HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 Affordable Housing Trust Minutes
North Andover Affordable Housing Trust
Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2024
Present: Laurie Burzlaff, Richard Vaillancourt, George Koehler, Peter Koesterherm, Joan
Fitzgibbons, Robert Bernardin and Christopher Jee.
Meeting was called to order at 5:30PM in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall.
Approve minutes of February 27, 2024
Richard Vaillancourt made a motion, seconded by Peter Koesterherm to approve the minutes
of February 27, 2024 as presented. Motion approved 6-0.
Christopher Jee arrived.
Comments on draft Housing Production Plan
Peter Koesterherm provided a background of the plan. The plan is done once every 5 years.
Laurie Burzlaff suggested adding data from the waitlist for Section 8 housing and housing
authority units. The plan list the rental assistance program administered by GLCAC and the
down payment assistance program by Bread & Roses.
Peter suggested that the Senior Home Repair Program can help alleviate some of the pressure of
trying to downsize by allowing seniors to stay in their home. With regard to affordability, the
Down payment Assistance Program helps but we may have to review the loan amounts and see
whether this could make it more effective. Real relief may hinge on the suggested "Starter Home
District" by giving enough financial incentive for developers to build small houses.
Jean Enright explained that state is currently working on regulations for a starter home district
which would allow communities to adopt an overlay district where house square footage is
capped. The problem is the cost of land is forcing builders to build bigger houses in order to
make a profit.
Peter stated that in order to gain the full 239 affordable units - North Andover would have to
zone, permit and build around 1600 units. This is double of what has been permitted and built
since 2014. This is not realistic or desirable and it may make sense to look at dedicated
affordable housing projects, partnering with non-profits, such as Harbor Lights or Habitat. This
is not easy, neither for town nor developer (finding real estate, zoning, working with neighbors,
financing). Peter asked if we could incorporate finding land in the plan. Jean responded that
there really is no town owned land. Laurie stated that we have tried this before. There are a
couple of farms in town but other groups, like the Fields Committee, have also been trying to
find vacant land.
Jean explained that the state is also going to be issuing regulations regarding Accessory Dwelling
Units so we are waiting until that happens. We do not want to adopt something before the state
has provided their guidance.
Christopher Jee asked if we should commit funding to educating the community about affordable
housing and suggested we place this on the next agenda.
Ian Burns of Merrimack Valley Planning Commission stated that they used Redfin for home
values because there is a lot of free data and other organizations use it. The plan will be finalized
th
over the next month with the last public engagement meeting on April 17.
Treasure
Financials were distributed to the Committee. Community Preservation Funds were deposited, so
the current available funds are $572,394.00.
Brown Court Update
George Koehler asked if we should invite Annmary
provide an update. The Town has a mortgage on the property at 20 Brown Court and CPC
recommending funding 14-16 Brown Court at Town Meeting.
Senior Home Repair Program
This matter was table to the next meeting. Rob Bernardin has spoken with Habitat about coming
to the next meeting to discuss.
Rental Assistance Program change request
GLCAC has asked if we can extend the program for 3 months for one of the recipients. She has
been on the section 8 waitlist since 2016 and her rent has increased.
Richard Vaillancourt made a motion, seconded by Robert Bernardin to approve the extension
of 3 months as requested. Motion approved 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment made by Richard Vaillancourt seconded by Peter Koesterherm at
6:50PM. Motion approved 7-0.
MEETING MATERIALS:
Minutes
Financials
Housing Production Plan