Sharon Housing Partnership Meeting Minutes October 11, 2011 (Approved January 12, 2012)

In Attendance: Susan Saunders, Jane Desberg, Mary Tobin, Lou Modestino

Also Present: Alice Cheyer, town resident; Holly Grace, B’nai B’rith Housing New England; and Megan Amundson, Megan Amundson Strategies

B’nai B’rith Housing New England (BBNE) Presentation

Ms. Grace and Ms. Amundson met with the SHP to discuss their interest in developing senior affordable housing in Sharon. The site under consideration is located at 635 Old Post Road. This parcel is owned by the Striar family (Old Post LLC).  Old Post LLC currently holds a Comprehensive Permit from the Town of Sharon for the development of luxury senior condos on this parcel.

BBNE‘s proposal is for the development of 100% affordable senior rental housing on the site. The BBNE model for senior affordable housing, which they have successfully developed in several greater Boston communities, embraces a “service enriched” concept. A full time service coordinator to assist seniors to access needed services is part of the service enhanced model. While the Comprehensive Permit was approved for 66 luxury condominium units, the footprint of the BBNE development is significantly smaller while providing 24 more units.

The SHP addressed transportation as one of the chief problems for seniors in the community. BBNE indicated that they were taking this into consideration as part of the service enhanced model.

BBNE has plans to meet with the Sharon Council on Aging to present their proposal.

The SHP voted unanimously to support BBNE’s development proposal.

Jane Desberg suggested that the BBNE group schedule a meeting to discuss their proposal with the Sharon Housing Authority board.

Meeting Adjourned 8:35 PM