The Ad-hoc Housing Diversity Study Committee delivered their FINAL REPORT on December 31, 2023.  The Town Council acknowledged receipt on January 8, 2024, with a motion to send the report to a February 5, 2024 Workshop.

AD-HOC HOUSING DIVERSITY STUDY COMMITTEE HISTORY

RETIRED:  JANUARY 8, 2024

Approved by the Cape Elizabeth Town Council 5/9/2022

Amended September 11, 2023

In connection with Recommendations #83 of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, the Cape Elizabeth Town Council wishes to form the Housing Diversity Study Committee, a temporary advisory ad-hoc committee, to further research housing needs and issues as perceived by the residents of Cape Elizabeth.

Committee Structure:

The Housing Diversity Study Committee shall consist of seven (7) citizen members, appointed by the Town Council following a recommendation from the Appointments Committee.

The committee shall appoint its own Chair and Vice Chair, if determined necessary.

Any vacancy on the committee after the initial appointees have first met shall be filled by utilizing the Appointments Committee process.

Committee Charge

The Housing Diversity Study Committee is specifically charged with the following activities: 

• Familiarizing themselves with the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and the 2020 US Census results to understand current population and housing trends in the region, the change in demographics over the last decade in Cape Elizabeth, and potential barriers to housing opportunities for a variety of demographics, including but not limited to: seniors, workforce, young adults, families, and renters.
• Conduct a thorough review, facilitate discussion and information sharing, and gather public feedback on the results of the recently completed Housing Diversity Study Final Report.
• Explore the pros and cons and general public appetite for a variety of housing solutions that may be employed to meet the projected needs of the community.  Some areas to consider include, but are not limited to:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Non-conforming lots and minimum lot sizes
• Duplexes and multiplex housing, including the conversion of large single-family homes
• Taxpayer subsidies or incentive programs for construction or providing affordable housing
• The donation of municipal land for affordable housing projects, including potential locations

• The Committee will provide status reports and executive summaries of their work to the Town Council by the following dates:

• October 31, 2022 or after their third meeting, whichever is later
• March 31, 2023
• June 30, 2023

• The Committee will complete its work with a final report to the Town Council by December 31, 2023. (Amended 9/11/2023)

Recommendations provided to the Town Council are expected to be financially and practically viable with demonstrated success and/or application in other communities.  As such, experts in the field of housing, housing development, construction, planning, and others, are expected and encouraged to be consulted.

Committee Email: HDSC@capeelizabeth.org

Staff: K&J Strategic Solutions

Housing Diversity Study Committee Members:

Committee Duration

The Committee shall remain in duration for twelve (12) months except if the deadline is extended by the Town Council.  (Amended 9/11/2023)

Committee Budget

Funds for the committee's work up to $45,000 are hereby appropriated from the unassigned fund balance to support the committee's work by funding guest speakers and consultants to work with the committee and/or conduct professional public survey, if desired by the committee.

Committee Meeting Materials