HANCOCK COUNTY COALITION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING GROUPS

Summary of Meeting

June 9, 2009

Persons Attending:  

Tom Martin, Hancock County Planning Commission; Tim King, Washington Hancock Community Agency. Jef Fitzgerald, city of Ellsworth, Jon Hopkins, Brooklin Housing Group; and Jimmy Goodson, Hancock County Habitat for Humanity.

Main Points Discussed: 

There was general discussion about the tightening of houses for energy efficiency and moisture build-up problems.  This may cause home health problems due to carbon monoxide build-up and other chemicals.  One way to address this problem is electrical ventilation fans.   Some super-insulated homes have fans that run constantly.

Roundtable discussion:

Hancock County Planning Commission:   due to high incomes in Hancock County, it is hard to submit competitive housing assessment grants.   Most grants favor areas with low median household incomes.  Our high housing prices mean that few low income people can afford to live in the area.

Habitat for Humanity It presently has two dwellings under construction and is about to start a third house in Ellsworth.  It is finalizing a business plan for a Restore Facility, which it plans to open in Ellsworth in September. One has already opened in Holden.   There is no concern about competition between the two stores.  The Ellsworth store is already getting donations.  It needs to hire staff and buy a truck.  It is planning mailings to publicize its opening.  To assure quality control it has developed a list of accepted items.  It was suggested that Habitat  participate in the Chamber of Commerce.  

It could also connect to the HCPC web site.  Patronage of the Restore facility is not restricted in terms of income of customers.  It is not building materials exchange facility.  It is owned by Habitat for Humanity and is used to raise funds for Habitat ventures.  It sells donated, quality building materials such as items returned to building supply stores.  Habitat is the tenth largest builder of homes in country.  It was suggested that it seek CDBG Public Service Grant funds for truck to haul materials.  It has a waiting list of 12-13 people wanting homes and presently has two  lots.  It needs more fund raising ventures.  Participating homeowners are required to contribute 200 hours of sweat equity. It may use modular homes.   One local dealer is selling units that meet very strict energy efficiency standards.

Foreclosures in Hancock County are very scattered.  Bangor received a grant under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act (NSA).  There are presently no NSA funds for Hancock County,  

City of Ellsworth:  The city leadership is thinking of seeking a CDBG Housing Assistance Grant.  The Home Repair Network has waiting list of 120.   This grant would be city-wide rather than in a target area. The grant may be done in collaboration with WHCA and Habitat for Humanity

Brooklin Housing:   WHCA has agreed to serve as a fiscal sponsor.  The Brooklin organization does not qualify for 501 c (3), in part because the income levels of its target population is too high.  The first lot is being acquired.   The group is aiming at moderate income households and is planning to use green design.  It is exploring three options for building: a stick-built design by John Gordon, a modular unit from Coastline and a SIPS panel from GOLogic in Belfast.
     
 It is reviewing housing needs in town.  The boatyards are laying off employees, so there is less demand.  The first home would be built next year.  There are plans for fund raising and seeking more donated land.  Boat builders may be available to help build houses, but tend to be over skilled for general house building.  The group aims to have five to ten units created in the next five years. Housing prices have dropped so there is less demand.   The target sale price is $150,000 with about $50,000 in subsidies so the total cost would be $200,000.  There are very few lots are available for sale.  The group is seeking below market rates in financing.

Washington Hancock Community Agency:   The 10-lot Machias (Riverview Heights) project is moving ahead  It is using modular units.  The agency has received a Community Service Block Grant. Some of the units will be duplexes, which cost $100,000 for the building,  Some units may be single family, non-duplex lots can be sold for $25,000 A TIF helps with funding.  Construction aims to being in September.   WHCA has a list of pre-qualified buyers.  It may seek CDBG Housing Assistance Grant next year. 

  
Suggested Topics for Future Meetings:

We need to learn where groups found subsidies.  It was suggested that we invited Steve Mooers of  Penquis CAP to talk about the mixed income project in Searsport.