City Council - Housing & Community Development Committee Hearing on Docket #1440

Meeting Date: October 09, 2025 at 02:00 PM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Housing & Community Development Committee Type of Meeting: Public Hearing Attendees:

• Councilors: Liz Breadon (Chair), Julia Mejia, Brian Worrell, Edward Flynn, Ruthzee Louijeune, John Fitzgerald, Benjamin Weber, Sharon Durkan
• Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH): Sheila Dillon (Chief), Rick Wilson (Director of Administration and Finance), Karen Rebaza (Director of Boston Home Center), Rihanna Burnell (MOH Staff)
• Planning Department: Jeffrey Thomas (Special Assistant to the Chief of Planning)
• MAHA: Hilary Pizer (Director of Organizing and Policy)
• Public Testifiers: Sonal Patel, Senator Diane Wilkerson, Bailey Niokas (President, Father Martin Homes Board of Directors), Katie Narduzzo (Treasurer, Father Martin Homes Board of Directors), Roxana Hidalgo (Board Member, Father Martin Homes), Heather Cook (President, Tent City Tenant Association), Wei Chen (Roxbury Pace Condominium Resident)

Executive Summary

This hearing addressed Docket #1440, focusing on public expenditures and fiscal oversight related to homeownership investments in Boston. Key discussions revolved around expanding homeownership opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents, and addressing challenges faced by existing affordable housing models like cooperatives and limited-equity developments. The Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH) highlighted initiatives such as financial assistance for first-time homebuyers, income-restricted ownership developments, and foreclosure prevention services. Public testimony revealed significant concerns regarding the financial sustainability and governance of specific cooperative and limited-equity developments, including Father Martin Homes and Tent City, with residents expressing confusion over ownership structures, escalating costs, and lack of transparency. The need for increased oversight, clearer communication, and sustainable funding mechanisms for long-term affordability and maintenance was a recurring theme.

Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order and Opening Remarks

• Meeting Called to Order: 2:07 PM
• Chair: Councilor Liz Breadon, District 9, Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Housing and Community Development.
• Recording and Broadcast: The hearing was recorded and live-streamed at boston.gov/city-council-tv, and broadcast on Xfinity channel 8, RCN channel 82, Fios Channel 964.
• Written Comments: Accepted via email at ccc.housing@boston.gov.
• Public Testimony: Individuals had two minutes to testify, called in order of sign-up.
• Docket #1440: Order for a hearing to review public expenditures and fiscal oversight related to ownership investments in Boston.
  • Sponsors: Councilors Julia Mejia, Brian Worrell, and Erin Murphy.
  • Referral Date: August 6, 2025.

A. Opening Statements by Councilors

• Councilor Julia Mejia (Lead Sponsor):
  • Thanked Chair Breadon, co-sponsors, and the administration for their advocacy and work on homeownership.
  • Stated the hearing was prompted by residents' experiences with "unexpected financial burdens, complicated governance structures, and unclear policies."
  • Highlighted issues in mixed-income developments, co-ops with limited equity, construction defects, and challenges with green building designs.
  • Expressed hope for "better oversight, more transparency, and ultimately more sustainable home ownership in Boston."
• Councilor Edward Flynn:
  • Thanked the administration, Chair Breadon, and co-sponsors.
  • Acknowledged residents and activists, specifically mentioning Father Martin Homes and Tent City.
  • Expressed interest in learning more about the issues.
• Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune:
  • Thanked Councilor Breadon and Councilor Mejia.
  • Commended the administration's work on homeownership, stating "the best form of rent control is homeownership."
  • Acknowledged Hilary Pizer from MAHA for advocacy.
  • Expressed commitment to the work and looked forward to the conversation.
• Councilor Brian Worrell (Co-Sponsor):
  • Advocated for increased investment and zoning changes to expand homeownership.
  • Acknowledged the administration's recent investments.
  • Emphasized the benefits of homeownership for broader policy goals.

II. Panel Testimony: Mayor's Office of Housing and MAHA

• Panelists:
  • Sheila Dillon, Chief of the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH)
  • Rick Wilson, Director of Administration and Finance, MOH
  • Karen Rebaza, Director of the Boston Home Center
  • Jeffrey Thomas, Special Assistant to the Chief of Planning
  • Hilary Pizer, Director of Organizing and Policy, MAHA
• Chief Sheila Dillon:
  • Thanked the City Council for support in homeownership programs.
  • Acknowledged the Boston Home Center's work.
• Karen Rebaza (Director, Boston Home Center):
  • Current Homeownership Landscape:
    • Median home sales price: $789,000.
    • Homeownership vacancy rate: 1.1%.
    • Racial disparities: 43% White, 32% Black, 18% Latinx homeownership rates.
  • MOH Initiatives:
    • Financial assistance for first-time homebuyers.
    • Income-restricted ownership opportunities.
    • Investments from Community Preservation Act (CPA), Neighborhood Housing Trust, Community Builder Program, and ARPA funds.
  • Boston Home Center Services:
    • Education, counseling, and technical support for homebuyers.
    • Condominium buyer class (partnered with MAHA): 551 graduates.
    • Credit Booster Program (partnered with Urban Edge): Financial literacy and grants to improve credit scores.
    • First Generation Home Buyer Match Savings Program (partnered with MAHA): 648 enrolled, 124 closed.
    • Language accessibility: Programs and documents available in 11 languages.
  • Financial Assistance:
    • Down payment and closing cost assistance.
    • OnePlus Boston program (partnered with MAHA and MHP): Interest rate subsidy.
    • Since 2022: Assisted 1,059 homebuyers (50% BIPOC, most below 100% AMI).
    • BHA First Home Program (partnered with Boston Housing Authority): 85 residents assisted (83% BIPOC).
• Chief Sheila Dillon (continued):
  • New Homeownership Development:
    • Increased focus on supporting new homeownership construction.
    • Utilizing city land and resources.
    • Inclusionary Zoning Program (and former IDP) for lower-cost units.
    • Since 2022: 526 new homeownership units completed, 368 in construction, over 1,000 in affordable pipeline.
    • Prioritizing local developers and providing technical assistance.
    • Examples:
      • Norwell Street: 12 mixed-income homeownership units (to be completed July).
      • Hudson Street (Chinatown): Library with over 100 affordable housing units, 44 homeownership units.
      • Olmsted Green: 80 homeownership units (singles and townhomes) recently completed and marketed.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
    • Technical assistance for existing condominium projects.
    • Home repair programs and new heating systems for seniors via Boston Home Center.
    • Foreclosure prevention services (in-house and with nonprofits).
• Hilary Pizer (Director, MAHA):
  • MAHA works with homebuyers before, during, and after purchase.
  • Highlighted MAHA's organizing, advocacy, and research.
  • Noted MAHA graduates over 5,500 first-time homebuyers annually.
  • Emphasized the importance of creating more homeownership opportunities.

