Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts

Monday, January 9, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Overcoming the restrictions on multi-family housing"

"CITIES AND TOWNS of Greater Boston have a long history of using zoning to restrict development of multi-family housing that might accommodate families with children. The systematic restrictions have disadvantaged multi-generational households seeking homes in condo or apartment buildings. The restrictions have also undermined the housing market’s dynamism and its ability to meet the region’s housing needs.

In response to these problems, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring cities and towns served by the MBTA to zone for transit-oriented multi-family housing “without age restrictions” and “suitable for families with children.” Once implemented, the reform should enable the market to meet the needs of diverse households.

For decades, municipalities have been limiting development of family-suitable apartments and condos through a few zoning mechanisms, including age-restrictions for occupants (typically for residents who are at least 55 years old), bedroom restrictions, and discretionary approval processes. I studied these practices in a 2018 survey of zoning bylaws and ordinances in 100 cities and towns across Greater Boston."
Last of the 5 part series
 

Friday, January 6, 2023

Real Estate Inventory Statistic centers my conversation on Housing with Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)

FM #912 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 912 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Ted Cormier-Leger. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, Dec 21, 2022.


Ted is a realtor here in Franklin as well as a Town Councilor. Our discussion uses a key real estate statistic he shared with me as a starting point for our conversation on housing in Franklin. 

 

The recording of our conversation on housing runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-912-real-estate-inventory-statistic-shock-12-21-23



--------------


Ted’s realtor page on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/TCLRealtyMass/


Ted’s LinkedIn profile page -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-cormier-leger-211aa351/ 



--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Real Estate Inventory Statistic centers my conversation on Housing with Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)
Real Estate Inventory Statistic centers my conversation on Housing with Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Seeking predictable permitting for new housing" (part 3 of 5)

 

"IF YOU LIVE in an affluent suburb of Boston, your municipality is probably not using as-of-right zoning to permit construction of apartments or condos. If your community is served by the MBTA, then the Massachusetts state Legislature has mandated that your municipality zone for multi-family housing as-of-right. The clock is now ticking on implementation.

The mandate was adopted because Boston’s suburbs have not allowed enough transit-oriented home development to meet the region’s needs for housing and transit-accessibility. Discretionary review processes are part of the problem. As-of-right zoning can help."

Part 3 of the 5 part series  


A public plaza within a private development, Trio, in Newton. (Photo by Amy Dain.)
A public plaza within a private development, Trio, in Newton. (Photo by Amy Dain.)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Where should new multi-family housing go?" (part 4 of 5)

"WHERE SHOULD new multifamily housing go? This is a fundamental question facing 175 communities across eastern Massachusetts as they work to implement a new law intended to address the region’s housing shortage. The MBTA Communities law requires cities and towns served by Greater Boston’s public transit agency, the MBTA, to enact zoning that allows multifamily housing near transit.

If history is any indication, communities will seek to locate this new multi-family housing away from existing residential neighborhoods when possible. In recent decades, the largest portion of new housing in Greater Boston has been built in isolated areas on municipal and metropolitan peripheries. As an example, the town of Wellesley approved the construction of a 262-unit complex called The Nines on a spit of land separated from the rest of town, tucked between Routes 95 and 9 and the Charles River. The towns of Needham and Stoneham permitted similar “across the interstate” developments, and other examples abound."

Part 4 of the 5 part series

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Public Hearing Notice: 237 Pleasant St (St John's Episcopal & The Community Builders - 64 units)

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public/remote hearing on November 3, 2022 at 7:30pm via Zoom Platform. Please go to
Franklinma.gov to view meeting access under ZBA Agenda.

Time: 7:45PM

Applicant: St. John’s Episcopal Church of Franklin and The Community Builders Inc.
Address of Subject Property: 237 Pleasant Street (Map 267, Lot 009)

Zoning District: SFR III
Petition Type: Comprehensive Permit
Zoning By-Law Sections: N/A

Reason for Denial: Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 64 unit multi-family development. The building permit is denied without a Comprehensive Permit from the ZBA. 

