1. Chair Ranee Warner called the meeting to order; minutes approved
2. Patrick White reported on money on hand, funds granted, and anticipated
a. From 35-37 Interlaken – volunteer donation of $25,000 for each of 23 residences over time as built – $575,000.
b. From CPC $100,000
c. On hand approximately $300,000
d. Total $975,000
3. 4 -5 grants for improvements if qualify
4. Age in place grants (20) through Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) up to $50,000 per grant – pay back when house sold or death and transfer
5. Mark Mills reported on funds available for infrastructure – GB received $3.2million. If AHT proceeds on Glendale Middle Road, could be funds for infrastructure. Michael Canales has worked on this type of grant and could help. First, apply for planning grant to have information to prepare construction grant. Whether we were competitive may rely upon how many houses the AHT plans to build on Glendale Middle Road – more units may generate more interest on part of state to be competitive for state grants.
6. Jan Ackerman reported on Pine Street property. Determining if purchase is a viable option given high purchase price and number of wheelchair and handicapped accessible units possible. Since there isk no elevator, basement and second floor units may be have to be work force apartments.
7. Bruce Auerbach reported on bringing water onto Glendale Middle Road property. An analysis by a consultant would cost approximately $7900 and would include cost estimates for providing water and waterpower for firefighting.
White asked why this is on the agenda when at the last AHT meeting the Trust voted to table this item. Any suggestion to build made by AHT goes to Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to justify the variance since the Town met it obligation of 10% affordable housing. At same time, Stockbridge is named by the Commonwealth for designation as a Seasonal Community pending a vote by the town. Therefore, AHT should not spend any more money until after the Seasonal Community vote and perhaps meeting with ZBA. The Chair argued AHT will have to be prepared for a ZBA application for a variance so AHT should continue information gathering.
White position was to wait and not tom spend money now. The Chaiur’s position was to continue to information gather in order to be prepared.
White moved to table decision on the $7900 expenditure. It passed 6 to 1. The item was tabled.
8. Group discussion followed. Mills and Auerbach suggested that a worthwhile task would be to make a list of possibles, that is, land and buildings that may be used for affordable and work force housing
Adjourned
