Affordable Housing Trust Clerk Susan Miller proposed a novel idea for spending affordable housing trust funds – improved security cameras for homes within Sippican Woods, where there recently has been some car break-ins.
Miller at the October 14 meeting at the Police Station conference room said that some alleged burglars have learned to conceal activity on ring cameras. She said maybe the AHT could finance improved security and stop some break-ins.
The AHT made no decision on that idea but indicated it might be a conversation for a future meeting.
Prior to Miller’s proposal, AHT Chair Terri Santos said the 78 Wareham Road condominium development has decided not to develop affordable housing there but will pay the town in lieu of affordable units. The project is still in the permitting phase and is proposing 40 detached units.
Santos, citing her conversation with Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, said that estimates reveal the town could receive as much as $150,000 from the developer.
Trust members asked what the Affordable Housing Trust should do with the money.
“That’s what we have to figure out,” Santos said. She said the earmarked money is not as restrictive as Community Preservation Committee money.
Santos said money can be funneled toward mortgage assistance programs and funding toward first-time homebuyer programs. The AHT will investigate MIller’s idea of whether it can help homeowners with better security measures.
In other business, the AHT mentioned a makeover to the web site and is mulling over whether it should hire a professional or look for a college intern.
Santos at first resisted the Chair position, saying she will be out of town for some meetings, but AHT members agreed to help run meetings when needed. Toby Ast volunteered and was voted in as the Vice-Chair, and he will also continue to serve as the Community Preservation Act representative for the AHT.
Associate Member Roberta Dunn Tracy was elevated to full member status so now the board is seeking an additional associate member. Members said that applications have come in so they should fill that role soon.
The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.
Marion Affordable Housing Trust
By Jeffrey D. Wagner