Trust Hears of Funding Misses, Wetland Woes in Franklin Ridge project

Above, Jon Juhl providing an update on Franklin Ridge project.

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust met in a hybrid format on Tuesday morning, June 13 and in a brief meeting learned that two members did not plan to seek reappointment after their terms end on June 30. They also heard from Jon Juhl LLC regarding the discovery of previously unknown wetlands on the Franklin Ridge property and temporary financing glitches.

Regarding the Franklin Ridge senior housing project, consultant Jon Juhl shared the fact that Franklin’s application for funding from DHCD was not successful in the winter funding rounds, primarily because there is a new push to build and improve traditional municipal public housing projects across the state. The shifting state of the bond market is also an issue, he said.

He discussed future funding rounds as well as a growing focus on “greening” by funders, meaning a push by funders to have project be as environmentally friendly as possible. Town administrator Jamie Hellen asked Juhl if they would be requiring “net zero” standards and Juhl said he did not believe so. But Hellen recommended he double check because that stringent standard is becoming more common.

He noted that an examination of the Franklin Ridge project by the Conservation Commission earlier in the year had resulted in the discovery of “new” wetlands on one of the parcels, somewhat narrowing the potential for housing developments.

Staff member Maxine Kinhart reported on the status of two affordable homes on Palomino Drive. One was just sold and she said she was very happy to see that outcome. The prospective owner was a beneficiary of Section 8 Housing and also an escrow account program that allowed $12,000 to be saved toward a home purchase. Another home on that road is still awaiting a buyer.

Based on a request by Member Judith Pond Pfeffer, Kinhart also looking into the status of another affordable property where the owner died suddenly, seemingly without making arrangements to leave the property to someone. Pond Pfeffer was concerned about accumulating unpaid property taxes and perhaps condo fees – and the fact that there are many people who would appreciate an opportunity to own such a property, which must always remain affordable (any price increase must be within a formula).

Kinhart said she had established that the condo fees were being paid and that family members were apparently informed of the situation and likely working toward a resolution. Pond Pfeffer urged the Trustees and Town Administrator to look into the matter and try to get it resolved.

With the time for members to seek reappointment fast approaching, both Pond Pfeffer and Maryann Bertone indicated they did not plan to stay on, a development that caught chair Chris Vericker by surprise. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of both.

Pond Pfeffer noted after the meeting that when her term is over on June 30, it will mark the end of 33 years of continuous service on the Housing Trust. She also served 21 years on the Town Council and one term on the  School Committee.