Human Affairs Committee

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing was conducted by the Human Affairs Committee on Monday, September 20, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Chairman Lori Wilshire presided. Members of the Committee present: Alderman Richard LaRose, Vice Chair Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Alderman Diane Sheehan Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons (Arrived after Roll Call) R-10-50 RELATIVE TO THE USE OF HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS BY NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. AND HARBOR HOMES, INC. AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FY2010 CDBG FUNDS TO A NEW FY2011 ACCOUNT “PLANNING – URBAN PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT” TESTIMONY IN FAVOR Bridgett Belton, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Nashua. The project before you consists of the acquisition and development of 12 units of affordable family housing in the Amory Street area or alternate properties to be identified. The process of achieving purchase and sales agreements has taken significant time since we started. With the exception of one of the originally identified parcels, the properties have been restricted legally and through the court so it has taken awhile. The property mix has changed since we began. We’re currently concentrating our efforts on acquisition of properties on Amory Street and the surrounding French Hill neighborhood. We’re under discussion and in negotiation with the owners, but until we have a legal agreement, I’d rather not make the name public. We’re seeking also to enlarge the project in the area and to better utilize low income housing tax credits to reduce the unit costs. The units are in the French Hill area of Nashua. The properties are within a mile of most major services including city hall, hospitals and libraries. The units will have mostly two bedroom units and some one bedroom units. Rents will be $736 a month for a family of four earning $45,000 or less or $860 a month for a family of four earning $54,000 or less. The fair market rent for two bedroom units in that area is $980 a month. The project will benefit families in the 50 – 60 percent median income range. The total amount of HOME funds we’re seeking is $350,000. The total budget for the project is $2.6 million. Funding sources are federal low income housing tax credits are Neighbor Works funds, City of Nashua, CDBG, and the HOME which are here for this evening and private bank finance. In the resolution as proposed, we would suggest that consideration be given to clarify the project name in the resolution. That it be changed from the Perham Street Affordable Housing Project to the Amory Street Affordable Housing Project, and the location be modified to allow alternate sites. Our board of directors is confident the project is moving forward and will provide quality housing for families in Nashua by expanding the supply of affordable rental housing. Thank you. Scott Slattery, Manager of Special Projects and Neighborhood Stabilization Program Manager of Harbor Homes I’m here tonight to offer our support for our application for HOME funds for a project at 189 Kinsley Street in Nashua. This is a property that some of you are probably familiar with. It has a long history from when it first was developed into us trying to get it put into service. Our application tonight is for $144,000 in HOME funds, of that you’ll get two of the three residential units will be home assisted units and therefore maintain affordability for a minimum period of 20 years. The income restrictions and rent amounts that Bridgett just sited are very similar to the ones that we are. We are also Human Affairs – 9/20/10 Page 2 Public Hearings targeting those at 50-60 percent of the area median income. So, I will certainly be around to answer any questions that the committee may have after. TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION – None TESTIMONY IN FAVOR – None TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION – None The Public Hearing was declared closed at 7:07 p.m. Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Committee Clerk