SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 3, 2019
Members Present: D. Patterson (Chair); S. Gregg; M. Gammal; B. Kerr; D. Roy
Public Present: Cindy Reid (Cathedral Square); Anne Quinn; Christina Kasprisin; Robin Way (CIDER); Tim Maxham; Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA).
7:00PM – D. Patterson called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
There was none.
7:05PM – Public Hearing – Cathedral Square to discuss grant application to Vermont Community Development Program to evaluate the feasibility of developing new, affordable senior housing in South Hero
Cindy Reid represented Cathedral Square at the hearing; Robin Way represented CIDER.
Ms. Reid explained that Cathedral Square was working with CIDER to develop affordable senior housing in the Islands. The proposed site location is behind the current Health Center development on Rt 2 and will be accessed from Carter Lane. Cathedral is seeking support from the Town for a $60,000 feasibility study grant through the Vermont Community Development Program. The application deadline is April 16, 2019, with approval (if granted) in June. The housing will be for mixed-income, age 55 and up. Current plans are for 25 to 30 units. The Town of South Hero is the Applicant, but Ms. Reid explained that there is no risk to the Town and Cathedral Square will facilitate the grant.
Robin Way explained that housing has been the primary focus of CIDER since its inception. They would like to incorporate services at the new housing to help residents remain for as long as possible. It is his hope that residents never have to leave the Islands. He feels that they have found the best possible site here in South Hero for that. He also said that they hope to co-locate the CIDER offices at the new housing location.
Bridget Kerr asked what the definition of “affordable housing” is in this case? Ms. Reid explained that it was considered costing no more than 30% of a person’s income. They strived to offer a mixed range of rents. Anne Quinn asked what the maximum number of units that could be expected? Ms. Reid said that initially there is a plan for 25 to 30, but she was not sure what an eventual maximum number would be. That depended on site and capital considerations. B. Kerr also asked what CIDER’s plans were at the facility? Robin explained:
- Create an independent meals program.
- Continue their access/transportation program.
- Help to keep people active participants in the community so they can stay here.
- Provide volunteer opportunities for residents.
- Wellness programs.
- Possibly a meal site? Issue may be enough parking.
- Possibly SASH program, to help people remain in their homes.
- To be collaborative with the Health Center and the new Library.
7:30 PM – The hearing closed.
Final Review of Sign Ordinance
- Gregg moved to accept the final draft, with changes; D. Roy second. All in favor. Martha will make final edit and present it to the Selectboard at their April 8, 20019 meeting.
New/Old Business
The Commission re-visited the question of expanding the current Designated Village Center to include the proposed area for senior housing. This designation will expand the opportunity for additional grant funds should the project keep moving forward. S. Gregg will continue to work on this with the hope of having an application ready for a May 1st deadline.
Administrator’s Report
Martha met with Taylor Newton at NRPC to go over suggested minor changes to Section 505.D of the updated Development Regulations draft (Standards for Making Changes to Nonconformities) and to Figure 5.2 which references the copy. Taylor will have edited pages back to Martha within 2 weeks so she can get copies made of the final draft.
8:00 PM – S. Gregg moved to adjourn; D. Roy second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Marth Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly-scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.