Amenia eyes density bonus to spur affordable housing

AMENIA — The Thursday, Dec. 1 meeting began with Supervisor Victoria Perotti opening a Public Hearing pertaining to a Local Law for Affordable Housing.

Charlie Miller, speaking for the Housing Committee, said a revision had been presented to the town attorney and talked about a density bonus.

The density bonus is the most common form of incentive used by inclusionary housing programs, and provides an increase in allowed dwelling units per acre, and can also mean that more housing units can be built on any given site. Miller feels that the density bonus would be an incentive to builders. He also feels if a density bonus were offered, and the builder opts out they should not be allowed to pay a fee in lieu of building affordable housing.

Perotti is leaving the matter open until the next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner mentioned events taking place, such as the Toy Drive. There are boxes in the Town, and also in Town Hall, for new, unwrapped toys to be given out.

A resolution was voted on and passed to renew the contract with the Pine Plains Veterinary practice to feed, house and provide veterinary care for dogs obtained through Amenia dog control.

A resolution to contract with Uncharted for their services at a cost of $75,000 was discussed. Uncharted gave a presentation in October.  It gathers data and builds a platform, also suggests grants for the town to pursue regarding the water district.

Councilmember Leo Blackman felt that the contract suggested that Uncharted would only pursue grant materials for the water district, and that the waste water project was being ignored.

There is $10,000 budgeted for grant writing for the waste water project, but Blackman felt that more was needed given that $75,000 was being earmarked for the water district.

After some discussion, in which Perotti said that the water district is an existing entity with 300 parties in the district, that it needs immediate help, and is the town’s priority. She said that they need a new tank, a new well and improvements to the water infrastructure.

Information gathered by Unchartered can be used for any grants the town wants to pursue.

One Board member recalled that in the October presentation it did not specifically state only the water district was a project, but also mentioned other water projects, including waste water or sewer.

A resolution to contract Capital Market, at rate of $250 per hour was voted on and passed. It will assist with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which if not used must be returned. Perotti supported the resolution. After a vote, it was passed. A final resolution, allowing the transfer of funds, was voted on and passed.

Discussion took place on a piece of property owned by the Town, located at the head of the Rail Trail that Habitat for Humanity has expressed interest in for affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity inquired whether the town would donate the property; the town attorney said that wasn’t possible. Before the town can offer the property for sale it has to be appraised. A resolution was made to obtain bids for an appraiser.

There is a property the town is interested in obtaining and officials have applied for a grant.

The owner wants the town to make an offer. It has been appraised at $300,000. The offer is contingent on appraisal, survey and inspection of said property. At the next meeting a resolution will be made to accept a bid for appraisals.

The meeting adjourned about 8:45. The next meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 15.

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