www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Town Planning Process

Diversified Housing

Minutes from Meeting on November 4th, 2004

Bill Fairbairn, Chairman of the Diversified Housing Committee, welcomed the audience and gave the names of the Committee members: Jeff Anderson, John Boyer, Don Brigham, Alan Chapin, Chris Charles, Patte Doran, Bob Futh, Alice Hull, Elaine Luckey, Mark Lyon, Marty Meyers, Matt Murgio, Margie Purnell, Simone Rourk, Andy Shapiro, Dick Sears, Dave Werkhoven, and Rod and Harry Wyant.

Referring to the 2002 Housing Study Report, Bill Fairbairn said the current committee's purpose was to develop strategies for implementing the Report's recommendations. The Summary sheet of the packet given to the audience highlighted the what, why, and how of these recommendations.

In order to avoid the potential of a developer over-riding the town's zoning regulations, the town needs to eventually have ten percent of its housing stock as "affordable". By doing this, the town remains in control of the where, how, and who of development. What is being considered: 96 affordable units over the next ten years; the adoption of a parcel program for single family, limited equity housing units; and the creation of a Town Housing Commission. Mr. Fairbairn said town Democrats and Republicans felt a priority should be single family housing for young people. Therefore, the Housing Committee thought this should be the starting point. However, the Committee remains flexible so if a parcel more suitable for senior housing became available, it would certainly be considered.

Selectman Sears described some dual purpose scenarios such as using the old town garage area partly for materials' storage and partly for affordable housing.

An audience member asked whether people in the parcel program could leave their homes to their heirs. One answer was yes if they qualified. Another approach was restricting the program to the original home buyers.

The discussion moved to arguments pro and con for creating a Town Housing Commission. Public accountability and coordination with other town agencies were arguments in favor. The existence of the nonprofit Washington Community Housing Trust and the Town having to hire a staff for a housing commission were arguments against. Jeff Anderson felt that the exiting nonprofit Housing Trust and the creation of a Town Housing Commission were both critical for significant progress. If the town didn't take an active role, there would be a continued erosion of the town's young people. The town has been made an attractive place to live, thus increasing housing prices, making the purchase of a house difficult for many of the young people presently living here.

Selectman Sears complimented the private, nonprofit Housing Trust for "watching the store so far" but this group has had to be opportunistic. A Town Housing Commission could add more consistency to the process. He added that there was a need for more condominiums, with a mix of high end as well as affordable units.

An audience member asked if a transfer tax had been considered. Bill Fairbairn said increasing the town's conveyance tax might be a funding option.

Describing a comparable town in Long Island, where many of its young people had to move away due to the high cost of housing, Marty Meyer said this Long Island town now pays about a million dollars a year for what were previously volunteer services.

In describing ways to reach the affordable housing goals, Bill Fairbairn said the committee put in a yearly $300000 figure from municipal revenues as a talking point. A municipal bond, private sector partnering, and state and federal funds were other funding options.

A question was asked about giving a tax break for home owners with accessory apartments to keep the rent reasonable. If a ten year deed restriction was used for attached apartments, those units could count toward affordable housing.

Another question was asked about the number of children in the current affordable housing at Dodge Farm and whether it was taxed in the same way as other housing. Bill Fairbairn said it was taxed at the regular assessment rate. He went on to answer a question about the New Preston project, saying that the approved applicants were a mix of young and old local people.

Hank Martin answered the next question on what was blocking the building of more condos. He explained that originally the moratorium was done to protect from huge scale condo developments but changes in state regulations now give towns more control. Since the need for condos has increased, he feels it is possible to consider small condo projects again.

Selectman Sears offered another possible scenario, namely, the town buying the Morning Star East house, currently for sale. It is already set up with twelve bedrooms. Senior citizens living in town who need more care would have a place to go to.

Dan Scherr suggested the Committee look at other comparable towns for ideas. Valerie Friedman asked if it were true that taking state or Federal funds meant applicants couldn't be restricted to people from Washington. Bill Fairbairn said this was true. Our focus, though, is to take care of our own.

The forum was adjourned. Approximately 45 people attended.

Respectfully submitted,

Patte Doran