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HousingPartnershipMinutes2020Planning & Sustainability • City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GIS I agriculture Wayne Fe!den, FAICP, Director of Planning & Sustainability• Wfeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1265 Housing Partnership 6:00 PM, Monday March 2, 2020 Hearing Room, Second Floor City Hall, 210 Main St., Northampton (use back door) MEMBERS Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair Riehare Aln:1z3a Julio Alves 0 0 0 Edgardo Cancel Carmen Junno Reaeeea I:,eek\1.zeee Jim Reis 0 Vacant 0 Vacant Vacant 0 ST AFF: Wayne Feiden and Keith Benoit 1.Public Comment- Heather and Rebecca Martin discussed their concerns about poormaintenance and life/safety issues at Meadowbrook.2.January 6, 2020 minutes-The Partnership approved unanimously, with one abstention(Junno) upon motion by Jim Reis and second by Gordon Shaw3.Annual conversation on public record and open meeting law-The Partnership discussed thatno conversations that is any kind of deliberation or serial deliberation between members ofthe Partnership is legal outside of posted meetings held in accordance with open meeting law,including email exchanges between members. In addition, any email that is not copied to a@NorthamptonMA.gov address will make the sender's email account open to discovery andpublic records requests.4.Current projects: Rachana Crowley updated the Partnership on the 12 unit 35 Village Hilland the 53 unit North Commons at Village Hill affordable family housing projects (citycontributions: CPA, CDBG, and a MassWorks grant the city obtained). Laura Baker updatedthe Partnership on the Sergeant House enhanced SRO project ( city contributions: CPA andCDBG).5.Zoning-Wayne Feiden provided the Partnership with a brief update on pending zoningchanges but put off any substantive discussion or recommendations, with the understandingthat two pending zoning changes ( expansion of Central Business and Smart Growth districts)will be acted on prior to the Partnership's next meeting date.6.CDBG program: Wayne Feiden discussed the 2020-2021 CDBG action plan. Upon motionby Gordon Shaw and second by Carmen Junno, the Housing Partnership voted unanimouslyto support efforts to housing rehabilitation and first-time homebuyers grants as loans if thatcan be done without losing projects.7.Other city updates: Wayne Feiden provided the Partnership with a brief update on otherpending projects: 1) legislation is advancing to transfer Laurel and Burts Pit Road propertiesCity Hall • 210 Main Street, Second Floor • Northampton. MA 01060 • NortharnptonMA.gov/plan to the City for affordable housing, 2) the City applied for an update to the Subsidized Housing Inventory to ensure more affordable units are counted, 3) the City is working to coordinate its Net Zero Greenhouse Gas policy with its affordable housing actions. The Housing Partnership asked to keep the Mayor or his chief of staff in the loop on Meadowbrook issues. 8.Next meeting: The Partnership decided to discuss thel) the Partnerships annual landlordworkshop and how vouchers can help landlords, 2) Safe Haven Advocacy efforts, and 3)understanding the different city programs to fund affordable housing at their April meeting.9.Adjourn at 7:40 PM Planning & Sustainability • City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development. I historic I zoning I GIS I agriculture Keith Benoit. Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Rev. Todd Weir, Chair @Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair b!I Richard Abuza @ Julio Alves @ Housing Partnership 5;3Q PM. Monday May 11, 2020 Zoom Meeting MEMBERS Edgardo Cancel @ Carmen Junno � Reeessa l:,sski,1,isse Jim Reis @ Vacant Vacant Vacant STAFF: Wayne Feiden and Keith Benoit 1.March 2, 2020 minutes-The Partnership approved unanimously upon motion by JimReis and second by Carmen Junno.2.Introductions and discussed transition of Keith Benoit as the Staff person going forward.Two members of the public with no comment.3.Project Updates: Wayne Feiden gave a quick update on Village Hill and Mass Worksfunding. Explained how developers like the City because its ease of regulations.4.Funding: Wayne Feiden explained the nuances of CPA, CDBG, and MassWorks funding.Discussed other regulatory tools and financial incentives like TIF, 40R, Airbnb funding( dried up due to Covid-19), and MVP grant. Wayne emphasized that it is important to betelling a story. Led to a discussion on using MVP money to those that are most climatechallenged, and housing challenged.5.Question arose from Carmen Junno: Can CPA funding be used to for people to pay rent?Yes, (Easthampton is doing it), but Gordon Shaw said that the RAFT program will pay a lotmore money per person to pay rent. Discussion lead to how Community Action is using$10,000 CDBG money to create a pilot program to keep people's current tenancy.Partnership agreed that this is important.6.City Housing Projects: Wayne Feiden gave updated on several projects that are in the earlystages and asked partnership how involved they would like to be: 1.) Woodland Dr. surpluslot, 2.) Burts Pit Rd. state surplus, 3.) Laurel St. one mile downtown, city wants dense units4.) Zoning rewrite to create for two-family ADU's by right7.Next meeting: The Partnership decided to discuss the 1.) invite Megan McDonough fromPV Habitat to discuss their work pipeline for near future 2.) Follow up with CommunityAction 3.) Look into RAFT vouchers, and 4.) next steps for the Housing Plan8.Adjourn at 7:10 PM via chat function as the audio broke upCity Hall • 210 Main Street, Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan Planning & Sustainability• City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GISI agriculture Keith Benoit. Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair Richard Abuza Julio Alves Housing Partnership 5:30 PM. Monday July 7, 2020 Zoom Meeting Edgardo Cancel Carmen Junno Rebecca Lockwood Jim Reis Vacant Vacant Vacant Staff: Keith Benoit 1.While waiting for quorum, Todd Weir made statement about reenergizing the Partnership and then introductions were done. Two members of the public who are interested in join the Partnership were present. 2.Reached quorum capacity, the Partnership approved March 11, 2020 minutes unanimously upon motion by Jim Reis and second by Carmen Junno. •Richard abstained from vote 3.Project Updates: Keith Benoit gave a quick update Resiliency Hub and CDBG Consolidated Plan. 4.Meghan McDonough gave update on PV Habitat for Humanity: Of four units on Glendale Rd., two are complete and families have moved in; third home is near completion; fourth house had a virtual wall raising ceremony. Meghan noted how Covid has changed their work and that they are using contractors for substantial indoor work instead of volunteers for the first time. They are limiting social contact with volunteers at this time. Two future projects that PV Habitat is look at are Burts Pit Rd. lot, where they are working with the developer to share pre-development costs for storm water management and sewerage. It has been approved by the DPW, but now waiting to close on the land. The Woodland Drive has two possible lots and PV Habitat is excited for the RFP process where they will make a bid on those to build affordable homes. •Jim: Is solar included in these projects? •Meghan: Yes City Hall • 210 Main Street, Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan •Carmen: What has been the process to allay the concerns of neighbors? •Jim: Offered the Partnership's support and making the case for affordable homes. •Meghan: Thanked Partnership for support. •Julio: Asked if applicants are screened to be Northampton residents. •Meghan: They are not, it's an open process. For the Glendale Rd. project, currently, two are not residents and one is. •Julio: Does Habitat consider other types of housing? •Meghan: Yes, worked with designers on "Just Big Enough" design competition to create smaller homes (not tiny homes) and two houses on Glendale are smaller modular homes, with a third being a smaller 'stick build' to compare costs. The house on Garfield Ave. completed recently was a one-bedroom house. •Gordon: Northampton needs more 3-4 bedroom homes. •Meghan: Agreed. •Todd: Will Habitat pursue CPA funds? What round? •Meghan: Waiting on Burts Pitt Rd. and not clear on timing for Woodland Drive timing. •Keith asked for clarification on two distinct design competitions. •Meghan confirmed yes and left the meeting at 6pm. 5.Keith gave update on Community Action's pilot program for rental assistance. •Gordon: Further clarified from among the many program that are out there (RAFT, ERMA) which all prevent eviction. MA legislature is in process of extending to a 12 month moratorium on evictions (otherwise end by Aug. 18). •Jim: Way Finders is overwhelmed from administering Springfield and Holyoke,. so that Northampton gets shorted money and staffing. Does Community Action have capacity to take over from Way Finders. •Keith will follow up with Wayne Feiden, Lauren Foyer, and Claire Higgins •Todd: Wayne did meet with Clair Higgens but unclear of the outcome·. •Jim: Easthampton made an RFP for their housing program, can we get a copy of that? •Jim: Helpful to share data with different public service groups like how Peg used to do. •Keith will share more relevant data •Todd: Community Support Services (CHD) had a position created with CPA funding that has not been filled. •Jim: What is happening with left over money? Would/ possible for Community Action to take it over? •Keith will check how much money is left. Process, etc. •Julio: How do we get people to connected to these payments? •Jim: Op-Eds, but it is a challenge •Julio: People who need it are not reading the paper. •Todd: Move on at 6:26pm •Jim: Is Becky still a member? •Todd will reach out to her •Todd: We need more diversity on the Partnership (people of color, LGBTQ, renters). Implored members to reach out to people that may be interested. •Ace: Do we hold vacant spots for keeping diversity? •Todd: No •Edgardo: People are overworked or already on several committees. •Jim: Ace and Hannah should have access to new members