous proposal. The WCHT’s proposal is for energy-star rated homes that would be within reach of people with moderate incomes.
The Housing Commission tabled the vote on this request until the next regular meeting.
Updates
A. 16 Titus Road – Old Town Garage Site
Paul Szymanski (see previous minutes) is still familiarizing himself with the details needed to apply for a possible Technical Assistance Grant.B. Washington Partners LLC
There is no new information on Pond View Estates’ pursuit of a possible affordable housing component.C. Wykeham Rise LLC
There is nothing new to report on this proposal.Submission of Budget Request for 2009
Wayne Hileman read the draft of the Housing Commission’s official request letter for $50,000 from the capital non-renewing portion of the Town’s Annual 2009 Budget and $1000 from the General fund for secretarial/clerical expenses. The Housing Commission members unanimously approved the official request letter.Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.The meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, April 13, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: February 15, 2009 February 9, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Andy O’Hazo, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Guests: Paul Szymanski
Visitors: Peter Talbot, Laura Benn, Chris Charles, Resident
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of the January 12, 2009 Regular Meeting
Sue Werkhoven moved to accept the minutes. Andy O’Hazo seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Continues Discussion on Incentive Housing Zone
Paul Szymanski of Arthur H. Howland and Associates reported on the 16 Titus Road soil test results. He also gave members an Existing Conditions Map done in February of 2007. It shows the DEP’s required channel encroachment line that buffers the Shepaug River. This buffer area allows for passive recreation only.Paul Szymanski is volunteering his time to provide the Housing Commission information it could use if it decides to apply for a Technical Assistance Grant. This grant begins the process of establishing an Incentive Housing Zone (PA 07-4). (See previous months’ minutes for explanation of this public act.)
Chairman Wayne Hileman filled Paul in on the details of a Technical Assistance Grant. The Housing Commission would like to be able to answer questions such as: What level of development could this parcel realistically support? What is the least density, for example, 16 units of single family homes? What would the parcel look like if separated into two pieces with one piece for open space? What configuration would be best for making a project look like a natural extension of the Depot?
Wayne thanked Paul for taking this on pro bono. The Housing Commission does not want to waste the Town’s time and money pursuing any particular project but feels that finding out what this parcel could comfortably support would give the Town very useful information. If Paul’s research shows that only marginal projects are viable, then the Housing Commission wouldn’t continue to explore the situation.
Sue Werkhoven recalled that the Senior Survey showed strong interest by seniors in being able to downsize to smaller units, especially if these were near the village center. Could there be a place for some units on this parcel to address this demographic? Paul felt this was feasible, adding that mixed use housing was getting to be in demand.
Wayne Hileman said the Housing Commission was interested in exploring a combination of residential and commercial units, with the latter providing more rental opportunities for small businesses, especially since rents here are so high.
Update of “Few Good Acres” Sites
Using numbers, not names, on a handout, Wayne Hileman updated members on the status of respondents to the “We’re Looking for a Few Good Acres” letter of February 9, 2009. He has contacted all these by phone, letter, or email.Preview of Pending and Potential Affordable Housing Applications
A. Wayne Hileman attended the presentation by the Washington Partners LLC regarding their 108 New Milford Turnpike application. He felt that their proposal would be a very expensive proposition.B. As to the Wykeham Rise LLC application at 101 Wykeham Road, Matthew Klauer has a very preliminary Plan B for this property which would consist of condos. But since there is still legal action pending regarding his earlier plan, Plan B’s status is tentative.
Wayne Hileman had asked Matthew Klauer about the possibility of any limited equity family housing. Matthew said no. Instead there would be condos with 30 percent of the units affordable under PA8-30G. He sees three ways the property could be developed: 1) an inn 2) a school or 3) multi family housing.
Regarding the latter, Wayne asked if Matthew if he would be willing to come before the Housing Commission in the format of a public hearing forum. Wayne reported that Matthew didn’t believe an 8-30G application required a public hearing, but he was willing to appear at a public forum sponsored by the Housing Commission.
Visitor Peter Talbot asked the Housing Commission questions about the definition of affordability. He felt that a lot of people thought that Washington had met more than 10 percent of the affordability requirement. Wayne said only a little over 2 percent of Washington’s housing stock currently meets the affordability definition. The State is now using a point system to designate affordability, with houses getting one point, senior rentals ½ point, and apartments 1 ½ points. The latter probably reflects the State’s desire to encourage workforce housing.
Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, March 9, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Posted: Jamuary 19, 2009 January 12, 2009
Present: Liddy Adams, Wayne Hileman, Jean Suddaby, Sue Werkhoven
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 5pm by Chairman Wayne Hileman.Minutes of the December 8 Regular Meeting
Corrections: Under Continued Examination of Incentive Housing Zone in sentence one, changed “perk” to “perc”.
Under Executive Session, added at the end of the first sentence “and agreed by unanimous consent”.
Wayne Hileman moved to accept the minutes as amended. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Members unanimously agreed to move this item to the end of the agenda.Reappointment and Election of Officers At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting held December 23, 2008, it was unanimously agreed to reappoint Wayne Hileman and Susan Werkhoven to the Town’s Housing Commission. These appointments continue until January 1, 2012.
Wayne Hileman was reelected unanimously as Chairperson, with Susan Werkhoven nominating and Liddy Adams seconding the nomination.
Liddy Adams was reelected unanimously as Vice Chairperson, with Wayne Hileman nominating and Jean Suddaby seconding the nomination.Continued Discussion of Incentive Housing Zone
Wayne Hileman reported that the Selectman from Salisbury, CT, contacted him to inquire about how Washington’s Housing Commission had been formed and how it was funded.Liddy Adams mentioned that towns combining forces to address various needs had been a theme at the HOME Connecticut Seminar she had attended in November.
Wayne Hileman has received the Titus Road test results. Fifteen holes have been drilled, all of which drained well. However, the flow may be such that an engineered septic system might be needed to insure that the river not be adversely impacted. Wayne Hileman said Technical Assistance Grant monies were still available from the state. This money could be used to explore the feasibility of an engineered septic system. Wayne recommended inviting the Titus Road Ad Hoc Committee, formed by Selectmen Mark Lyon and Nick Solley, to come to the Housing Commission to discuss the implications of the test results. Soil scientist Paul Szmanski might be able to come also. If not, Wayne will talk to him about the density issue and report back to the members.
The issue to be determined is if the land meets Incentive Zone density requirements. If not, it would rule out the Housing Commission applying for the grant. In this case, other options for this town owned land parcel would be explored by the Titus Road Ad Hoc Committee.
Inclusion of Items Not on Agenda
Wayne Hileman discussed the Housing Commission’s long range plan which entails gathering various data sets. One of these is to investigate how many people work for the private and public schools and how many of these people reside in town. Evidently, one of the town’s biggest industries is the schools. A question to explore is: What housing opportunities are available for school employees and what would be the beneficial impact on local businesses if such opportunities were increased?Data from the Housing Commission’s long range plan could be included in the Town’s Plan of Development which is to be revised in four years.
Continued Assessment of “Few Good Acres” Sites
Members discussed in general the number of sites visited so far and whether there were more to be seen.Adjourn
Wayne Hileman moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Suddaby seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm.The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, February 9, 2009, in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Patte Doran
Secretary
Meetings in 2008