Housing and Home Ownership

Housing and Homeownership

• (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
• (w/ C. Martin) Req. Mgr. report on progress of the REEL program and plan to encourage more public participation.
• Req. Mgr. reconsider network of transit overlay districts with adjusted minimum parking requirements to encourage neighborhood business or affordable housing development with thorough transportation demand management plans.
• Req. Mgr. report on rental permitting requirements for landlords.
• Req. Mgr. explore possible collaboration with Habitat for Humanity on a “Rock the Block” neighborhood revitalization project in coordination with Manager’s Impact Initiative.
• Req. Mgr. review home business zoning regulations to potentially allow more employees and spur local job growth.
• Req. Mgr. further improve building permitting process for homeowners.
• Req. Mgr. provide analysis of MA Housing Development Incentive Program and potential guidelines on its local application.
• Req. Mgr./Development Services Dept. draft policy waiving permitting fees to incentivize purchase and redevelopment of blighted/abandoned properties to be owner-occupied in targeted areas.
• Req. Mgr. consider reduction in certain building permit fees in order to incentivize the use of low-impact development practices.
• Req. Mgr./Law Dept report on potential of residential property tax abatement program for the renovation of abandoned or blighted properties in targeted areas.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress toward a water conservation retrofit and rebate program to be implemented possibly in coordination with energy efficiency loans and grants.
• Req. Mgr. explore possibility of waiving first-time home buyer requirement for Veterans seeking down-payment assistance.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD review Historic District restrictions when in conflict with energy efficiency retrofits.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD/Law Dept provide analysis of greater restrictions on construction within the flood plain, and possible facilitation of an interim transfer of development rights process.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.