guide. •Keith will send to Ace and Hannah •Todd: How do we get reenergized? Like Peg said, we cannot do everything. There is a lot to do from the two reports. •Carmen: Concerned about asylum seekers barriers to housing and for low-income people. Currently housing system is keeping Northampton white and middle class. •Ace: How do we tract what we are doing with outcomes from plan? •Todd: Been difficult with Peg leaving, got reports only in late 2019, and then Covid. •Jim: We need to tie in Northampton Housing Authority (NHA). •Todd: Important to frame the invitation in a friendly way. How can we get them into next meeting. •Keith: NHA is swamped right now and don't want to ask for more information from them. •Jim: Small Area FMR (Northampton is tied to Springfield) makes it harder to get a good rate for renters. Do we have a role in talking about the 811 voucher? How can we let the landlords know? •Rich: Landlord list, Gazette ads •Jim: City put out notices to all landlords, use that. •Ace: Suggested how to use permanent addresses to get data we need. •Jim: Probably no landlord workshop next year. 6.Hampshire Heights Playground update from Edgardo 7.Jim asked about open meeting law, talking about meeting's agenda items over email •Keith send out prior to next meeting •How do we deal with subcommittees 8.Next Meeting: Invited Joan and Donna from Valley CDC to meet with partnership 9.Adjourn at 7:06 PM on motion by Richard Abuza and seconded by Jim Reis. Planning & Sustainability• City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility J accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GIS I agriculture Keith Benoit. Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Housing Partnership 5:30 PM, Monday August 3, 2020 Zoom Meeting Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair X Edgardo Cancel Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair X Carmen Junno X Richard Abuza X Rebecca Lockwood Julio Alves X Jim Reis X 1.Self-introductions of all members and Valley CDC. 2. No public comments.Vacant Vacant Vacant Staff: Keith Benoit 3.July 6, 2020 minutes-The Partnership approved unanimously by roll call vote of voting members upon motion by Jim Reis and second by Carmen Junno. 4.Introductions and updates by Jane Loechler and Donna Cabana of Valley CDC. They discussed possible upcoming projects: •Jane Loechler talked about working in Northampton and taking on her new role. Sargeant House is opened up, very proud of their work as minority partner with Way Finders. Valley CDC wants to be a major partner in a new project, possibly old elder housing on Bridge Road, doing their due diligence now for the project. Just did a site visit. Interested in responding to the Laurel Street RFP as well. Thanked the City for being a great partner. Dee Diced worked on small business grants for Covid. •Donna Cabana updated about the Valley CDC on first time homebuyers program. Program has been hit hard with Covid, less people using the grant. People are being outbid other buyers coming into Northampton. The 80% numbers for HUD went down, and Valley CDC is considering using CPA funds instead of CDBG funds. •Jim Reiss implored them to keep CPA funds as an option because the number of funds allocated to Northampton is lower than in other communities. Crty Hall• 210 Main Street. Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • NorthamptonMA.gov/plan •Todd Weir reminded the Partnership is advisory, but it is an important role to get the support for housing. 5.Wayne Feiden gave update on Woodland Drive meeting on August 4th, 2020 and the Partnership discussed having members present there. •This is a small project. Most housing is rental an? close to downtown and near buses. But this is a homeownership for first time homebuyers. The City has worked a lot with Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. The last public meeting in May and there was lots of push back from the community. What is the role of adv.ocacy for the Housing Partnership? Wayne Feiden lobbied for the Partnership to come and give support. •Jim Reiss said yes we should send someone. Carmen Junno said she would go for the Housing Partnership and speak. She said that Richard Abuza said that he would drop in to the meeting as well. 6.Keith Benoit gave quick update on status of 811 Vouchers & Community Support Services from CHO and the Partnerships roll in helping these two programs along. •µim _Reiss ask�d for clarification_on_Community Action and_Way Finders ability to administer. 7.Gordon Shaw gave a brief summary of the 'no eviction laws' in Massachusetts. •State stopped evictions that would expire on August 19 and it was extended to October 17. No new cases can be filed. There was a case in Boston last week that may impact tl:iis moratorium. •The pandemic has limited the access to the courts. 90% of court dates are happening on line over Zoom and that is hurting low income community. The digital divide is real. •There is lots of money through the Cares Act. Carmen Jun no asked if this applied to undocumented. 