Special Permit, 512 Washington St - Haverhill Meeting Calendar

Doc 21-F; CCSP-26-6 - Attorney Caitlyn Masys for client Essex County Habitat for Humanity requests a special permit to renovate existing property at 512 Washington St and divide it into three affordable housing units. Applicant seeks to tear down the existing dilapidated garage on the property and proposes to build a duplex on either side of the existing house, adding an additional four affordable housing units to the property. Once complete, the property will have seven residential units that will be converted to condominiums. There will be a provision within the condominium documents, as well as restrictions in each of the deeds, stating that every unit shall perpetually be defined as affordable housing. Each unit will then be sold to qualified low-income home buyers.

512 Washington St, Haverhill, MA on OpenStreetMap

Minutes

Councilor Sullivan stated he is going to recuse himself from this vote. Attorney Masys is a colleague at the law office.

President Jordan opened the hearing.

Attorney Caitlin Masys of Downey Law Office addressed the council on behalf of the applicant. She stated I am here on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to renovate a home on Washington Street into three units and add two duplexes. The entire property will be established as condominium with each unit individually sold to income qualified affordable homebuyers. Long-term affordability and resale restrictions will be included in the condominium documents. The project has received the required variances, addressed safety concerns and will undergo further development review if approved.

President Jordan asked if anyone would like to speak in favor.

Andrew Herlihy of the Community Development Department. He noted he supports the project affordable homeownership highlighting its focus on affordable homeownership and first-time buyers. The city contributed $250,000 in federal HOME funds toward acquisition and may provide additional homebuyer assistance.

President Jordan asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition. No one spoke.
President Jordan closed the hearing.

Motion by Councilor Diodati to approve. Second by Councilor Ferreira

Councilor Diodati and Councilor Basiliere expressed support for the project. Councilor Basiliere asked how the units would impact on the City’s Chapter 40B requirements and about future resale restrictions. Andrew Herlihy stated the units would count toward the City’s affordable housing numbers, keeping the City safe from penalties. Attorney Masys explained that resale restrictions would be based on an income-based formula and codified in the master deed and individual unit deeds, with the Planning Department recommending an agency oversee the restrictions. Vice President Michitson praised the presentation and the project, and President Jordan expressed strong support for the homeownership opportunity and thanked Keith Boucher for the project.

President Jordan stated Madam Clerk please call the roll:

City Clerk Wright Esposito: Vice President Michitson-yes, Councilor Basiliere-yes, Councilor Diodati-yes, Councilor Sullivan-not present, Councilor Ferreira-yes, Councilor Lewandowski-yes, Councilor Toohey-yes, Councilor McGonagle-yes, Councilor LePage-yes, Councilor Rogers-yes, President Jordan-yes.

Motion by Councilor Diodati to approve, Second by Councilor Ferreira
PASSED – Yeas 10, Nays 0, Absent 1 (Sullivan)
President Jordan stated that passes.