Affordable Housing Committee

Committee REport

Town MeetingMay 2007

Presented by Affordable Housing Study Committee

The Committee

Created by the Board of Selectmen in November of 2006.

Seven members including representatives from the Housing Authority, ZBA, and Planning Board, in addition to four community members representing each of the four voting precincts.

Committee members were appointed after an interview process by the Selectmen in January of 2007.

Typically meets second and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Webpage available on town website: www.virtualnorfolk.org

Definition: Affordable housing is housing which is reserved for, and affordable to, families or individuals who make less than 80% of median household income for the area.

The 80% Income Guidelines for 2007, adjusted according to the number of persons in the household as follows:  

Current Qualifying Income Levels

1 PERSON: $46,3002 PERSON: $52,950

3 PERSON: $59,550 4 PERSON: $66,150

SeniorsYoung families

Children who are ready to ‘leave the nest’ Teachers, municipal workers, firefighters, police, etc

What is ‘Affordable’ Housing?

How much affordable housing do we have?

111 units = 3.89% of total housing stock

Hillcrest Village (64)64 one bedroom units of ‘Section 667’ State-aided housing for elderly and disabled Residents come mostly from Norfolk and surrounding towns. Wait list approx 15 individuals (2-5 years).

Pine Knoll (20)8 two bedroom and 12 three bedroom units of Section 705 State-aided Family Housing.Wait list of 63 for 2-bed units, 30 for 3-bed units (2-5 years).

DMR/DMH Homes (16)16 units.

Town Center Condominiums (11) Currently under construction in 2006 and 2007. 4 two bedroom units ($153,280) age-restricted (55+).7 three bedroom units ($168,609) will be sold to any appropriate size eligible household. Part of a forty-four unit development.

How does Norfolk compare to other communities?

Town

% of Affordable housing to Total

Housing StockDover 0.9%Sherborn 2.3%Mendon 2.6%North Attleboro 2.8%Hopkinton 3.0%Wayland 3.2%Bolton 3.3%Holliston 3.5%Millis 3.5%Sharon 3.7%

Norfolk 3.9%Foxborough 4.0%Sudbury 4.6%Wellesley 4.7%Wrentham 4.7%Hopedale 4.8%Medfield 4.8%Medway 5.3%Walpole 5.8%Norwood 6.0%Plainville 6.0%Milford 7.0%Westwood 9.4%Franklin 9.8%Bellingham 10.1%Framingham 10.2%Mansfield 11.7%

How much affordable housing does Norfolk need?

How are affordable housing units created?

The State mandates that all communities statewide allocate a minimum of 10% of the community’s housing inventory to affordable units (286 units for Norfolk)

The State encourages municipalities to work towards their 10% goal at a rate of 0.75 % annually (21 units annually for Norfolk).

Town sponsored units including rehabilitation, conversions and new development

Inclusionary zoning via Planning Board

40B developments via ZBA

What does higher density housing look like?

40B Affordable Housing in Massachusetts

Mission

To establish and maintain a comprehensive affordable housing plan for the Town of Norfolk which meets/exceeds State guidelines.

To promote and support the creation of affordable housing which is in keeping with the goals and objectives of the town.

To work with Town Boards and Committees concerning planning and implementation of affordable housing goals.

To interface with municipal, State, and Federal agencies to ensure Norfolk remains at the forefront of affordable housing initiatives.

To serve as an educational resource to Town residents, Town officials, and future developers.

Next Steps

Continue to communicate with, and provide support to, Master Plan Subcommittee, Housing Authority, CPC, ZBA, Planning Board and other boards and committees.

Explore funding mechanisms including grants and the use of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Analysis of town-owned land for possible affordable housing locations.

Support consideration of the town center (B-1), Southwood (C-6) and other locations suitable for higher density affordable housing development.

Encourage and support developers who propose affordable housing projects which are consistent with the goals and objectives of the town.

Review and revise Affordable Housing Plan as applicable.

Assist/Join the Committee…

CONTACT:

Sarah Del Mastro

Affordable Housing Committeesdelmastro@virtualnorfolk.org

Marian Harrington

Selectmen’s officeharrington@virtualnorfolk.org508-528-1408