8.The Partnership discussed possible new membership of Ace Tayloe and Hannah Shaffer and removing Rebecca Lockwood. •Rev. Todd Weir asked what it would look like for new members. •Jim Reiss asked about how to remove Rebecca Lockwood. Keith Benoit will look into City code and how to proceed. Get Mayor to sign 9.Discussed next steps from the assessment of fair housing. •Todd Weir asked how we prioritized the action steps to the Fair Housing Assessment. •Carmen Junno discussed her frustration with using private rental agencies. She discussed writing a op-ed. •Ace Tayloe said that the RentNoho does not charge landlords but offers a free service. They said maybe a free listing/ alternative that could make listing of available rentals. •Julio Alves did not think landlords would be responsive to op-eds. RentNOHO job is to screen the tenants. •Todd Weir proposed a sub-committee to tackle this issue. Further discussion on rules of open meeting laws and compliance with subcommittee. •Hannah Schaffer suggested exploring banning broker's fees like NYC has done. •Jim Reiss discussed having NHA people at the next meeting to discuss preference and Area FMR. Invite Cara Clipper and Marilyn Richards to the next meeting. 10.Next meeting: The Partnership decided to discuss: •Invite housing authorJty •Private landlords fees •Vote on new officers 11.Adjourn at 7:01 PM unanimously upon motion by Richard Abuzza and second by Julio Alves with a roll call vote. Planning & Sustainability • City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GISI agriculture Keith Benoit, Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair Richard Abuza Julio Alves Housing Partnership Monday September 14, 2020, 5:30 pm Zoom Meeting � Edgardo Cancel � Carmen Junno � � Jim Reis 1)Introductions and public comment � Vacant � Vacant Vacant � Staff: Keith Benoit 2)Carmen Junno motioned and Richard Abuza seconded to approve the August 3, 2020 minutes: The Housing Partnership approved unanimously by roll call vote. 3)August 13, 2020 Fair Housing Subcommittee Minutes: The Housing Partnership approved with abstentions from Richard Abuza, Julio Alves, and Edgardo Cancel by roll call vote. 4)Introduction and discussion with Cara Leiper, Executive Director of the Northampton Housing Authority and Marilyn Richards, Board Chair of the Northampton Housing Authority. a)Local Preference -Car Leiper addressed the website, it has been fixed (get information out to residents) identified in fair housing. Cited 760 CMR, over¾ of housing are from state, not federal. Only be able to peti�ion for 110 federal units, but must follow state rules for others. Only 4% have used local preference guidelines. Elderly used for 18% and 2% for families. NHA had 7,000 applications. b)Carmen Junno had a question about the 4% using local preference. Gordon Shaw asked about the 7,000 on the list. This is the statewide list. Cara Leiper discussed The Champ online state site and that there are issues with it for people not updating their address. Jim Reiss asked what purpose of preferences is. Cara Leiper added that it gives people a point, veterans, homeless, (fire gets to the top of the list). City Hall• 210 Main Street. Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan � c)Jim Reiss said that the majority of the homeless are in Hampden County and asked if any homeless from Hampden Country came to Northampton using a preference. Cara Leiper said a few did. Jim Reiss want to think regionally on the homeless issue. Cara Leiper said that the Mainstream Voucher is something that could be used to further housing people who are homeless. d)Small Area FMR (SAFMR) lumps Northampton in with Springfield for rent. Cara Leiper explained that there are vouchers and then there is a pot of money. Last year, NHA is at 110% FMR, there is not enough money to use Smaii Area FMR, rents would go up $400 on a four-bedroom apartment. Would help less families if they used SAFMR. Northampton has higher rent than Springfield. Jim Reiss asked how many people cannot lease up because of the higher rents. Ace Tayloe asked about local preference, how local preference compares to veterans or homelessness. Each is one point. Ace Tayloe also asked about how adding another preference, say if an applicant was a Black/Indigenous/Person of Color. Cara Leiper added that it would have to go through lawyer and check with regulations. e)Jim Reiss asked about the lack of Spanish identified in the Fair Housing Assessment, particular the DHCD and CHAMP applications. Cara Leiper said that the website will turn to several language. Cara Leiper said that she sends fair housing training to all of NHA staff-it is a focus of hers since coming to the NHA in 2015. 