LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

 

July 27, 2001

9:00 a.m.

 

 

 

Members Present      Arturo Alon, Chairman; Kenneth Barge; Scott Campbell, Vice Chairman;

and Tim Hazel.

 

Member Absent:        Cindy Bowes, Clerk (excused absence)

 

Others:                       Sally Brophy, Michael Bunn, and Judith Oset

 

 

Clem & Deb Realty Trust – update

 

Arturo (AJ) Alon drafted a letter which had been decided on at the last meeting.  The letter has already been sent out and fully explains everything the Board requests.  Basically, the letter requested proof of hardship the Trust claimed as the reason for reducing the number of affordable units.  Mr. Alon would like a follow-up letter sent out in approximately 14 days.  Scott Campbell felt they shouldn’t be given an additional two weeks; they’ve already had that!

Motion:  Arturo made a motion to draft an additional letter to be sent to them, Scott Campbell seconded it and the Board voted to unanimously approve the motion.

 

 

Sanjo Realty Trust - Condo Documents

 

Sally Brophy addressed the Board regarding her condo fees and other problems.  Ms. Brophy said that when the original plans were presented to all involved, the affordable units were two-bedroom\two bath plans.  (The plans were marked “subject to change”)  The eventual outcome was that the 2 bdrm/2 bath units were reduced to 2 bdrm/1bath units.  Sally continued saying that most of the buyers opted to have two baths with the additional bath being at their own expense. 

 

The other question Sally Brophy had was that her condo fee was higher than the other affordable units because she improved it by having hardwood floors put in and consequently was told that this made the unit worth more and therefore the fee had to be adjusted upward. 

 

Michael Bunn said that the condo fee is based on the value of the unit.  Sally is between a rock and a hard place.  Her unit IS more valuable and the improvements WERE DONE before the closing, thus it means a higher fee.  The arguments and questions went back and forth with no immediate resolution.  Judith Oset who had at this time, joined the meeting, suggested that if any person had a problem with a developer then the developer and the complainant should be brought in to the same meeting so all issues could be aired and resolved. 

Judith Oset suggested that the Board  compose a list of questions for the Town attorneys i.e.,  could plans be changed after being presented, can condo fees be set on improvements that buyers make, etc.   Michael Bunn told the group that condo agreements do not always happen beforehand but are decided upon after the fact.  Judith cautioned once more that the Board can’t just hear someone’s complaint and take action on it; in this case you have to hear Sanjo’s side, too.

 

Judith then said that she had heard rumors and innuendoes regarding people living in some units without a certificate of occupancy having been issued.  She said if anything like this happens again, please report it to the Department of Regulatory Management so it can be investigated.

 

 

Ken Weiss – update

 

Judith Oset said Ken Weiss had told her that he’s going to send a letter to the Board saying he has every intention of completing the affordable housing that he’s proposed building.  Foundations are in and it’s already been certified by an engineer.  The draft letter that had been prepared by AJ to send to Ken Weiss became a moot point after Judith’s announcement.

 

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Arturo Alon wondered if Ken Weiss already has buyers for the affordable units he has promised to build?  Michael Bunn said there was nothing in writing but he will build four units and they will all be available for renting.  He wants to sell 4 units to one person and then let that person rent them as affordable units.  The units have to be rented as affordable.  AJ questioned, “So if he doesn’t sell it, then he has to rent it?– or leave it empty?”   

 

Regarding Ron Reil, Scott Campbell spoke to him on the phone and asked for an update.  Ron implied that he was very busy, etc.  He and his partners were too busy to even deal with tenant selection.  Michael suggested that Scott have a paper trail of phone calls or letters, etc.  The Board asked Judith Oset for a written update from Mr. Reil thus establishing a paper trail.

 

Going back to the first case on the agenda, Clem and Deb Realty Trust,  the Board wondered if they should send a follow-up letter?  Judith Oset suggested waiting at least another week.  Scot wants to send another letter requesting a response. If they keep ignoring us then the town counsel will take action.  Tim Hazel was adamant on not letting up on the request for information that Judith felt was too detailed.  When the meeting concluded the Board left with Judith to call the attorney and ask for advice. 

 

Habitat for Humanity got their permit today but the septic plan has not been approved – there are drainage issues.  They plan on building a 5 or 6 bedroom two-family on 5 Fritz Way.  Recipients have gotten their plans.

 

Next meeting – August 17th – 9:00 a.m.

 

Motion to adjourn came at 9:59a.m.

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                            Evelyn Gaudiano

                                                                                                            Evelyn Rogers Gaudiano

 

 

 

Approved by _____________________________________________on____________________

                                    Arturo Alon, Chairman                                              date