Housing and Community Development Committee

Committee Room and Remote Participation

Agenda — 10 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 11/19/24 at 8:15 AM)
2. 1 This meeting was held in the Committee Room and virtually via Zoom, was called to order at 6:03 pm by Chair Strezo, and adjourned at 8:00 pm with a roll call vote of three in favor (Councilor Clingan, Mbah, and Chair Strezo), none opposed, and none absent. Councilor Mbah joined the meeting at 6:05pm. Others present: Director of Housing Stability - Ellen Shachter, Director of Housing - Michael Feloney, Deputy Director of Housing - Lisa Davidson, Executive Director of OSPCD - Thomas Galligani, Legislative Liaison - Kimberly Hutter, Legislative Services Manager - Madelyn Letellier. .
3. 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EQl0tpa2RgyENELGP_UsQQ Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
4. 3 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting of October 21, 2024. 24-1539 Accepted Pass
6. 2. That the Director of Office of Housing Stability appear before the Housing and Community Development Committee to discuss the current status of residents facing displacement and the number of households seeking rental assistance. 24-0075 Kept in committee
7. 3. That the Administration work with the vendor to review the certification and re-certification processes for affordable housing units and identify ways to streamline the process and make it less onerous for residents. 24-1009 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 4. Fair Housing Commission conveying the FY 2023 Annual Report pursuant to Section 17-7 of the Code of Ordinances. 24-1446 Kept in committee
9. 5. That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning discuss the potential for density bonus incentives, such as $150,000 for homeowners to build affordable housing for rent or homeownership. 24-0071 Kept in committee
10. 6. That the Director of Economic Development discuss with this Council ways to provide small businesses with financial and technical support when impacted by construction and other emergencies. 24-1008 Kept in committee