ESTABLISHMENT AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOR THE TOWN OF NORTH STONINGTON
Section I. Rationale.
The Town of North Stonington wishes to study the issue of affordable housing in a way that will provide factual information of housing need/demand while preserving its character. As a rural town, this community has historically enjoyed a variety of citizenry. The urge to maintain our rural character must balance the demand for open space with housing options.
Section II. Committee Purpose.
It is the intention of the Selectmen, in creating an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, to provide a mechanism for the Town to measure the need and support for increasing the availability of affordable housing within the local planning process. To that end, and in respect and consideration of the Plan of Conservation and Development, the Committee will work closely with all Town departments, boards, and citizen groups to identify housing opportunities which are consistent with the historic aesthetic character and Town Plan and preserve the natural resources of North Stonington. The Committee will assess resident opinions and preferences, research housing strategies, designs and funding sources and to make known the results of that research and recommend to the Board of Selectmen and other Town committees not later than August 1,
2008. While the Committee does not have the authority to commit Town resources or approve projects, it is the Selectmen's intention to consider reasonable actions and recommendations of the Committee that are consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Section III. Duties.
The duties of the Committee shall be to:
A. Survey, study and analyze the housing availability in the Town and report to the Board of Selectmen regarding the state of affordability in North Stonington.
B. Identify, review, and evaluate options for affordable housing in North Stonington.
C. Recommend to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning and Zoning Commission such housing policies and practices that would address the needs of affordable housing.
D. Recommend to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning and Zoning Commission Project Guidelines for affordable housing development in North Stonington and the development that meets these guidelines.
Section IV. Membership and Organization.
Upon establishment of the Committee, membership shall be opened through public notice to any interested Town resident on a first-come, first-accepted basis with a maximum committee size of 15. It is desirable to have a diverse representation of individuals with knowledge of economic and community development, land use planning, and real estate development and financing.
Town planning staff and other departments shall serve as a resource to the Committee as time and resources allow. The First Selectman shall serve as an ex-officio member, without vote.
The Committee shall elect a Chairperson and a Secretary and may otherwise organize itself in such manner as its members may determine is best suited to carry out its prescribed duties. Meetings will be posted and open to the public and the Committee will
adhere to all Connecticut General Statutes with respect to minutes and reporting. The Committee may create from time to time, in consultation with the Board of Selectmen, sub-committees or ad hoc advisory groups comprised of various housing constituents. Vacancies shall be filled by the Board of Selectmen.
It was agreed to meet at the Senior Center in Holly Green the fourth (4) Thursday of each month, 7 PM.
Dates are:
February 28
March 27
April 24
May 22
June 26
July 24 – Required annual progress report has a deadline of August 1, 2008
August 28
September 25
October 23
November 20 (27 is Thanksgiving)
December 18 (25 is Christmas)
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