The Housing Task Force (HTF) has suggested housing alternatives and worked closely with City staff on the following items:

• Articles
• Availability
• Condition
• Consumer choice
• Grant proposals
• Health and protection
• Location and safety of homes in Montpelier
• Ordinances
• Studies
• Workshops
• Zoning and subsidies related to the cost

In addition, for the 1st time in many years, there has been real progress on newly constructed, multi-family housing. Among the many actions taken by the City, we highlight the following:

Development - New Homes & Housing Options

• HTF (Elmo Cecchini) proposes Home Share Program for Central Vermont; HTF writes proposal and Montpelier application funded by CDBG , 2003, Home Share funded by Legislature in 2004
• HTF and City encourage local private, public and nonprofit developers to commence important housing and community development projects (Dickey Block, River Station and CVCLT homeownership and scattered site)
• HTF supports (higher density) zoning amendment for lower Barre Street, GB to CB II, Letter to Planning Commission July 7, 2003
• HTF meets with Union Institute to encourage partnership with CVCLT on sale of buildings near College Green, February 26, 2004
• HTF facilitates successful grant application to Smart Growth Collaborative for HTF ‘One More Home Campaign’ spring 2004.
• HTF supports CDBG Grant for River Station Project (now involving CVCLT), spring 2004
• Housing Preservation Loan Program. In September of 2002, the City was awarded a $50,000 grant from Rural Development providee early 100 renovation loans to low and moderate income Montpelier homeowners. Another application for Rural Development funds pending
• Westview Meadows - 52 units elders (36 independent,16 assisted) nearing completion, 2003-04. HTF heard a presentation from the developers but was not asked to participate in permitting

Outreach, Education & Housing Reports

• HTF Breakfast with Business Leaders to Discuss Housing in Montpelier, New England Culinary Institute , April 2003
• HTF Member writes Times Argus Commentary, “Solving Area’s High Cost of Housing is Crucial to Keeping Economy Going” April 2003
• HTF Works with Housing Awareness Campaign in Central Vermont, 2003
• HTF Agenda Posted on City of Montpelier Web Page, 2003
• HTF Presentation to Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, 2003
• CVCLT AmeriCorps member Clare Bootle continues good work in 2003-04
• HTF presents Affordable Housing 101 Workshop, January 20th 2004
• HTF meets with Mayoral Candidate Marge Powers and Progressive Coalition, January 28, 2004
• HTF Creates LISTSERV “Montpelierhousingtaskforce”, Yahoo Group, March 2004
• HTF writes Housing Series for Montpelier Bridge, March - April 2004
• City of Montpelier completes Housing Inventory and Needs Assessment, 2003

Planning & Zoning

• HTF Presented Sabins Pasture Alternative Zoning Amendment Proposal to Planning Commission (on city WebPages) April 17, 2003
• HTF Testifies before City Council on Sabins Pasture Interim Zoning, May 2003
• HTF supported density for Lendway Project, discussed above, July 20, 2003
• HTF participates in affordable housing roundtable at city hall
• HTF presents to Montpelier Planning Commission, October 14 and 17, 2003
• HTF writes to Washington County Senators positive changes to Chapter 117, conditional use, ancillary apartments and inclusionary zoning, February 2004

Homelessness Prevention & Consumer Protections

• HTF writes Fire Safety Inspection Program Brochure, City mails, 2002
• HTF proposes and finds sponsor for Rental Opportunity Center - Central Vermont Community Action Council, July 20, 2003
• HTF talk to Fire Chief about cost impact of Sprinkler Ordinance on affordability of single-family homes, February 2004
• HTF writes letter to City Council proposing revolving fund for lower income homeowners unable to afford the cost of sprinklers, (unfinished), March 2004
• Property Taxation, Municipal Spending and Governance
• HTF writes “Property Taxes, Rebates and Prebates - Q and A about Municipal and School Taxes” The Montpelier Bridge, November 2003
• HTF supports City Council funding for the Department of Planning and Development, 1/2004