2010-10-04-LEARY-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Funding for the planning process was discussed. CPA funds should be applied for, but would not be available until late spring of 2001. HOME funds should not be committed at this time, but could be used later in the development. Building Commissioner The Building Commissioner Garry Rhodes reported on his impressions from the site visit. The house is not habitable today but what is existing today can remain unless it is dangerous. For example the stairs might no meet current code but could be left. The unlined chimneys could not be used as that is too dangerous. He felt that for the unit to be habitable it would require a heating system, safe wiring, plumbing for a bath and a kitchen, structural issues, particularly the center beam need to be addressed and they might have to connect to the town sewer. When asked if someone could “camp out” in the kitchen, he said that while he thought his list was the minimum required, it might be possible to phase some of the project, for example do the wiring upstairs at a later date. Garry noted that Occupancy Permits are for end structures, not for existing. He is there to help people live in a safe house. There were questions about accessibility. If the development exceeds 5 units, one must be accessible. If federal funds are used any number beyond 3 must include an accessible unit. The state requirements kick in at 20 units. Fair housing laws require the provision of an accessible unit if one is needed. George Burnell had heard that Housing Authority units were kept empty as they couldn’t find a handicapped person to occupy the unit. Existing Structure Several options were discussed - keep the farmhouse as a separate historic preservation project, keep the farmhouse and minimize costs by creating a curatorship, keep the farmhouse and do it as affordable with additional units, or do affordable without the farm house. The consensus was that the curatorship program would be difficult to pursue with affordable housing standards, but that the last two options should be explored. In addition the committee will need information on what triggers there are, over instance when does AD come in. Ross said he could put together a few sketches to see what is possible. Aaron urged them to start with what they wanted as an overall program, and then see if the farmhouse fits into that program. On a motion duly made and seconded, the committee voted 5-0, that 1) the committee is willing to explore all options to see if the farmhouse can be preserved, 2) Ross Speer be asked to do preliminary concept sketches, and 3) funds for study and design up to the level of construction documents, as well as money for stabilization of the structure, be sought from the CPC. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50. Action items Concept Plans –Ross Speer 