Housing Committee
Housing Committee
Embedded Files
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Scope of Work:
The Housing Committee is the Committee charged with studying, investigating and making recommendations with respect to the residential development in the Town. This includes such matters as single-family density, multi-family opportunities, and ways to better provide for affordable housing and/or workforce housing. The Housing Committee is also encouraged to work with the Aging Committee on issues dealing with senior housing. The Housing Committee is to report to the Zoning Updates Committee with respect to any proposed changes to the Town of Austerlitz Zoning Code which relates to housing. If there are specific recommendations that do not impact the Town’s Zoning Code, the Committee may make such recommendations directly to the Town Board.
In furtherance of the above, the Housing Committee should refer to the Comprehensive Plan, Recommendations F-1 through F-10 except F-6, as a guide but is not limited to those recommendations. (The Town Board will be working on short term rentals, F-6, initially but may
seek to collaborate with the Housing Committee at a future time.)
In addition, the Housing Committee may also work on the Comprehensive Plan Recommendations B-3c and G-1 (in coordination with the Zoning Updates Committee) and E-2 (in coordination with the Aging Committee).
Guidance Notes:
Housing is a broad topic and involves issues that may cross-over into the work of other Committees. Thus, the Housing Committee is encouraged to communicate and collaborate with other Committees as it deems appropriate and so long as it seeks guidance from the Zoning Updates Committee regarding issues that may impact zoning and the Town Board on any other issues. It should work with the Aging Committee on senior housing issues.
Reports:
The Housing Committee shall keep the Town Board regularly informed of its progress and should provide written or in-person reports to the Town Board at least once every month.
Housing Committee Members:
Vanessa Villanova, Chair
Kelly Harrison
Maria DeRosa
Deb Lans
Marian Casey
Town of Austerlitz Housing Committee
Mission Statement
1. Purpose
The Austerlitz Housing Committee was established by the Town Board pursuant to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan to study, investigate, and provide recommendations regarding residential development within the Town of Austerlitz. Its primary focus includes addressing single-family density, exploring multi-family housing opportunities, and identifying strategies to support affordable and workforce housing. The Committee shall also coordinate efforts to evaluate and recommend senior housing solutions.
2. Objectives
Assess current and future residential housing development needs in Austerlitz.
Conduct research and analysis. The Committee shall research and analyze Housing-related data, trends, and best practices to inform their recommendations. This may include studying housing needs assessments, demographic information, market conditions, and relevant regulations.
Recommend strategies and policies to support housing, consistent with the Town’s objectives of retaining its rural character:
Affordable and workforce housing options
Age-friendly and senior housing solutions
Coordinate with the Zoning Committee to propose changes to the Austerlitz Zoning Code that impact housing.
Submit non-zoning-related recommendations directly to the Town Board.
Collaborate with other committees where housing intersects their scope, particularly the Aging Committee for senior housing.
Identify funding opportunities to assist in accomplishing the Town’s goals.
3. Scope of Work
The Committee’s work will include, but is not limited to:
Data collection and analysis on housing stock, demand, and demographics
Identification of zoning barriers or opportunities related to residential development
Exploration of funding, partnership, or incentive models to support affordable/workforce housing
Evaluation of existing senior housing options and future needs
Drafting recommendations for policy, zoning, and programming to support housing goals
Identify and develop education opportunities (i.e. guest speakers) for residents
Refer to Comprehensive Plan for recommendations and policies concerning housing as specified in Schedule D of Town Board Resolution, adopted on December 19, 2024.
4. Governance & Reporting Structure
Governance: The Housing Committee is governed by the Town Board Resolution, adopted on December 19, 2024.
Reporting:
To the Zoning Committee: All recommendations involving zoning code changes
To the Town Board: Any recommendations not involving zoning code modifications
Coordination:
With the Aging Committee: On all matters related to senior housing
With Other Committees: As deemed relevant by the Housing Committee, ensuring appropriate coordination with the Town Board as needed
5. Membership & Meetings
Committee members shall be appointed by the Town Board.
A Chairperson is appointed by the Town Board to lead meetings, coordinate communication, and serve as the primary liaison to the Zoning Committee and Town Board.
The Committee shall meet regularly, with minutes and summaries shared with relevant town bodies as appropriate.
6. Duration & Review
This Mission Statement shall remain in effect until revised by the Town Board. The Housing Committee shall provide periodic updates to the Town Board, and the effectiveness of the Committee shall be reviewed annually. If there are any inconsistencies between this Mission Statement and Town Board Resolution, adopted on December 19, 2024, the Resolution shall control.
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