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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-15 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of February 15, 2024 Present: Chairman William Callahan, John Simons, Ron Rudis, Terrance Holland, Rick Green. Tim Tschirhart, John Mabon, Adam Bagni. Absent: Tracy Watson Staff: Zach Melcher William Callahan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and read the guidelines for a remote meeting. Formal Application Review— Affordable Housing Trust— Laurie Burzlaff spoke in regards to the application. The Affordable Housing Trust and Bread & Roses partnered on the 20 Brown Court project. This application is to expand that project. Work will begin in the spring. This application is for units 14 through 16 for four additional units, two duplexes. They have not purchased it yet, but have a purchase and sale. W. Callahan confirmed the total project would be $2.7 million through Bread & Roses and other funds, and the Affordable Housing Trust would provide $500,000 for four units of housing. T. Tschirhart asked who would ultimately live in these units, what restrictions? Ms. Burslaff explained the process. Bread & Roses owns the land and the buyers buy the home. Bread & Roses give a 99 year lease on the property, they are restricted affordable units, there are income requirements that would need to be met. They must qualify and get a mortgage, and purchase it the same as anyone else. The only difference is that they don't own the land. T. Holland asked the cost of the property? $570,000 for units 14-16. J. Simons asked how much money is in the Affordable Housing Trust? Ms. Burzlaff believes it is $500,00 but can get him the exact amount. These funds would be filtered through the Housing Trust then go out. Does any other money go into the Housing Trust Fund other than what the PC provides? Not currently, but there would be if there would be inclusionary zoning. Does the Affordable Housing Trust do smaller projects? They are looking to do a senior home repair program. Will the units go to existing North Andover residents? There will be preference for North Andover residents, legally it cannot be required. Preference will be given to those who live, work or your children go to school in North Andover. How is the math & economics of this? Is there any risk in this? As long as the grants come through, there should be no issues. The property would be in the Town's name. A. Bagni asked if there was anything different about this transaction than those done in the past? Other than construction prices being so high, there is no difference. They use same the builders and same design. North Andover Housing Authority— Maggie Cleary, Director of the Housing Authority spoke about their application. They are applying for funds to purchase and install standby power supply systems (generators). The CPC has supplied funds in the past for installation of emergency generators. This is to install generators at the last two remaining buildings that do not have them. W. Callahan asked about the breakdown of$75,000 for this year and $225,000 for next year. This is the estimate of the costs. It can be broken down differently if preferred. Would it make more sense to fund $300,000 and fund the project start to finish and make adjustments as needed? Yes, makes perfect sense. W. Callahan will make the adjustment on the application. J. Simons asked if they have any other projects in the works. They have a five-year capital plan and they are working on those projects as well. Historic Bell - Steve Foster of 40 Meadow Lane spoke about the application for the Historic Bell. Steve explained the historic significance of the bell. Phase I would fund a sighting study, history and determine a more prominent location. We would need a rendering from the architect on how it will look. Phase II would be to construct supports at a permanent location. Funds being requested are estimates. R. Rudis questioned if this type of project is eligible for CPC funding. Historic Commission would need to determine its historical significance. J. Simons suggested the ability to fund the project based on the confirmation of it being of historical significance. W. Callahan would like to keep communication between the Historical Commission and CPC open regarding the historical determination. Stevens Estate Stables— Laurie Burzlaff, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Operations for the Town spoke about the Stevens Estate Stables project. This is Phase II of the Stevens Estate Stables. Phase I was delayed due to increase in prices. The stabilization of the floor and removal of the mold should be done in the next couple months. This is for the second phase which addresses the masonry work. The cost estimate provided by the architect is an accurate number to get the work done. The building continues to deteriorate. The roof was part of Phase I, a completely new roof is being put on and should be done in March or April. Steve Foster is looking at the basement and putting a vapor barrier in. Once the structure is tightened up, its future use can be discussed. The building can be used for town use or private functions which would provide more income for overall repairs. Steve Foster spoke about some of the drainage issues and water damage in the building. Getting the roof done and controlling the water intrusion is critical to getting the building stabilized. J. Simons asked if the phase after the second phase would to be the most expensive piece or is Phase I & II the bulk of the cost? Pahse III would probably cost the most because new heat & electricity will be needed. The driveway and lighting is a higher priority right now as it is very dark and a safety issue. Steve Foster confirmed that Phase III would be the most expensive as all the systems would need to be rebuilt and finishes done including windows and doors. A. Bagni asked an approximate cost for the total project? Steve Foster has some past reports that could provide a rough number. As an example, to renovate the Old Senior Center will be $3.5 million and that building is in much better condition than the stables. Open Space Bandstand - Laurie Burzlaff, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Operations for the Town spoke about the Bandstand project. Looking to build an actual stage at the Common. The estimates are very preliminary. The Town will do research to see what the best and most cost-effective way is to handle it. There currently is no design, that's part of this project. This might be a difficult fit for CPA because it is building a new structure and not refurbishing the current bandstand. Ms. Burzlaff read information from the Community Preservation Coalitions website stating that open air structures such as band stands are definitely in keeping with CPA as long as it takes place on land dedicated to recreation. Town council will review as well. This would be used strictly for town events; private citizens can no long use the common for large events. Steve Foster reviewed the design concept. W. Callahan suggested coming back with a best estimate for design and call it Phase I, and go from there. Financial Report— No new information. The next meeting is scheduled for March 7t" to hear the last of the applications. W. Callahan will put together a listing of all projects and go over the finances. Discussion took place regarding the Recreation Complex project. MOTION - A. Bagni made a motion to adjourn, seconded by R. Green. All in favor,vote 8-0.