Committee Report - Housing - 5-12-15 — File 199145

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 5/14/2015 May 12, 2015 REPORT OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Niedergang Chair Present Tony Lafuente Vice Chair Absent Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Others present: Michael Glavin - OSPCD, George Proakis - OSPCD, Michael Feloney - OSPCD, Omar Boukili - Mayor's Office 1. Approval of the April 14, 2015 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 196221: That the Director of SPCD provide SomerVision updates twice a year, broken down by ward, showing progress made in residential, affordable units, jobs, public space, trips via transit, bike and walking, and development in transformative areas. Mr. Proakis will report back on this issue. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196368: That the Director of SPCD submit a plan on the use of city owned properties as it relates to projected growth identified in the SomerVision Plan. Mr. Proakis will submit the information requested. The city will put out an RFP in the next couple of months for a study to be completed by the end of the year. Chairman Niedergang stated his desire to have aldermanic input on the hiring of the consultant. Alderman Ballantyne expressed concern about the sale of the Powderhouse School and the utilization of city buildings. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196188: That the Administration work with this Board to revise the Somervision Plan to provide more detailed goals with regard to affordable housing and the creation of a mix of housing units, especially those with more than 2 bedrooms, for long-term residents of all ages.

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 5/14/2015 Mr. Feloney, Mr. Glavin and Mr. Proakis spoke on this item. The discussion included the hiring of a consultant to determine the fiscal impacts of Union Square, residential development, middle class housing, benevolent landlord tax breaks and unit sizes. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198923: That the Director of SPCD appear before this Board to discuss the Administration's intention to direct the SomerVision Steering Committee to revise the SomerVision housing goal to 9,000 homes. See 196188 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196366: That the Director of SPCD submit a plan to create “Middle Class” housing. See 196188 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196886: That the Administration provide this Board with an update, in writing and within 2 weeks, on accessibility and improvements to the West Branch Library. Mr. Boukili reported that construction would probably begin in the spring of 2016. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197059: Director of Capital Projects responding to #196886 re: improvements at the West Branch Library. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198572: That the Mayor report to this Board on new main branch of the Public Library in Union Square. Mr. Glavin spoke about the opportunities for a library in Union Square and also about new locations for the Union Square Police and Fire stations. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198971: That the Administration detail plans for the Davis Square infrastructure project and confirm when the project will begin. Mr. Boukili reported that the surface improvements design phase is at about 75% and that the federal government announced that infrastructure improvements are eligible for grants.

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 5/14/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197475: That the Administration discuss with DCR, an agreement by which the City takes joint control of the DCR park area from Shore Drive to the riverbank so the City can maintain that area for the benefit and protection of its residents. Mr. Boukili spoke about working with the DCR and Mr. Glavin spoke about the design process. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197847: That the Director of SPCD and the Director of Traffic and Parking advise when the signs limiting entrance and exit from the 118 Holland Street driveway will be installed. Mr. Boukili stated that the sign would be installed this Thursday, May 14th. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197861: That the City Solicitor and the Director of SPCD (ISD) update this Board on the court filing for 75-77 Gordon Street (as requested in July), pertaining to operating a business and storing construction materials at the site. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198212: That the Director of SPCD update the Ward 7 Alderman on asphalt removal at 125 West Adams Street. Mr. Proakis informed the members that the property probably meets the pervious surface requirements. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED