Sharon Housing Partnership

Meeting Minutes October 12, 2010  Approved November 9, 2010

In attendance: Susan Saunders, Alan Lury, Mary Tobin, and Lou Modestino.

Also in attendance: Alice Cheyer

Meeting started at 7:56 PM

26 Oak Hill Drive

Group discussed how best to move forward. Email communication between Jane Desberg and Peter O’Cain was shared by Susan Saunders. It is still not known for certain whether this 9 acre parcel is zoned for ½ acre or larger single family lots. Peter O’Cain will try to piece together how many actual lots exist as best he can using GIS mapping. However he suggested that the SHP think about how they might pay for a registered survey. He also suggested that wetlands flagging needs to be done and Susan Saunders volunteered to contact Greg Meister to ask his assistance with this. Susan also informed Mr. O’Cain that if three bedroom homes were built they would be smaller scale approx. 1500 to 1800 sq ft. The group discussed possible development options including not for profit developers like Habitat for Humanity. The group also discussed how development of this parcel might proceed if 40B is repealed. Finally the group decided to move forward with the assessment of the land and talk more about development options when we have more information.

Ballot Question #2 Repeal of Chapter 40B

The SHP letter to the Sharon Advocate written by Mary Tobin was briefly discussed. Alan Lury, Susan Saunders, and Lou Modestino all agreed to sign on for publication in the Sharon Advocate. The group briefly discussed whether there would be any purpose to the Sharon Housing Partnership if 40B is repealed. Alice Cheyer suggested that she hoped the SHP would support Inclusionary Zoning in the future.

Warrant Article #5 Requesting Transfer of CPA to Sharon Affordable Housing Trust

Group discussed the benefit of moving this money to the SAHT. Because under the trust this money can only be used for only affordable housing purposes and access is not complicated by the various time constraints of the CPA, the group members voiced support for this transfer. The question of whether there was an opening on the SAHT and the need for SHP representation on this committee was raised. Mary Tobin has inquired of the Select Board Secretary, Roni Thaler, but to date has not heard back. She will follow up and consider applying for this opening if it exists.

Old Business

Mary Tobin has not heard back from Norma Fitzgerald regarding getting on the Council on Aging meeting agenda to discuss working together on housing goals for seniors. Mary will contact her again.

Alice Cheyer informed the group that a group calling itself “A Miracle in Sharon” is seeking support for the development of 50-75 units of housing for developmentally disabled adults at the Sacred Heart Site.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:44 PM.