An Appeal from the decision of the Board of Appeals may be made by any person aggrieved pursuant to MGL Chap. 40A, Section 17 as amended, within twenty (20) days after the date of the filing of the notice of decision with the City Clerk. All records and files for this project can be viewed in the Building Department on the 1st floor of the Franklin Municipal Building during regular business hours. Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals: (508) 520-4926. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded the opportunity to be heard. The hearing is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.



St John's affordable housing proposal
St John's affordable housing proposal

Friday, October 28, 2022

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project

"The Baker-Polito administration today announced more than $143 million in grant awards for economic development projects made through the Community One Stop for Growth portal.

The grants, which will support 337 local projects in 169 communities statewide, were announced at an event in Pittsfield by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, who were joined by local officials. "

Continue reading the article at MMA -> 

Among the awards is one for Franklin:


$3.2M This grant will be used to support the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project, a development that will increase affordable housing along Veterans Memorial Drive. Construction includes improvements to roadways, sidewalks, streetlights, utility connections, and the addition of a new water booster pumping station.

Governor Baker's press release ->

For the full listing of awards:

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project
Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Reminder: St John’s Episcopal Affordable Housing Development, Community Meeting Scheduled for Oct 23 - 6:30 PM

Several years ago, St John's was approached by a for-profit developer that wanted to purchase most of our 20 acres of woods to build single-family homes. Our mission is about serving the community, not making a profit, so we refused this proposal. And, we started to discern what is the best use of this vital asset that we have. 

We started to weigh our prime objectives: 1) To provide something that’s needed by the community, 2) To honor Creation by preserving most of the land for natural habitat, and 3) To provide needed revenue for the survival of the parish. 

I attended a Franklin Town Council meeting where I learned that the Franklin Housing Authority manages about 200 units of housing for families, individuals, seniors and disabled people. There are 1300 individuals and 2500 families on the waiting list, but only about 20 units turn over each year. So affordable housing is desperately needed in Franklin and elsewhere.

That's when St John's started exploring what it would take to offer such a gift to the community. We were introduced to  The Community Builders, a non-profit affordable housing developer, and decided to partner with them. They built and still manage Eaton Place on Veterans Memorial Drive, Franklin. We want to provide housing for people who can't afford to live in the town where they grew up. 

So this project will be for people who make less than 60% of area median income (AMI) (some units will be for 50% and even 30% of AMI, so VERY low income). It will use less than a quarter of our 20 acres, and the rest will remain wild. We plan to create walking paths to connect with DelCarte, and even some public parking, so that the community can enjoy the land. 

You are invited to an informational meeting on Sunday, October 23rd at 6:30 PM at St John's. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Peace,

Rev Kathy


St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org   

Download a copy of the flyer for community meeting on Oct 23

St John's affordable housing proposal
St John's affordable housing proposal

St John's Episcopal Church:  Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6
St John's Episcopal Church

Friday, September 30, 2022

St John’s Episcopal Church pursues Affordable Housing Development, Community Meeting Scheduled for Oct 23

Several years ago, St John's was approached by a for-profit developer that wanted to purchase most of our 20 acres of woods to build single-family homes. Our mission is about serving the community, not making a profit, so we refused this proposal. And, we started to discern what is the best use of this vital asset that we have. 

We started to weigh our prime objectives: 1) To provide something that’s needed by the community, 2) To honor Creation by preserving most of the land for natural habitat, and 3) To provide needed revenue for the survival of the parish. 

I attended a Franklin Town Council meeting where I learned that the Franklin Housing Authority manages about 200 units of housing for families, individuals, seniors and disabled people. There are 1300 individuals and 2500 families on the waiting list, but only about 20 units turn over each year. So affordable housing is desperately needed in Franklin and elsewhere.

That's when St John's started exploring what it would take to offer such a gift to the community. We were introduced to  The Community Builders, a non-profit affordable housing developer, and decided to partner with them. They built and still manage Eaton Place on Veterans Memorial Drive, Franklin. We want to provide housing for people who can't afford to live in the town where they grew up. 

