Housing Human Welfare Committee Meeting - October 20, 2025

This meeting marked the final session for the current Committee members. The agenda focused on personnel appointments, a wrap-up of the Affordable Housing Commission, and a comprehensive status report from the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) regarding redevelopment projects and operational improvements.

Consent Calendar

• Agreed to the approval of the agenda.
• Agreed to the approval of the amendments from the previous meeting on September 10, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ms. Val Bonham (Applicant for the Commission of Aging): Stated her professional background in medical ethics and law, including serving as the first Executive Director of President Obama's bioethics commission. She expressed that her motivation for serving is "strictly altruistic," citing her personal experience caring for her father who lived with the family until his passing at age 88 earlier this year.
• Ms. Teresa Britton (Commission Member): Expressing gratitude, stated she is "a hundred percent behind" and "a thousand percent behind" the upcoming redevelopment of housing under Director Maddox Evans, noting her long experience in the field and how physical changes to the environment impact people's livelihoods.
• Ms. Ruffin (Office of Community Development): Expressed full support for the work of the commission and the new director, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in the organization's capacity.

Discussion Items

• Appointment AP 5625 (Janine Tasker to Human Relations Commission): A motion was made to approve the full Council appointment. However, Alderman Gay expressed discomfort voting for a favorable recommendation without viewing Ms. Tasker's resume, as it was not accessible on Legistar despite availability on Granicus. Consequently, the Committee voted to make no recommendation to the Full Council regarding this appointment, with instructions to obtain the resume or potentially require the applicant's attendance at the Full Council meeting.
• Appointment AP 5725 (Valerie Bonham to Commission of Aging): After reviewing Ms. Bonham's oral presentation and background, the Committee voted unanimously to make a favorable recommendation for the Full Council's approval.
• HACA Overview and Development Projects: Director Maddox Evans provided a status update on HACA initiatives:
  • Robinwood Neighborhood: Reported the recent award of a 9% tax credit and a pending 4% tax credit application for a "twinning" project. The goal is to add 50 to 70 units to create a mixed-income portfolio, with a state dedication of $1.5 million for a new community center.
  • Bloomsbury Square: In the process of applying for 4% tax credits to upgrade the property to ensure financial sustainability.
  • Eastport Terrace/Harbor House: Selected Genesis and Monadnock as the development team, working with local architects (Winstec) and builders (Hamill). The project aims for a closing in 2027 and includes a commitment to local hiring, apprenticeships, and prevailing wage requirements.
  • Zoning and Density: Under current zoning, the Committee discussed the ability to increase density. Director Evans noted that Robinwood's "sweet spot" is approximately 226 units, including homeownership options, to prevent residents from being phased out when they increase their income. A clarification was provided that a procedural error had originally omitted a portion of the approved density increase, which is expected to be corrected.
  • Operational Updates: Reported that a $500,000 grant from the Committee and additional funding allowed HACA to hire management and construction oversight teams, resulting in 90% occupancy and significant improvements in licensing rates (100% at most properties) and recertification progress.

Key Outcomes

• AP 5625: No recommendation to Full Council due to missing resume documentation.
• AP 5725: Favorable recommendation to Full Council approved.
• HACA Projects: Committee acknowledged the progress on Robinwood, Bloomsbury Square, and Eastport Terrace, with specific focus on the timeline to close financing by late 2026/early 2027.
• Future Steps: HACA will continue monitoring zoning requirements and will solicit the Committee's assistance in identifying community organizations for mixed-use components (e.g., childcare, health clinics) in upcoming developments.
• Committee Transition: Members expressed strong support for the Chair Alderman Gay and the Committee's work, emphasizing that their advocacy was critical to securing the funding and operational stability HACA currently enjoys.