TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Affordable Housing Workshop
April 29, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor
Ms. Becky Sherblom, Mr. Jeff Griffith, Mr. Hamilton, the Town Planner, and Mr. Karge the Town Clerk were also present.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
At 6:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order.
Mr. Jeff Griffith stated that we want to get an agreement where we are headed. He reviewed the last meeting.
Mr. Griffith discussed this evening’s agenda which is to continue brainstorming and elaborating and clarifying the objectives. Mr. Griffith suggested an all day session to get more done.
Mr. Griffith stated that agreement had been made on ground rules and discussion had occurred regarding expectations. He stated policy concerns had been addressed. Mr. Griffith discussed the goal/vision of a policy:
The building inspection department and the rental housing inspection department was discussed.
Mr. Ford suggested verifying distribution of housing types geographically within the town.
Mr. Wendowski discussed how much affordable housing there is currently and suggested defining affordability.
Ms. Sherblom discussed creating a housing trust fund.
Mr. Jensen discussed subsidized housing.
Ms. Sherblom stated that if the Town has an affordable housing program in place, developers can get lower interest money loans, therefore these properties could be lower priced or lower priced housing.
Wages for housing costs were discussed.
Ms. Sherblom discussed a workshop in May with the Federal Home Loan Bank to talk about projects.
Action planning related to the goal of increasing affordable housing was discussed.
The Town of Easton providing subsidies was discussed. Mr. Griffith discussed the Town of Easton having surplus land.
Mr. Ford discussed increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Substandard housing concerns were discussed.
Homeownership and rental opportunities were discussed.
Ms. Kathleen Radcliffe, Oxford Commissioner; Ms. Barbara Heatley and Ms. Mary Ann Drout were introduced.
Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were discussed. Mr. Hamilton discussed the flexibility of the Town of Easton’s Zoning Ordinance. He stated that the history of the Town of Easton is that high density type development has not been wanted and the residential densities are extremely low compared to other communities; especially on the western shore. Mr. Hamilton stated that there are developers trying to develop downtown and there are amendments coming forward which would increase the densities. Mr. Hamilton stated that the Zoning Ordinance revisions are in the process.
Discussion occurred regarding flexibility in the current Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hamilton stated that they are still flexible but the densities are not generating projects.
Mr. Griffith discussed mixed use zoning and stated that this is another possible expanding and evaluating, special exception requirements; possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Griffith stated that higher densities must generate affordable housing. He stated that density incentives might be part of that process.
Discussion occurred regarding the process and whether it drives out local, smaller developers. Mr. Hamilton stated that a builder building one house at a time is going out of style.
Mr. Griffith discussed what would be accomplished in future meetings and who was assigned to certain tasks. He discussed objectives and action plans.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business upon motion by Mrs. Scott-Taylor seconded by Mr. Wendowski and carried unanimously, the President of the Council adjourned the workshop meeting at 8:25 p.m.
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Town Clerk