So this project will be for people who make less than 60% of area median income (AMI) (some units will be for 50% and even 30% of AMI, so VERY low income). It will use less than a quarter of our 20 acres, and the rest will remain wild. We plan to create walking paths to connect with DelCarte, and even some public parking, so that the community can enjoy the land. 

You are invited to an informational meeting on Sunday, October 23rd at 6:30 PM at St John's. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Peace,

Rev Kathy


St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org   

Download a copy of the flyer for community meeting on Oct 23

St John's affordable housing proposal
St John's affordable housing proposal


St John's Episcopal Church:  Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6
St John's Episcopal Church

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit

"As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. 

To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost."

Find out if you qualify for this program ->  https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/

 

Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit
Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Annual Report Of The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust fund was established on May 18, 2005 by Bylaw Amendment 05-567. The Trust Fund can receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin making these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for an affordable home.

The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) establishes the Median Income for the area annually (currently $120,800). Income limits are set at 80% of the Median Income based on household size. The “Affordable” sales price for a home is set assuming a household earning 80% of the median income can obtain a mortgage.

“Affordable” homes must have a “deed rider” attached to the deed of the home. The deed rider will preserve the resale value of the home so that it will remain as affordable in perpetuity. “Affordable“ homes must be purchased by income and asset qualified households.

Having the deed rider ensures that all the affordable units will be included on the “Subsidized Housing Inventory” (SHI). The goal is to have an affordable housing inventory of at least 10%. Franklin’s SHI is at 12%. This number allows the Town leeway to support only those developments that it feels benefit the community.

In FY2020, interest rates continued to be at historic lows and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust processed 5 refinances and re-sold 1 home.

Progress is continuing on the Franklin Ridge senior housing project to be located off of Veterans Memorial Drive and behind Eaton Place. The project will include 60 new senior apartments that will be affordable to income and asset qualified seniors. The Trust has earmarked up to $550,000 in support of this project.

This year, as always, we look forward to pursuing innovative ways to produce affordable housing in the Town of Franklin. It is our pleasure to submit this annual report for your review.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Vericker, Chairman 
Mary Anne Bertone 
Christopher Feeley
Jamie Hellen 
Maxine Kinhart 
Judith Pond Pfeffer

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee 
Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet
August 10, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 


Agenda:

1. Discussion: “Franklin For All” MAPC Study Conclusion & Committee Recommendations
a. Staff Memo 


Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022
Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022

Sunday, July 31, 2022

"In a market badly out of kilter, many older residents are stuck in their homes" - Franklin an example

"They bought their homes when they were young, making money, and raising families. Now they’re empty nesters, in or nearing retirement, and living in houses that are too big for them.

But many older residents in Massachusetts who’d like to downsize — and turn over spacious dwellings to younger buyers desperate for room to expand —are finding it difficult, if not impossible. Even though their property values have ballooned, smaller homes or condos are scarce and carry prohibitive price tags in the state’s out-of-kilter real estate market.

“We’re just sitting tight right now,” said Mary Prosnitz, 66, of Wellesley. She and her 69-year-old husband, Jay, raised two sons, now grown, in the five-bedroom home they purchased 38 years ago and still live in."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscriptions may be required)

From the Mass Housing Project Datatown, we find the data on the types of housing in Franklin compared to the Commonwealth of MA average.

The importance of housing diversity
A wide variety of housing types enables people of different means and at different stages of life to have viable housing options within a community. Different housing types allow for greater density in places where it is most appropriate, such as near transit and commercial, retail and business centers.

Looking at the adjacent comparison between the mix of housing types in your community and Massachusetts as a whole, do you think your community is achieving the kind of diversity that fosters a wide variety of choices? Does your mix of housing structure types foster inclusion or exclusion? Are you making the most of the land available for development?

While a wide variety of housing is required, Franklin is heavily single family home oriented
While a wide variety of housing is required, Franklin is heavily single family home oriented

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?