5)Carolyn Misch from Planning & Sustainability gave updates on proposed two-family by right zoning amendment. It is going forward to Planning Board on Thursday September 24th at 5:15 pm. This is to encourage the development of housing sprinkled throughout the City. Not necessarily for large developers for normal homeowners to build another unit on their property. This is first step in starting the conversation on a City level, nothing is set in stone yet. The proposal could allow for more density in other parts of the City, it is an incremental step. There is a limit on the size and ownership for the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning law for the City. The new law would allow for greater flexibility in size and ownership. A letter of support from the Housing Partnership would be helpful. She explained the process of a)Richard Abuza motioned to support this, seconded by Jim Reis. Passed unanimously by roll call vote. Todd Weir said that the Housing Partnership would like to have a letter for support. 6)Project Updates: Keith Benoit gave updates on Airbnb policy, resiliency hub, CPA funding, and possible housing developments coming forth. Gordon Shaw said that evictions will be coming with in October. The community advocate will be very important in the coming months. 7)Fair Housing Subcommittee gave a report. Carmen Junno said that Gordon Shaw and Hannah Schaffer met to discuss rental agencies charging large broker fees, NYC has banned broker fees. It was Health Dept. ordinance. Rents may go up for NYC because of this. Rental agencies cannot charge application fee according to their research, but brokerage fees are not if you are a licensed broker. Section 8 applicants have a difficult time paying first, last month, and security deposit -on top of the application fee. Gordon Shaw that Mass Fair Housing would come to the Housing Partnership to discuss rental agencies and other impediments identified in the fair housing assessment. Todd Weir asked if the Housing Partnership wants Mass Fair Housing to come to meeting. Ace Tayloe affirmed that they do not use rental agencies because of their unethical behavior. An alternative website or a way to shift the cost off of the tenants were discussed. Carmen Junno suggested inviting these rental agencies 8)Edgardo Cancel was re-voted on as member unanimously by roll call vote. Richard Abuza motioned, seconded by Carmen Junno. Jim Reis motioned, seconded by Richard Abuza -Gordon Shaw was voted as vice-chair by roll call vote. 9)Next Housing Partnership meeting: Monday October 5, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. a)Carmen Junno will email next subcommittee meeting. 10)Adjourn at 7:04 pm, by motion by Richard Abuza and seconded by Gordon Shaw. Passed unanimously. Planning & Sustainability• City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GISI agriculture Keith Benoit. Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Housing Partnership 5:30 PM. Monday October 5, 2020 Zoom Meeting � Edgardo Cancel Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair � Carmen Junno Richard Abuza � Julio Alves � Jim Reis 1.Introductions & public comment: No public comment � Vacant � Vacant □ Vacant � Staff: Keith Benoit 2.Sep 14, 2020 Minutes: The Partnership approved unanimously by roll call vote upon motion by Richard Abuza and second by Jim Reis. 3.Fair Housing Subcommittee Updates: Carmen Junno said the subcommittee wanted to get op-ed ready for the full committee, wanted to know the letter limit. Richard Abuza said 750. Gordon Shaw asked the question if we wanted to propose to the City to ban broker fees like Boston is. Landlords are not allowed to charge application fees, but brokers can. 4.Ace Tayloe said that the City could offer a 'match making' site for landlords and tenants to meet as an alternative to Craigslist or for profit companies. Julio Alves asked if we are discussing only RentNoho or if there are other companies doing it. Wanted to see if there was a solutions for the op-ed. Ace Tayloe said that all companies charge the fees to tenants. Richard Abuza said that the solution needs to engage with the landlords and property owners. 5.The Housing Partnership had questions about the Open Meeting Law regarding editing a document. Keith Benoit will look into this and report back. Ace Tayloe gave ypdate on research they did on social media and said that the current op-ed needs to be cut down. The op-ed is the start of the conversation in the City for this. Let's get some solutions out there. Gordon Shaw said that MA Fair Housing Center would be willing to come and have discussion with the Housing Partnership. Jim Reis said that the Housing Partnership should make recommendations to the City Council. City Hall• 210 Main Street, Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan � 6.Jim Reis said that all previous op-ed went through the Mayor's Office. The Subcommittee will finish it up and send to Mayor for review. 7.Jim Reis asked if a letter to the board at the NHA was needed to address the lack of Spanish application on their website. Todd Weir asked if anyone wanted to be a member of the board on NHA. Mentioned that is a time commitment. Keith Benoit will follow up with more details. the amendment. One concern that the two-family did not have to be owner­ occupied which could lead to speculation. Jim Reis said that any letter of support for this zoning amendment should talk about affordability. Todd Weir said that Keith Benoit could draft this letter. Richard Abuza said that any letter should be consistent with their values. •Richard Abuza motioned and seconded Carmen Junno approved unanimously for Keith Benoit to write letters of support and send to the Housing Partnership. 