LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

 

August 17, 2001

9:00 a.m.

 

 

 

Members Present      Arturo Alon, Cindy Bowes, Scott Campbell, and Tim Hazel.

 

Member Absent:        Kenneth Barge (excused absence)

 

Others:                       Michael Bunn, and Judith Oset

 

 

Clem & Deb Realty Trust – update

Another letter had been sent to Clem & Deb Realty Trust basically asking for details outlining the “hardship” they cited as a reason for reducing the number of affordable units.  The Board received a faxed response which gave several scenarios and no conclusive reasons.  The Local Housing Partnership feels they need professional advice on the validity of the scenarios i.e., the “hardship” proof, as well as the solidness of the budget projections.  Michael Bunn cautioned that the faxed letter detailed budget projections – not actual expenses!

 

Several avenues as to “how to proceed” were explored and finally it was decided that Judith Oset would draft a letter to Dan Hill requesting both an estimate of the cost of receiving counsel from a consultant and a suggestion of several knowledgeable experts who could be contacted for help.  Judith said that before she  requests funds from Keith Bergman she wants to have a ball-park figure on the projected cost of counseling the Partnership.  Dan Hill should be able to provide an estimate. 

 

Sanjo Realty Trust - Condo Documents

 

The discussion quickly switched gears and moved to Sanjo Realty Trust and the manner in which their condo fees are fixed.  Last month’s meeting detailed Sally Brophy’s dilemma whereby she opted to have hardwood floors added to her condo and, as a result of this improvement, is going to be charged a higher condo fee because she improved her condo thus making it more valuable.  The condo fee relates to the value of the unit even though a deed restriction limits the resale value?  Something here seemed illogical?!

 

Provincetown Local Housing Partnership Discussion:

 

There was a lengthy discussion relating to loopholes that developers are accessing or creating in order to increase their profit margins.  There are quite a few “affordable” projects in the throes of being created or negotiated and strict guidelines are now needed to properly oversee them. 

 

One solution Judith Oset suggested would be to detail the total charge to the prospective owner of the affordable unit with extras indicated separately.  Also, no minimum family size is specified, opening the door to having a low-income person apply for a unit, possibly win the lottery, and then having his/her partner move in and provide the where-with-all for making future improvements.  Tim Hazel suggested that limiting the number in the family of the applicant was really dictating life styles and it couldn’t be done.

 

It became more and more evident that professional advice was needed – and quickly – by the Board.

 

Judith Oset – in reference to the Harry Kemp development – said the foundation for the affordable housing four rentals has been poured.  Ken Weiss has said that he is not interested in becoming a landlord and – once built – the four rental unit structure will be sold to one person who would run it as an affordable housing rental.  The possible sticky wicket might be if Ken Weiss can’t sell it to anyone and has to rent it himself until a buyer is found.  Question:  Would it still have to be rented as affordable OR could he rent the units for ~$800/month UNTIL an appropriate buyer is found???

 

Another facet of the discussion touched upon the illegal apartment in the basement of the Bradford Hair Stop.  The last person living there had a section 8.  The status of this illegal apartment – now an affordable one – will be looked into.

 

Michael Bunn told the Board that the Housing Land Trust for Cape Cod (it’s a trust that buys up land and holds it until they can sell it for an affordable development) would like to come and meet with the Board.  Also a new affordable housing specialist has been hired by the Cape Cod Commission.  Name to be announced shortly.  Scott wondered about the value of the CCC specialist; Michael said the person would be the deciding factor on who got funding for projects – so this would be a good person with whom to establish a relationship.

 

House Bill 4144 will create a local affordable housing trust fund.  House Bill 4145 would create a land bank fund but its passage is being delayed by local activists.  (Gomes says 4145 is being reworked.)

 

Michael Bunn reminded everyone that on September 10th a meeting is being held to discuss the new Cape End Manor.  There is, according to Michael, a lot of classic NIMBY opposition.  Michael feels it would behoove everyone on the Board to attend in order to support the proposition.  The benefits would be two-fold.  The new Manor would create assisted living with the old Manor being looked at for affordable housing.  It would be a win-win situation and financially viable for the Town.

 

AJ told the group that Eileen Kennedy has applied for the last available spot on the Board.  It was decided to put Ron Reil on the agenda for the next meeting.

 

Motion:  Tim Hazel made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 27th meeting.  Scott Campbell seconded the motion and it passed 3-0-1 abstention (CB).

 

 

Next meeting – September 7th – 9:00 a.m.

 

Motion to adjourn came at 10:15 a.m.

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                            Evelyn Gaudiano

                                                                                                            Evelyn Rogers Gaudiano

 

 

 

Approved by _____________________________________________on____________________

                                    Arturo Alon, Chairman                                              date