From Mass Housing - https://www.masshousing.com/programs-outreach/planning-programs/40b 


Chapter 40B, the Commonwealth's regional planning law, promotes responsible housing growth by creating a streamlined permitting process for eligible projects that utilize subsidized financing, and that meaningfully accommodate lower-income residents.

Since its passage in 1969, Chapter 40B has supported almost all affordable housing construction in Massachusetts outside of the Commonwealth's largest cities. Approximately 70,000 total units have been produced under Chapter 40B, of which over 35,000 units are restricted to households making less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Chapter 40B promotes regional planning solutions and new housing consistent with local and regional planning needs. The law balances the regional need for affordable housing development with local public health, public safety, design, and environmental welfare needs.

The statute allows eligible affordable housing developments to receive a comprehensive permit, even when projects require waivers of local zoning. In cities and towns that achieve certain affordable housing production goals, zoning boards of appeal may reject 40B proposals without facing an appeal from the developer, giving those communities great discretion over 40B development. Municipalities that have not achieved minimum affordable housing production thresholds have a more limited ability to reject 40B proposals.

The Town of Franklin is currently over the 10% minimum affordable housing and wants to stay that way, hence they are proposing a “friendly 40b’ process to help foster affordable housing growth. 


The Friendly 40b proposal can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/friendly_chapter_40b_process.docx.pdf 


Franklin’s Housing Production Plan https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf 


Franklin’s Master Plan update in 2020 (overall plan is due for revision in 2023)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf 


What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?
What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?

Sunday, July 17, 2022

"a housing market with no slack can’t absorb shocks like a pandemic-driven frenzy"

"Massachusetts needs another 108,000 housing units to meet the demand, according to a new national study, which ranks Massachusetts 11th among states in its housing underproduction.

Up for Growth, a Washington, DC-based housing nonprofit whose members include housing developers and economic development organizations, released a report Thursday that examines housing underproduction nationwide.

The problem is national. The New York Times highlighted the report’s finding that housing underproduction is no longer a coastal phenomenon but is spreading across middle America."
Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article ->

The New York Times article -> (subscription may be required)

The study referred to in both articles ->

The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes
The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Town Council to review and vote on the initial CPA funding plan

Due to lack of a quorum at their scheduled meeting of June 15, the Finance Committee did not get to review the Community Preservation Committee plan and outline for the initial funding proposal coming to the Town Council tonight at 7 PM.

Part of the funding plan is outlined as follows:

Purpose

Amount

Historic Preservation Reserve Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation

$15,000

Historic Preservation Reserve Historical Museum Cupola

70,000

Historic Preservation Reserve Red Brick School House - Exterior Preservation

200,000

Community Housing Reserve Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project

320,000

Budgeted Reserve Nason Street Tot Lot

300,000

Total

$905,000

The link to last Community Preservation Committee meeting recording ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/community-preservation-committee_02031190524.html

The Town Council action items for the initial CPA funding proposal:

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf
b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf
c. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 22, 2022
Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 22, 2022

Monday, June 20, 2022

Community Preservation Act funding scheduled for Town Council approval - June 22

Why is there a Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for the same time and place as the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, June 22?

The Town Council is scheduled for a discussion and approval for the initial budget for how the CPA funds available will be spent. Per Open Meeting Law, in order to allow the Community Preservation Committee members to be present, there needs to be a formal agenda announced in advance.

While it is not a requirement to have all the CPC members present, it would be good to see as many as possible in support of this historic occasion. The CPC and Town staff did all the hard work to get to this point of approval. The Town Council is limited to a yes or no vote.

CPC meeting agenda:

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 22, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:
1. Discussion at the Town Council meeting on the CPA Master Plan and project proposals. This agenda is in the event a quorum of the CPC is present.


Town Council meeting agenda items for CPA fund authorization

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf
b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf
c. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf

How did the Community Preservation Committee get here? The meeting schedule and recordings for their sessions during 2022:
CPC site visits to Red Brick School & Historical Museum were conducted in Sep/Oct 2021
CPC site visits to Red Brick School & Historical Museum were conducted in Sep/Oct 2021