9.Keith Benoit gave an update on soft-costs and affordable housing developments. Jim Reis said that the Housing Partnership should have a say in where soft cost go. •Letter of endorsement to use CPA funding for soft costs for Affordable Housing funded by $46,000 CPA funds: Motioned by Richard Abuza, seconded by Jim Reis, passed unanimously by a roll call vote. 10.Keith Benoit gave update on Airbnb fees collected so far this year, and City's Affordable and Fair Housing website. 11.Richard Abuza asked if we do not have someone from NHA Board just yet, then can we send them letter letting them know we want to, but don't have person name - ask for more time. 12.Next meeting: The Housing Partnership discussed inviting the MA Fair Housing, Jim Reis wants an update on CRO/CSSP from CHD, �ordon Shaw said that eviction moratorium will be lifted on October 17, 2020. Ace Tayloe would like to invite Central Valley Tenants Union. Hannah Shaffer said that they drafted and tenant letter and would be willing to share it with the committee. 13.The Housing Partnership adjourned unanimously at 6:51 p.m. from a motion by Gordon Shaw and seconded by Richard Abuza. Planning & Sustainability • City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GISI agriculture Keith Benoit, Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Housing Partnership 5:30 PM, Monday November 3, 2020 Zoom Meeting [g] Edgardo Cancel [g] Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair rgJ Carmen Junno � Richard Abuza [g] □ Julio Alves [g] Jim Reis [g] Vacant Vacant Vacant Staff: Keith Benoit 1.Introductions: Todd Weir invited participants in the meeting to introducethemselves over Zoom meeting.2.Public comment: MJ Adams, representative from Hampshi!e Property Group talkedabout the affordable housing developments at Emerson Way and Burts Meadow. MJAdams is working with Richard Madowitz and Steve Ferrari. They are all currentlyunder construction, under the guidance of the state affordable housing plan. They arereaching out to do marketing and update the partnership as part of their affirmativehousing outreach. Construction has been delayed a not be available until April 2021.Complete applications need to be done by December 16, 2002 and lottery will be onJanuary 6th 2020. Emerson Way priced at $250,000, 3-bedrooms. Burts Meadow,smaller with price reduced from. MJ encouraged the Housing Partnership to share theflyer. Keith Benoit said that the information is also on the City's website:https://northamptonma.gov/2070/Affordable-Fair-Housing3.October 5, 2020 Minutes: The Partnership approved unanimously by roll callvote upon motion by Richard Abuza and second by Carmen Junno.•Carmen Junno said that minutes said May 11 was on top of minutesthat need to be fixed. Keith Benoit will fixed before submitting toCity.•It was later also noted that Rebecca Lockwood needs to removedfrom the minutes. Keith Benoit will remove her.4.Conversation with Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Ashely Grant and AnnieConnor. Ashely Grant gave background on MA. Fair Housing Center and said thatCity Hall • 210 Main Street. Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan � they would like help the City in its fair housing goals. Ashley Grant says Springfield MSA is top segregated White-Hispanic areas in the country and top 20 for White­African American. Ashley Grant said that RentNOHO.com policies perpetuate the segregation that happens it the City. Section 8 voucher holders often do not have the cash to pay for rent. Housing Authorities do not pay for last month's rent. Keeping out Section 8 holders keeps them out of places of higher opportunity. 5.Requiring 60% of first month's rent as a "br(?kers' fee" is severely limiting who can�f"f"PQQ hnl1'11n� n,�rlrPt RPntN(lHO r-nn, 1,�Q tl,p n,nQt li(;!tlnO(;! on rr�,o�l-i�t A�hlP.v� .................. uu ........ "-...u.&.AAO .&.a. ............... ...., .......... -A ......... .. _.._.._ ____ .&..&..&. ...... __ ...... _--------------o--------o-----· - -----,J Grant told a story about a family who ·moved into a home and found that they werepregnant and when they told their landlord, they were evicted because of the presenceof lead paint.6.Carmen Junno asked if MA. Fair Housing Center if they have an action plan. It isbeing worked on. Most people in United States do not have enough money to pay fora big moving cost or an emergency, so this does not affect only Section 8 voucherholders. New York City has eliminated broker's fees, but that is being challenged.Boston is working on passing same measure.7.Richard Abuza asked if there was a legal precedent for landlord's refusing to rent toSection 8 Voucher holders. Ashley Grant said that it would be a violation of Chapter151B in Massachusetts Law. Todd Weir affirmed that he appreciates the MA. FairHousing Center's work.8.Ashley Grant said that the NHA not adopting the Small Area FMR