CITY OF DANBURY
 Committee on Housing and Community Development
 155 Deer Hill Avenue
 Danbury , Connecticut 06810

Minutes of October 4, 2007

Present: Scalzo, Barrows, Elpern, Zaborowski

Absent: Lemme

Guest: P. Schierloh

The meeting of the Committee on Housing and Community Development of the Danbury Housing Partnership was held in Danbury City Hall, Planning and Zoning Department conference room, 1st floor on October 4, 2007. Chairperson Paul Scalzo called the meeting to order at 2:04pm.

All present members reviewed the minutes of September 6, 2007. A motion to accept the minutes was made by C. Barrows, seconded by S. Zaborowski, passed unanimously.

Chairperson Paul Scalzo addressed the agenda and welcomed Paul Schierloh to the meeting. Mr. Scalzo offered his appreciation to Mr. Schierloh for his input regarding updating the Committee’s role in the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Mr. Scalzo inquired as to an update on any appointments to the Housing Partnership. Mr. Schierloh indicated that the Mayor’s Office has been notified by the Housing Partnership of additional members being needed due to vacancies and that replacements as well as additional members are under consideration for appointment. An e-mail was sent to Mr. Schierloh from Joan Carty indicating that she could not attend the November 1st meeting, but if this Committee cancels and reschedules for November 8th, she would be able to attend. At this point in time, Joan can attend the December 6th meeting. Mr. Scalzo stated that since our committee meetings coincide with the Partnership’s monthly meeting, he would prefer not to cancel our November 1st meeting, but would like to formally invite Joan to our December 6th meeting. All present members agreed to this proposal.

Continuing with the agenda, staff presented the committee with a Danbury News-Times article regarding a housing project offered by MCCA. Mr. Elpern inquired if zoning approval was given for the 4 acre lot, which is located on the corner of Old Ridgebury Road and Larson Drive. The proposal at this time is to place 8 townhouse apartments that will provide affordable accommodations for recovering alcoholics. Chairman Scalzo indicated that this committee should promote this “supportive housing” for the City of Danbury.

Mr. Elpern checked the office files and provided information that the project has received approvals and is going forward. Mr. Scalzo stated that Joe Sullivan has operated a much needed and success programs for MCCA.

The second housing project brought to the committee’s attention is a 28 affordable housing development to be built on Scuppo Road. Mr. Schierloh provided detailed information and written material on Connecticut Outreach – West pilot program that will produce 28 units in one building. 11 are pilot supportive housing. Two units out of the 11 units offered will be set aside for the chronic homeless individual(s). The housing developer is from New Haven, and a tentative completion date is for 2009.

For the near future, 36 units are being proposed with these two housing projects. Mr. Scalzo also indicated that the Renaissance on Scuppo Road has tough income limitations requirements, therefore units are still available.

Another project on Grant Street has a proposal for 4-12 units. This project was assisted by Joan Carty and the Housing Development Fund. Projects can become affordable to both the developers, in the form of tax credits and potential buyers, in the form of low mortgage rates and down payment assistance.

Mr. Scalzo recommended that this committee review, support and recommend any of the viable housing projects being presented to the City to fulfill the requirements placed on this committee by the Homeless Plan.

Charlotte stated that she attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. At the luncheon, the Mayor indicated his support to utilize the old police station for senior housing. This proposal would have to go before the Common Council for approval. Ms. Barrows recommends that this committee support the Mayor’s proposal.

Mr. Elpern provided information on zoning incentives offered to developers for affordable housing, but they are not allowed to be population specific. Certain tax abatements, deferrals, credits, density bonuses, etc., are just a few of the incentives that the City of Danbury can offer to developers. Mr. Elpern also reported on a new Senate Bill #1500 that provides incentives to municipalities that voluntarily create Incentive Housing Zones at sizes and location of their choosing. The zones must accommodate higher densities and the municipalities must agree to ensure that 20% of the housing units will be affordable to residents earning 80% of the median income or less. Mr. Elpern stated that the City of Danbury could actually earn monetary awards by fulfilling the requirements specifically stated in this Senate Bill. A copy of the bill was provided to all committee members.

It would be in the best interest of the City to review and identify areas and zones that would qualify the City to receive state funds. If any committee members have questions or concerns after reading the material provided, they should inquire at the next

scheduled meeting. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by D. Elpern, seconded by C. Barrows, passed unanimously.