HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-04 Affordable Housing Trust Minutes
North Andover Affordable Housing Trust
Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2022
Present: Laurie Burzlaff, Christopher Jee, George Koehler, Roger Lawson, Joan Fitzgibbons and Robert Bernardin
Absent: Richard Vaillancourt
Meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. Chair Jee read the following statement:
Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted via remote means only.
Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or
parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town’s website, at
www.northandoverma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so
on their televisions by tuning to Comcast Channel 8, Verizon Channel 26, or online at
www.northandovercam.org. Every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the
proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts,
we will post on the Town website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of
proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.
Treasurer’s Update
Mr. Bernardin stated the balance is $866,655.60. Ms. Burzlaff clarified that the amount is not what is available
since the Trust has already voted to spend $205,000 for the down payment assistance program and $150,000 for
Fountain Drive.
Discussion and vote on 2023 Community Project Funding
Ms. Burzlaff stated that the town will be applying for $500,000 in federal funding to be used for Fountain Drive.
Ms. Burzlaff stated she would like to see a large portion of the fund allocated to Fountain Drive. Ms. Burzlaff
indicated that he funds were originally from the development of Edgewood to be used for senior housing and it
has just been sitting there for years. Mr. Bernardin explained that was not a fair assessment since funds have been
replenished by CPC. Ms. Fitzgibbons and Mr. Lawson suggested an additional $250,000 be allocated. Mr. Jee was
concerned about depleting the account as it would limit our ability to do other things and we should think about
what other things we can fund. Mr. Jee suggested an additional $150,000 be allocated from the Trust. Mr. Koehler
said the money would not be spent until it’s a viable plan. Mr. Bernardin stated that he and Maggie Cleary had a
conversation with Mass Housing Partnership and there are public funds available for projects like this. DHCD has a
supportive housing program that is for smaller scale projects. Ms. Burzlaff stated she also wants to apply for the
ARPA HOME funds through the North Shore Consortium.
Motion made by Laurie Burzlaff, seconded by George Koehler to allocate an additional $150,000 to the Fountain
Drive project. Motion approved by roll call vote 6-0.
Ms. Burzlaff indicated the applications ask what community support there is so she requested the Trust vote to
provide a letter of support for the project.
Motion made by Christopher Jee, seconded by Roger Lawson to provide a letter of support for the 2023
Community Project Funding request being submitted by the Town. Motion approved by roll call vote 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Roger Lawson, seconded by Christopher Jee, to adjourn the meeting at 1:00PM. Motion
approved by roll call vote 6-0.
MEETING MATERIALS:
None