is a problem andthat should be addressed. The Partnership updated them on our previous conversationwith them. Ashely Grant said that they are not completely convinced that it a validreason. There are ways to implement small area FMR without anyone losing theirvoucher. The purpose was to allow people to choose where they live. They did ananalysis of ads on Craigslist and found only two units that would fit the Section 8vouchers.9.Jim Reis asked for more data and Ashley Grant clarified her position, there are morecreative ways to solve the issue. Ace Tayloe said that if nobody is being served at forexample $800, then getting $1,000 will up the amount at least help some people. Thiswent against the logic that the NHA had described to the Housing Partnership at ourlast meeting. Carmen Junno said that her experience with V ASH showed that manyveterans could not lease up in Northampton and had to move to Greenfield, MA.10.Todd Weir opened the door to conversation about the op-ed letter. Jim Reis gave someedits to the op-ed letter, wanted to see if mention of Section 8 could get added. Askedto delete from letter what Boston is doing, but Edgardo Cancel said that the Bostoninformation would be helpful to show people what are other cities are doing. AceTayloe said that search engines tailor search result to each user, so if people have notsearched for something before it may not show up. Hannah Schaffer confirmed thatthis was her experience, it was more difficult to find the first time.11.Carmen Junno asked what the process was for approving the letter. Todd Weir saidthat he would accept a motion to approve the minutes, with those edits. Richard Abuza moved, Jim Reis seconded, and it was approved unanimously upon roll call vote. 12.Gordon Shaw gave an update of the Eviction Diversion Initiative started by theCommonwealth. There is $170 million for financial resources like RAFT, the amounton money per family went from $4,000 to $10,000. There is only an estimated 25%for money that is needed. Case Managers will also be increased at organization likeCommunity Legal Aid (looking to hire 20-25 staff). The state should have told themback in June so that they could prepare. Way Finders is looking to streamline RAFTprocess by reducing documentation (no birth certificate or SSN cards). Just photo IDand proof of tenancy, still overwhelmed with demand. The internet sometimescrashes. Jim Reis said that landlords with the help of tenants can appiy.13.Edgardo Cancel said that he would be a good voice on the Housing Authority Boardbecause of his work to get more voices on the board and work with the communitygardens. The Housing Partnership voted unanimously by a roll call vote to appointEdgardo Cancel as a member on the Northampton Housing Authority Board. GordonShaw moved, and Carmen Junno seconded. Keith Benoit will send confirmation toDirector of Planning & Sustainability, Wayne Feiden to confirm.14.Staff planner Keith Benoit brought up that the Community Preservation Committeeis taking public comments Wednesday November 4rd, 2020 via Zoom-and that theHousing Partnership should send representatives.15.The Housing Partnership discussed the letter written to the Northampton HousingAuthority regarding their last meeting with us on small area FMR and the issuessurrounding the Spanish language application on their website. Jim Reis suggestedthat we should get more information from the NHA regarding the Small Area FMR.16.Next meeting: The Housing Partnership discussed the landlord training thatGreenfield did. Is that something that we want to do? Todd Weir said it is going tobe a tough winter and that this would be helpful. Gordon Shaw, Richard Abuza, andJim Reis will meet to discuss. Wanted to see a dedicated housing search navigatorhired by the City and would like the City to investigate it further.17.Todd Weir asked if we want to invite the Mayor or City Councilor to the meeting.Jim Reis said that it should be an agenda item for next meeting.18.The Housing Partnership adjourned unanimously at 6:59 from a motion by Richard Abuzaand seconded by Carmen Junno. Planning & Sustainability• City of Northampton resilience I regeneration I design I conservation I placemaking I mobility I accessibility I community development I historic I zoning I GISI agriculture Keith Benoit, Community Development Planner• KBenoit@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413-587-1288 Members Rev. Todd Weir, Chair Housing Partnership 5:30 PM. Monday December 7th, 2020 Zoom Meeting IZI Edgardo Cancel IZI Gordon Shaw, Vice Chair � Carmen Junno IZI Richard Abuza IZI Julio Alves IZI Jim Reis IZI Vacant Vacant Vacant Staff: Keith Benoit 1.Introductions & public comment: No public comment were received. 