The Montpelier Housing Task Force was organized in 1999 in order to (1) gather and evaluate information regarding housing trends in the City, (2) to develop responses to housing concerns that are identified, and (3) to recommend housing policies to City Government. Task Force Goal Statement is:


2002 Report to City Council (June 2002)

• Collected extensive data on the loss of housing, new housing projects, sales of homes and the affordability of housing in Montpelier.
• Catalyst for obtaining grants, hiring consultants, and finding Council on Aging to sponsor HomeShare Program for the Central Vermont region.
• Completed vacancy rate study of Montpelier’s rental units.
• Promoted the creation of the City’s Community Development Specialist position. George Seiffert and Valerie Capels have been important resources for the Task Force and City.
• Worked with Community Development Specialist to revise Housing Code and update language on lead paint, monitor zoning revisions and develop a housing inventory and needs assessment for the City.
• Worked with Fire Chief to create booklet (mailed with water bill) and begin a voluntary Fire Safety Inspections Program. 54 homes inspected.
• Mobilized the community to speak out against the decline of housing stock in the Court Street neighborhood, and have been advocates for the preservation of two historic homes on Court Street.
• Educated members about housing policies used by other communities.
• Urged Council to adopt Planning Commission zoning recommendation and reject Friends of Sabin’s Pasture petition.
• Presented annual reports to City Council.

"All people shall have the right to live where they choose, to be decently housed, and to bring up their families in comfort and security." - African National Congress Freedom Charter

2003 - 2004 Report to City Council (May 21, 2004)
The Task Force has suggested housing alternatives and worked closely with City staff on articles, workshops, grant proposals, studies, ordinances, zoning and subsidies related to the cost, condition, availability, location, and safety of homes in Montpelier, consumer choice, health and protection. In addition, for the first 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 and Housing Options

• HTF (Elmo Cecchini) proposes HomeShare Program for Central Vermont; HTF writes proposal and Montpelier application funded by CDBG , 2003, Homeshare 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 & 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 and 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 & 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 & Governance
• HTF writes “Property Taxes, Rebates and Prebates – Q & A about Municipal and School Taxes” The Montpelier Bridge, November 2003.
• HTF supports City Council funding for the Department of Planning & Development, 1/2004

2005 Report to City Council (March)

• Letter to City Council – support of proposed ordinance enabling a Montpelier Housing Inspection Program and list of recommendations (9/22/04)
• Jack McCullough takes on position of co-chair. (October 2004)
• Letter to School Board – response to housing trends and school kids (10/20/04)
• Published and distributed the Central Vermont Housing Resource Guide (Winter 2004 – 2005)
• Testified at Zoning and Master Plan Public Hearings
• The Montpelier Bridge – Commentary on Sabin’s Pasture (11/29/04)
• Statement to Planning Commission – Sabin’s Zoning (12/1/04)
• Written Comments to Planning Commission – proposed amendments to Master Plan (Sabin’s Pasture) (12/13/05)
• Letter to City Council - Opposition to Cuts in CD Dept. (12/22/04)
• Testified at Budget Public Hearings: advocated to retain CD position. (1/2005) 
• Submitted new accessory apartment language to Planning Commission (1/2005)
• Letters to Editor, Bridge & TA on Article 14
• Organized and campaigned for the passage of Article 14 ballot item Housing Trust Fund (February – March 2005)

2005-2006 Report to Council (October)

March 2005	Voters Approve “One Penny for Housing” – Housing Fund
April 2005	Councilor Tom Golonka joins Task Force
July 2005	Council Adopts Guidelines Housing for Trust Fund
Summer 2005	CVCLT Starts Construction of 36 Barre St apartments
Fall 2005	HTF Members panelists at 3 regional meetings of Housing Awareness Campaign
Nov. 2005	“Markowitz Group Principles for Sabins Pasture,” presented to City Council
January 2006	Council awards $52,000 in Housing Trust Funds to CVCLT for River Station Condominiums
Jan 2006	Central Vermont Economic Collaborative focuses on affordable housing
February 2006	CVEC Sponsors Housing Conference
March 2006	Voters Reauthorize Housing Trust Fund with Minor Changes
Spring 2006	One More Home Campaign: Promote Accessory Apartments in Montpelier
July 1, 2006	River Station Apartments Open: 36 New (Rental) Homes and state officials praise Montpelier’s housing initiatives at ribbon cutting
August 2006	Montpelier Receives Favorable Reviews for “small” idea TA article
Summer 2006	Construction Starts on 18 River Station Condominiums on Barre Street
August 2006	Council Adopts Sabins Pasture Zoning; Accessory Apartments & Other Incentives for Affordable Housing
September 2006	City Reports interest in new accessory apartments from homeowners; researching other use of CDBG funds

2007 Ongoing Activities (September 2007)

March 2007	City Voters approve a 3rd year of funding for Housing Trust Fund
April 2007	Council proclaims week of April 22nd as “Affordable Housing Week” Local Housing Awareness Campaign; $250 Grant from VHFA
June 2007	River Station Condominiums completed; 10 sold as of September
August 2007	Council approves $52,000 HTF award to CVCLT rental project (Bianchi)
September 2007	City receives Smart Growth Vermont Award for Accessory Apartment Program

Homelessness – Central Vermont faces a growing problem with youth who are threatened with loss of housing, education and employment or are homeless.
Vermont Interfaith Action – This year, the Task Force will finally explore collaboration with the faith community on affordable housing.
Development Goals and Objectives – As the Task Force continues to work on the Master Plan Housing Element, we will work with the community, council and city staff to consider annual production goals for housing including, but not limited to, affordable homeownership units, affordable rentals, transitional housing, and shelters. Though Montpelier needs to protect its existing housing stock, it may also be helpful to have specific units goals against which to measure our progress.
Sabins Pasture – Since the Trust for Public Land has negotiated an Option Agreement, the conversation about housing and conservation on Sabin’s Pasture continues.