07-12-2018 Planning Commission Meeting

Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045

Thursday, July 12, 2018

PRESENT

Commission Members: Miranda Clemson, Chair; Denis Lambert; Susanne Pacilio; Smith Reed
Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
Selectboard (ex officio Planning Commission members): Peter Berger, Cathy McGrath
Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
Visitors: Andrew Winter (Twin Pines Housing Trust), Kimberly Gilbert (Two Rivers−Ottauquechee Regional Commission [TRORC]), Kevin Geiger (TRORC).

CALL TO ORDER: 6:03 PM

Miranda Clemson, Chair, called the meeting to order.

A quorum was met.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

MOTION: Denis Lambert moved and Susanne Pacilio seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from June 7, 2018, with modifications. The vote passed unanimously.

AGENDA MODIFICATIONS

Peter Berger added a discussion of the Twin Pines housing market study [Housing Needs Assessment]

MOTION: Susanne Pacilio moved and Denis Lambert seconded the motion that the Agenda be amended as stated. The vote passed unanimously.

JOINT MEETING WITH THE SELECTBOARD (ex officio PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS)
Cathy McGrath suggested that Andrew Winter give a background of his interest in housing in the Town of Fairlee. Winter stated that Twin Pines is a nonprofit, affordable housing developer in New Hampshire and Vermont, including Orange County. Winter stated that his typical project is 30 units. When he toured Thetford and Fairlee, he felt that a 30-unit project would be too large. The concern is about keeping the units fully leased.

Regarding the Housing Needs Assessment prepared by John Ryan (Development Cycles, Montpelier, VT), Winter asked if any additional information is needed for the needs assessment, such as Town needs; feasibility information; and financing, e.g., from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Denis Lambert noted that the summary on page 13 shows 10 housing units, which is too low a number for the Town’s needs, and that the mid-age demographic does not cover the population of Fairlee. McGrath suggested that the data be revised. Chris Brimmer noted that in Fairlee there is a lack of retail space and, at this time, there are no open commercial spaces available. Brimmer stated that a village center project should include senior, work-force, market, and retail space. Susanne Pacilio stated that the 30-unit project could be divided between Thetford and Fairlee. McGrath asked how Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College houses staff and students. Winter responded that most housing is built for low income ($74K/family of 4; Orange County), but the housing serves people with a range of incomes. Winter continued that the challenge for Fairlee is to find commuters. Peter Berger stated that the task is to develop the validity of the data in the Housing Needs Assessment and to meet the criteria to bring the projects here. Winter stated that financing options include low-income tax credits, community development block grants, or land purchase. In Fairlee, Winter stated that common financing could be obtained with rental units scattered throughout Town.

Detailed discussion continued regarding the process for housing development. Winter stated that for a sale property, a feasibility study is done, a budget is developed, environmental status of the property is studied, a 90-day to 6-month closing option is allowed, and US Department of Housing and Urban Development approval is obtained, then the property can close. A discussion continued about accessory dwelling units, which are legal and set by statute in Vermont.

Berger announced the Housing Forum meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25, 2018, from 2 to 4 PM at the Town Hall. Attendees include Kevin Lacasse (New England Family Housing, New Hampton, NH), Andrew Winter (Twin Pines Housing Trust, Lebanon, NH), Jane Kitchel (state senator, Caledonia-Orange District), TRORC staff, Planning Commission members, and Selectboard members. Berger suggested that the Boards identify property for sale, put parcels together as one development package, build a map, and prepare data for the Housing Forum. Brimmer noted that he will print out the Town’s Build-Out Study for the meeting.

MPG AND CORRIDOR GRANTS
Berger stated that Richard Amore from the VT Department of Housing and Community Development is assisting with the White Plan updates. Berger continued that the Town should obtain both grants─the Town will fund the MPG and benefit from the $40K to $60K Corridor Grant. McGrath noted that the Town can apply for the MPG in October 2018 and wait until 2019 to apply for the Corridor Grant.

[Andrew Winter, Kevin Geiger, and Kimberly Gilbert left the meeting at 7:56 PM]

[Cathy McGrath and Peter Berger left the meeting at 8:01 PM]

MOTION: Susanne Pacilio moved and Smith Reed seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN: 8:01 PM

Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk