Sharon Housing Partnership

Meeting Minutes

June 6, 2007  (Approved August 1, 2007)

In attendance: Jane Desberg, Robert Young, Susan Saunders, Mary Tobin. Also present: Melissa Mills from the Sharon Housing Trust

Voted unanimously to approve: Minutes of May 2, 2007

Election of Officers

Mary Tobin made a Motion to reelect Jane Desberg as Chair of the Housing Partnership Committee. Motion was Seconded and approved unanimously.

Robert Young made a Motion to elect Susan Saunders as Vice- Chair. Motion was Seconded and  approved unanimously.

Susan Saunders made a Motion to reelect Mary Tobin as Secretary. Motion was Seconded and approved unanimously.

Budget Request to Town

It was discussed that the HP needs funding to join CHAPA and to send representatives to informational conferences regarding affordable housing. A request will be made to Ben Puritz for a $500.00 operating budget.

Community Preservation & Planning

A public meeting concerning CPC Planning is scheduled for June 21.

Jennifer Goldson, the Consultant working with CPC on their Community Preservation Plan asked the Housing Partnership to identify -

"What are Sharon's greatest community housing needs?"

The HP Committee reviewed the proposed developments presently in the planning stages and noted the lack of affordable housing ownership or rental opportunities for families.

The committee agreed that the greatest needs were for 1) Affordable Housing for families (owner or rental); 2) Affordable Housing for seniors to help them to remain in their homes, achieved through a Housing Easement Program where funds are given to eligible seniors willing to have their homes deed restricted as affordable; 3) Cooperative mixed use of new and existing conservation restricted property- where a few affordable units be considered on land proposed for (or under) conservation restriction.

It was presented at the CHAPA meeting on June 1st that many communities are working cooperatively with their Conservation Commissions to achieve the goals of both affordable housing and protection of open space.  Sixteen projects of this type were presented.

Sharon Affordable Housing Trust

Melissa Mills has submitted a proposal to the CPC requesting $100,000 be allocated to the Housing Trust for the next award cycle. The HP Committee suggested that the trust fund be used to- identify modestly priced properties and use funds to "buy down" (paying the difference between the affordable and the sale price), placing a permanent deed restriction on the property; fund affordable housing easement program for eligible seniors; buy land or existing property for affordable housing uses.

Horizon's for Youth Committee

This committee is now called the Lakeview Property Committee. Jane Desberg attended as a representative of the Housing Partnership Committee. In regard to affordable housing, two existing houses on the property were suggested as well suited for Habitat for Humanity homes. Other suggestions were to sell one waterfront parcel and use the money toward other Town benefits that would include affordable housing. Jane Desberg also suggested to the Lakeview Property Committee that they consider allocating a few acres for the construction of a few affordable housing units.

Lake Historical District

Robert Young provided the HP committee with background on the efforts of the Historical Commission to designate the land between Mansfield Street and the Pond Street Rotary (not including Massapoag Avenue) as a Historical District. Approximately three years ago the Historical Commission discussed this designation with the Sharon Board of Selectmen. There is much evidence that this land, that includes  King Phillip's Rock, has great historical significance as a Native American site.  While a great part of this proposed land area is conservation restricted, designation as a Historical District would allow funding opportunities that are not presently available.

Old Business

Wilbur School- A representative from Beacon Properties will be asked to come to the next HP meeting.

Hunter's Ridge- Jane Desberg sent a letter notifying them that a four month time frame is needed for the lottery.

Land Opportunities

In response to the HP inquiry to the Town regarding land for potential affordable housing development- the land on Maskwonicut Street was determined to be needed by the Town Water Department. The land near Route 1 and Sharon Fence is still a possibility and will be followed up on.

Jane Desberg will look into whether there is any buildable land remaining at the group home site on Bay Road and Mountain Street.

Home Rule Petition

This bill is still in committee.

Fond Farewell to Robert Young

The HP Committee will very much miss Robert's energy, commitment and expertise in so many and varied areas. We wish him all the best as he moves on to Arizona and thank him for his untiring public service.

The next HP meeting is scheduled for July 25.