Present:

John Jordan (chair)
Lynn Frank
Shirley Kane
Dick Gilbert
Paul Corcoran
Regina Bringolf
Janet Young

Unable to attend: Bill Bevis, Mary Garland, Wayne Gordon, Kris Mathewson

We reviewed the responses to the town questionnaire on housing. (The questionnaire had been on display for two weeks at the town office, market and library.) 100 responses were received, of which two-thirds (63 responders) did believe there is a need for additional affordable housing in Hancock. 35 said no, and 3 were unsure.

The 62 who said 'yes' answered the other questions as follows:

"Who needs this housing?"

• Senior Citizens - 56
• Families with children - 43
• Town employees - 46
• Young adults - 43

"How should this housing be created?"

• Town-sponsored housing authority - 16
• Establish housing trust - 44
• Encourage private development through special zoning incentives - 20

"Should town property be used for affordable housing?"

• Yes - 38

"What type of housing should be created?"

• Single-family detached on separate lots - 22
• Single-family duplex on separate lots - 18
• Multi-family cluster development - 47
• Apartment building - 26

"What type of ownership should be considered?"

• Rental - 42
• Owner-occupied with resale restrictions - 37
• Owner-occupied with no restrictions - 13

"Would you be interested in affordable housing?"

• As a renter - 13
• As an owner - 13

"Criteria for Eligibility"

• Residency - 39
• Family residing in town - 26
• Town employees - 36
• Income restrictions - 33

"Residency and Employment"

• Do you live in Hancock? - 60
• Do you work in Hancock? - 15

36 of the 62 'yes' responders added comments, which are summarized here:

• Based on the responses, it would seem that affordable housing is a viable option for Hancock.
• Those identified as having the greatest need appear to be resident seniors who can no longer manage financially or physically to maintain their current homes.
• There is also strong support for town employyes and for young families with children.
• The development of multi-cluster family units is seen as one way to meet this need.
• An apartment building and single-family homes could provide for different ranges in age and income.
• Criteria for eligibility for this type of housing included both pro and con opinions regarding residency requirements and income restrictions.
• Town employees and persons with family living in town would be given preference.
• The majority preferred the creation of a Housing Authority as the enabling group to provide the housing.
• Others recommended that owners of empty houses or large homes with unused portions consider converting the vacant space to apartments.
• The election of legislators who will replace property taxes with an income tax was also suggested.
• The question of the use of town property was supported by 37, with 12 "no" and 12 'maybe' responses. Decisions should be based on each individual piece of land in question.
• Use the town master plan to identify priorities and integrate with other Forum groups.
• Affordable housing should be essentially tax-neutral with exception of tax relief to a non-profit corporation of trust.
• What effect would it have on zoning?
• More information is needed on alternatives and their impact.
• Additional housing, except for seniors, requires additional town services (administration, police, transportation, schools etc.).
• Town already 'crowded', especially schools.
• "Make it soon!"

Phase 2 of the survey, focusing on Employers and Employees in Hancock, will proceed in the next few weeks.

The committee's annual report to the town has been submitted for publication in the 2002 Town Annual Report, to be distributed at Town Meeting on March 15th.

Next meeting - Monday March 24th, 2003, in the Daniels Room at the library.

Summary of comments prepared by Shirley Kane and Lynn Frank
Minutes prepared by Paul Corcoran