In response to questions from the Selectmen and neighbors at our meeting with Selectmen in July, we have made a number of changes to the house plans. First, we have added a second full bath to the second floor of each unit. We have also added a larger mudroom and private decks to each unit and relocated the garage to the the southern branch of the driveway rather than the northern branch as shown on the plans below.
We have also increased the insulation of the houses and are exploring solar hot water systems. These energy-efficiency measures add cost up front but the favorable construction market has enabled us to come in below anticipated costs in other areas of the project. In addition to reducing energy use -- the carbon foot print -- of the house, this also has long term financial impact on the project because affordable housing regulations cap the total amount a tenant can pay for housing, including rent and utility costs, based on the size of the family and their income. If utility costs are lower, we are able to receive more in rent and still remain under the cap. In affordable housing, where rent is based on the tenants ability to pay, we must always be conscious of being able to pay operating expenses AND building our capital reserve for future home maintenance. Receiving higher rent, without increasing tenants overall costs, helps ensure longterm viability of the housing and reduces or eliminates the need for periodic subsidies or fundraising. So, every body wins.
As I mentioned in my August 5 post, our LIP application is with the Mass. DHCD being processed. We have had a few inquiries from them, needing clarification or additional supporting documentation. We hope to hear from the DHCD in the next several weeks.
We are also beginning the negotiation with the town on the grant agreement. This is the document that finalizes the process by which we will receive the Community Preservation grant funds approved at town meeting this spring. Since we have been down this path with the town previously we expect this to be a relatively straightforward process.
We have also increased the insulation of the houses and are exploring solar hot water systems. These energy-efficiency measures add cost up front but the favorable construction market has enabled us to come in below anticipated costs in other areas of the project. In addition to reducing energy use -- the carbon foot print -- of the house, this also has long term financial impact on the project because affordable housing regulations cap the total amount a tenant can pay for housing, including rent and utility costs, based on the size of the family and their income. If utility costs are lower, we are able to receive more in rent and still remain under the cap. In affordable housing, where rent is based on the tenants ability to pay, we must always be conscious of being able to pay operating expenses AND building our capital reserve for future home maintenance. Receiving higher rent, without increasing tenants overall costs, helps ensure longterm viability of the housing and reduces or eliminates the need for periodic subsidies or fundraising. So, every body wins.
As I mentioned in my August 5 post, our LIP application is with the Mass. DHCD being processed. We have had a few inquiries from them, needing clarification or additional supporting documentation. We hope to hear from the DHCD in the next several weeks.
We are also beginning the negotiation with the town on the grant agreement. This is the document that finalizes the process by which we will receive the Community Preservation grant funds approved at town meeting this spring. Since we have been down this path with the town previously we expect this to be a relatively straightforward process.
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