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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-29 MinutesAffordable Housing Task Force Tuesday May 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Meeting Room 1A Municipal Administrative Centre 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville ATTENDEES: Councillor Ron Hooper Councillor Wendy Partner Mary Bone, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Karron Jensen (on behalf of Wanda Huntington) Henry Wildeboer Bob Malone, Newcastle & Bond Head Ratepayers Association Sylvie Parker Charlie Trim, Parkview Lodge Joyce Kufta Carlo Pellarin, Municipality of Clarington Andrea Nicholson, Municipality of Clarington Trevor Pinn, Municipality of Clarington Alan Robins, Region of Durham Selena Blake, DAFRS Janet Dauncey, Municipality of Clarington Attendees introduced themselves, for the benefit of those not at the previous meeting. Councillor Partner stated she wanted to add another section to the agenda, 7. Other Business". The April 20t" minutes were reviewed. Alan Robins advised that the report is out, and covers the entire region. It is in the implementation phase, and a progress report is going to the Committee of the Whole on June 6, and will be available on the website on May 30. The Region will work with municipalities to see what incentives they can provide. The vision is to create a tactical team with a representative from each municipality, to develop best practices. He is still waiting for a response from five municipalities, including Clarington. He is part of a group that is giving a presentation to the Planning Commissioners on June 22. Councillor Hooper asked if there are other Durham municipalities doing the same thing. Alan clarified that all Durham Region municipalities need to have one person appointed to the tactical team, who in return will report to their respective municipality. Affordable Housing Task Force May 29, 2018 Councillor Partner stated developers are looking for DC charges refund; Alan said many developers are not interested in providing affordable housing. Mary Bone asked if there was any interest from private developers; perhaps look at partnerships/tax deferral. With respect to funding, Alan Robins explained that upon receiving money from the Government, the Region puts out an RFP, with the funds used for operating or capital expenses. After reviewing the RFP's, the recommendation of staff goes to Council to approve or deny. Charlie Trim iterated that the current situation is critical, and will only get worse, which is not acceptable. Far too many people are on waiting lists, and they need help today. What he heard at the last meeting was that the soundest option is basement apartments, and conceded this option does present some obstacles to consider (i.e. snow removal, parking, death of the landlord, etc.).and is not convinced this is the best option Councillor Partner suggested improvements to the process for funding are needed. As an example, Parkview in Newcastle is ready for immediate occupancy, but money is needed now to get started. Bob Malone proposed that a specific area of the Municipality be chosen, and the team mobilize homeowners to convert their basements. Sell the idea that it is helping families, rather than making money. Concrete steps needed now to get the ball rolling. Alan again stated he needs the name of the representative from Clarington. Sylvie Parker asked if the public is aware of the severity of the problem. Alan assured her there was lots of consultation with the public, and their feedback incorporated into the report. Councillor Hooper wondered if there are other `Parkviews' out there; shovel ready, just waiting for funding. Alan proposed the creation of an inventory of surplus lands, and stage of readiness for building. Mary Bone stated that the process to put together a funding RFP is difficult to put together. It is very costly for grass-roots/not-for-profit groups to put one together, and they do not have the funds to hire a professional. Bob Malone asked if there are any incentives to build (other than profit). He also suggested that the team look at models that would attract a developer to building affordable housing. Karronn Jensen suggested how to partner and provide a charitable write off, at no cost the Region. Clarington can provide an incentive. i:: Affordable Housing Task Force May 29, 2018 Mary asked about using Section 37 Agreements. Carlo advised Section 37 Agreements and incentives are outlined in the last update in 2015. Sylvie inquired about combining singles, senior and affordable housing with major commercial. Carlo advised developers want to provide complete neighbourhoods (residential, with some commercial). Sylvia asked who owns Camp 30, and if they are willing to building housing/senior residences. Carlo said the Jury Lands Foundation is working with the developer. Trevor Pinn noted that the Courtice CIP has a grant program whereby one criteria is the provision of affordable housing. Also exemptions/deferrals for large developments. Carlo said this is only for Courtice, and experience demonstrates that putting in a condition for affordable housing will not withstand an appeal at LPAT. Andrea Nicholson said members on the Accessibility Advisory Committee want to know how to encourage accessible housing. Are rental buildings going up? She noted affordable housing generally evokes rental, not home ownership. Mary asked what sort of incentives are offered to developers. Alan spoke of a condo project in York Region that was looked at, with full DC rebates, and property tax exemptions for a certain number of years. Mary urged finding developers who accept social responsibility such as affordable housing. Bob said they are definitely around, and added that less reliance on government is needed. He also added that a group form, and sell ideas to those with a social conscience. Councillor Partner asked if tiny homes are allowed. Carlo advised that as a second dwelling they are not, and are okay on a vacant lot. Charlie Trim proposed requesting written clarification from the Region, and having a developer attend a future meeting. Councillor Partner said that she invited Hannu Halminen and he had to cancel. She will reach out to other developers as well. She noted their issues are with the Region, not the Municipality. Andrea Nicholson asked about the targets for affordable housing; Councillor Partner is waiting to hear back from David. Sylvie asked if it is the developer or Municipality who decides what size of housing to build. Carlo said purchasers set demand for the size, with a mix of high- middle- and lower -end priced homes. KI Affordable Housing Task Force May 29, 2018 Councillor Partner suggested a possible brain -storming session with developers, in order to determine what they need/want, and give this committee an opportunity to ask questions. Alan also asked that once Clarington selects its representative, they receive copies of all minutes. Councillor Partner will invite Brent Rice to the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m. C!