2.November 3, 2020 Minutes: The Partnership approved unanimously upon motion by Richard Abuza and second by Jim Reis. Passed unanimously by a roll call vote.3.Wayne Feiden gave a synopsis of the Local Comprehensive Permit Zoning Draft. Hehad asked for the partnership to approve. Gave history of the 10% goal for the affordable housing. Northampton has made it easy for affordable housing developers to make units in Northampton. The City gets very few comprehensive permits throughout the year, but over the years the process has gotten convoluted. The developers get discouraged and do not come back. How many developers look at the process and do not even bother? DHCD requires some money up front, cap on how much money someone can make, elevations/designs (which are expensive), and same developer must do both market rate and affordable housing. This local law would cut the state out of the process. There is a lot less demand for market rate developers to create 4.Councilor Alex Jarrett asked for a couple of examples from Wayne F.eiden. Woodland Drive is a lot that is outside of the current zoning, so it would need some waiver for a small lot. Westhampton Road was a Habitat for Humanity home was also a lot size and Glendale Road waived significant tree replacement because it was a net zero home. Jim Reis asked if this gets passed, how do developers get notified of this? Some people do follow us and would find out just from following our zoning law developments. Todd Weir asked for clarification on the process. If the partnership City Hall• 210 Main Street, Second Floor• Northampton, MA 01060 • Northampton MA.gov/plan 181 can approve now in concept that is great, or the partnership can get deep in the weed. 5.Richard Abuza motioned to support the Local Comprehensive Permit Zoning Draft,seconded by Jim Reis. No further discussion. Passed unanimously by a roll call vote.6.Updates: Keith Benoit updated the partnership on Housing Choice Community Grant Program that the City is applying for, CPC funding approval for soft costs, and City Council receiving that application. Carmen Jun no asked if Community Action helps people with RAFT/ERMA applications, they help a little. Jim Reis asked about the 7.The Housing Partnership discussed inviting Mayor David J. Narkewicz to meeting in early 2021. Todd Weir asked what the partnership strategy is. Carmen Junno said that the op-ed is positive and that it would be good to get the Mayor involved in things like the broker fees, rentnoho.com, and get his opinion on different websites that could help renters. Hannah Shaffer said it was to good to see the work that the partnership has done in the meetings. Jim Reis highlighted the letter that the lawyer/landlord had sent. Gordon Shaw said that it could be controversial if we attacked the business model for taking on rental agencies. Julio Alves said that the partnership should implement this coming from the assessment of barriers. Hannah Shaffer said that Central Valley Tenants Union should be invited. How fast do they move compared to the partnership? 8.Gordon Shaw said that we may want to consider the small area FMR that the NHA was hesitant to change over to. There was more information that was given of people who successfully switched over. HUD even has a guide on how to do it. Edgardo Cancel name was given to NHA for approval to be on their board. Jim Reis compared the Boston rental market to Hampshire County and that we unique problems. Northampton is lumped in with Springfield area and Northampton rent is higher. Gordon Shaw said that the City is perpetuating housing disparities by keeping people out. Carmen Junno said that getting more data on the housing would be better than taking housing authority word for it. Richard Abuza said that we should feel comfortable approaching the Mayor about the issues the partnership is concerned about. Todd Weir said the partnership may need to prepare more action items before inviting the Mayor. Richard Abuza said that the language of ordinances can be heavy, but bringing it t.o the Mayor may be helpful. Alex Jarrett explained some of the process to passing an ordinance and said that he would sponsor a bill. Jim Reis said that we should be more informed before we talk to Mayor. Todd Weir said the partnership should not be having this conversation again in January. 9.Carmen Junno said that we should include the Mayor into the process, not wait till we have proposals. Richard Abuza said that partnership should look at as many ordinances that are out there as possible. Ace Tayloe said that they knew where to start getting information before the meeting. 10.Jim Reis talked about the landlord workshop for eviction class in January, with invitation to Way Finders to discuss RAFT /ERMA and the program where Way Finders pays for people to moving to Northampton. City could send out mailings to landlords using CPA funds. Could consider putting an ad in the Gazette as well. Partnership could work with Easthampton and Amherst to advocate better with landlords. Gordon Shaw said that January is too soon, we need a month. Need funding, authorizing to have meeting, authorization to get new landlords list. Ace Tayloe asked if they could invite Central Valley Tenants Union to next meeting. 11.Next meeting: The Housing Partnership discussed what to discuss with Central Valley Tenants Union 12.The Housing Partnership adjourned unanimously at 7: from a motion by Richard Abuza and seconded by Carmen Junno.