PRESENT AT CONVENING

President of Council John F. Ford

Councilmember Moonyene Jackson-Amis

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. Mr. Mike Burlbaugh from Elm Street Development was also present.

CONVENING

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

MEETING

Pastor Hall discussed the subcommittee’s meeting and recommendations.

Mr. Circo discussed targeting the eight off-site homes.

Mr. Circo stated that the committee pegged low income to be around a minimum of $20,000 and based upon lending institutions in the area, for a 5% down mortgage, that leads to a house that would sell around $70,000. He stated that they look at Habitat as a base model. Mr. Circo stated that to get the Committee out of the finance business, the Affordable Housing Committee could require the applicants to have a letter from a lender stating that they have been pre-approved for an amount equal to what the price of this home is going to be which is not unusual today.

Mr. Neviaser discussed what type of housing $70,000 might actually be. Duplexes and single family dwellings were discussed.

Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that she would like to see those eight homes as single family detached houses.

Mr. Ford discussed a sliding scale and the parameters of low income housing.

Ms. Reyes discussed applicant’s criteria for the Hispanic population.

Poverty levels were discussed. Ms. Draut stated that the poverty level from Health and Human Services at the Federal Department for a family of four is a yearly income of $18,850. She stated that HUD standards are different.

It was the consensus to use $20,000 for the income level and factor in family size.

Mr. Circo stated that this should make sure that the product addresses the community targeted for.

Pastor Hall asked that the committee bring closure to some of the topics discussed so they could present something to the community in November. He suggested letting the community know that we are working on the affordable housing issue.

Mr. Burlbaugh stated that Elm Street has purchased two vacant lots on West Street from the hospital. He updated on the Elm Street project. He asked for guidance regarding the administrator for the escrow and renovations.

ADJOURNMENT

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

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Town Clerk