PRESENT AT CONVENING

President of Council John F. Ford

Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.

IN ATTENDANCE

Also in attendance was Mr. Robert Karge, the Town Clerk. Members of the Affordable Housing Board present were: Pastor Leon Hall, Mr. Miles Circo, Ms. Mary Ann Draut, Ms. Sindy Reyes, Ms. Pam Gates, Mr. Larry Neviaser and Mr. Otis Sampson.

CONVENING

At 5:30 p.m. the meeting was called to order.

MEETING

Ms. Draut discussed Ordinance No. 483 establishing an Affordable Housing Fund.

Mr. Circo discussed the definition given to Affordable Housing by Federal Government. He stated that Affordable Housing is housing that costs less than 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. Mr. Circo discussed the median income required to purchase the median home.

Mr. Neviaser discussed the Elm Street model. He stated that it might be best to use that model and apply it to other incomes instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

Discussion of applications and qualifications were discussed.

Mr. Circo stated that the Board will also have to deal with the rental world which deals with the same issue of how much they can afford.

Ms. Draut stated that the Board may consider and recommend to the Council that any new development in order to get approved, which occurs in the Town of Easton will have to agree to set aside a certain percentage of houses that will be affordable.

Mr. Circo discussed contribution options for developers.

Eminent domain laws were discussed.

Mr. Neviaser suggested that the Board define affordable housing as it pertains to Easton and identify the funding to get started.

Ms. Draut suggested inviting the site manager for Elm Street to discuss their timetable and their future plans.

Pastor Hall stated that an application needs to be designed and eligibility requirements need to be outlined.

Mr. Circo discussed Maryland’s programs for median income homes.

Ms. Draut asked that Mr. Neviaser contact Mr. Burlbaugh of Elm Street and ask him to attend the September 19 Affordable Housing meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon unanimous consensus, the Affordable Housing Workshop was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

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Town Clerk