III. Councilor Questions to Panel

• Councilor Julia Mejia:
  • Father Martin Homes Debt: Asked for clarification on the current debt and loan terms.
    • MOH Response: Balance of $636,000 (restructured in 2021, no-interest loan, matures 2044). Annual payments were $10,000, increasing to $20,000. MOH is open to further restructuring.
  • Ownership Structure (Father Martin Homes): Asked if residents are owners or equity partners.
    • MOH Response: It's a co-op owned by residents. Residents pay maintenance, but the co-op entity owns the property.
  • Fair Bidding Process: Asked about ensuring fair and competitive bidding for construction/repair work in city-sponsored projects.
    • MOH Response: Follows Chapter 30B for land disposition, issues RFPs, usually receives multiple responses. Criteria are spelled out, and technical assistance is provided to small developers.
  • Communication with Co-op Residents: Asked about clarity of disclosures and communication over decades, especially for Father Martin Homes.
    • MOH Response: Acknowledged past issues with clarity; current homebuying classes include clear disclosures, and buyers are encouraged to work with attorneys. MOH will review past documentation for Father Martin.
• Councilor Brian Worrell:
  • Foreclosure Prevention: Asked about the breakdown of residents helped (affordable vs. market rate).
    • MOH Response (Karen Rebaza): Helps any Boston resident. Since 2022, 516 homeowners assisted. Mix of affordable and market rate, but "very rare" for deed-restricted homeowners to face foreclosure due to strict mortgage requirements and close tracking.
  • BHA First Home Program Growth: Asked about year-over-year growth.
    • MOH Response (Karen Rebaza): Grew 200% from previous years (from ~20 to 85 buyers in less than three years). Acknowledged ARPA funding for this.
    • Chief Dillon: MOH proactively reaches out to OnePlus Boston participants after 30 days of missed payments.
  • Affordable Housing Restrictions: Asked about differences in income caps/restrictions between affordable rental and homeownership.
    • Chief Dillon: Affordable rental tenants may need to leave if income exceeds a certain percentage. Homeownership (30-year affordability term) allows owners to stay regardless of income increase; no resale restrictions after 30 years.
  • Funding for Homeownership vs. Rental: Asked if homeownership projects receive more funding due to perceived difficulty.
    • Chief Dillon: Less resources for affordable homeownership compared to rental projects (which tap into taxes, bonds, LIHTC). State programs like Commonwealth Builder are oversubscribed. CPA and IDP are key sources for homeownership.
  • Number of Affordable Homeownership Units: Asked for an updated number.
    • Hilary Pizer: Estimated 3,000 units (including those in pipeline). MOH will provide exact updated numbers.
• Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune:
  • Housing Cooperatives: Asked about specific co-ops (e.g., Meth Union) and challenges.
    • Chief Dillon: Confirmed Meth Union is a co-op. Noted Boston has fewer co-ops than other cities (e.g., NYC). Challenges include difficulty for low/moderate-income households to keep pace with costs, leading to deferred maintenance, and governance issues.
  • Welcome Home Boston Program (Phase 3): Asked about the model for making market housing affordable without deed restrictions.
    • Chief Dillon: RFP for 10 parcels of land offered at discounted value, seeking developers to build units below market rate for middle/high-middle income families. Explored modular construction. RFP due next week.
    • Chief Dillon: Will income certify and use a lottery for these units, with short-term restrictions due to closer-to-market pricing. Acknowledged the challenge of incentivizing market-rate developers to build for this segment.
    • Hilary Pizer: Noted this serves a different market; MAHA's focus is on those below 80% AMI, where the greatest need is.
• Councilor John Fitzgerald:
  • ARPA Funding Sustainability: Asked about continuing homeownership initiatives after ARPA funds expire.
    • Rick Wilson: ARPA was a "godsend." CPA and IDP revenue are other sources, but overall sources are dwindling. Property transfer fee at the state level has been unsuccessful.
    • Chief Dillon: Boston Home Center has reduced down payment assistance amounts to help more people (250-300 annually) with existing funds.
  • "Transient Rentals" in Homeownership Developments: Expressed concern about new homeownership units being bought by investors and rented out.
    • Chief Dillon: Acknowledged the challenge. Suggested developers could agree to master condo structures with bylaws limiting rentals.
  • Family-Oriented Units: Asked about building more family-oriented homeownership units.
    • Chief Dillon: City-funded projects prioritize family units (condos or townhomes).
    • Jeffrey Thomas (Planning): Demand for housing is high. Planning is considering rezoning to incentivize townhomes and directing MOH funding to support familial-scale homeownership.
• Councilor Benjamin Weber:
  • Impact of Homeownership Programs on Housing Costs: Asked how helping people buy homes impacts overall housing costs.
    • Chief Dillon: Programs help people buy existing market-rate homes or newly created affordable units. Deed-restricted units have a 5% appreciation rate, mirroring the market but starting at a lower price point.
  • Funding for Financial Assistance: Asked about the dollar figure available for down payment/financial assistance.
    • Rick Wilson: City budget allocates ~$4 million annually. CPA and CDBG funds can be added, bringing it to ~$6 million.
    • Karen Rebaza: Funds are "150% gone." Goal is to serve 250 buyers; ARPA helped serve 376. Concerned about maintaining numbers without ARPA.
  • Supply of Housing: Asked if lack of housing supply is an issue for people using these funds.
    • Chief Dillon: It's hard for moderate-income families to find units, but they buy older homes, condos, and newly created stock.
  • Location of Purchases: Asked where housing is being purchased.
    • Karen Rebaza: Provided examples: Mattapan (127 buyers), Dorchester (188 buyers) out of 1,059 recipients. Data on where units are located can be provided.
• Councilor Sharon Durkan:
  • Maximizing Density on Public Land: Advocated for maximizing density when using publicly owned land or subsidizing CDCs.
    • Chief Dillon: Acknowledged the need for compromise between existing context and higher density. Aims for 4-5 units on triple-decker sites or 3-6 townhomes. Supports dense housing near transit to help the most people with limited resources.
  • BHA Homeownership Program without ARPA: Asked for an update on its continuation.
    • Karen Rebaza: Program "can and it is" continuing. 85 buyers to date. Still utilizing ARPA funds, but it's a priority to continue.
  • Role of CDCs in Development Projects: Asked about the administration's opinion on CDCs opposing other development projects, especially concerning community benefits.
    • Chief Dillon: Hopes nonprofits evaluate market-rate developments for community benefit, not personal extraction. Noted CDCs often partner with developers to meet IDP requirements.
    • Jeffrey Thomas (Planning): Acknowledged "competition for resources." Article 80 reform aims for transparency with a new disclosure requirement to ensure "open mind and a clean bill."
• Councilor Liz Breadon (Chair):
  • Condominium Buyer Classes: Asked if the number of condo-focused classes is increasing and about common pitfalls.
    • Hilary Pizer: MAHA offers Homebuyer 101, then Homeowner 201 or Condo Owner 202. Encourages condo class before purchase.
    • Karen Rebaza: MOH works with MAHA to revamp condo curriculum. Provides technical assistance to condo associations, including financial review.
    • Chief Dillon: Older, affordable condominiums need significant technical assistance and resources for deferred maintenance. Unlike rental projects, they don't recapitalize.
  • Co-op Maintenance: Asked if co-ops also struggle with setting aside funds for long-term maintenance.
    • Chief Dillon: "Some of them" are dealing with that issue.
  • Construction Quality: Asked about quality standards for contractors, given issues appearing years after construction.
    • Chief Dillon: No official "beware" list. For market-rate developments, city's role is limited to suggesting legal counsel. For income-eligible residents with large assessments, Karen's team may assist.
• Councilor Julia Mejia (Second Round):
  • Father Martin Homes Debt Discrepancy: Noted community reports of $5.2 million vs. MOH's $636,000.
    • Rihanna Burnell (MOH): Confirmed there are three loans. One accrued interest, now a silent loan of ~$7.5 million, due 2044. Explained that forgiving all interest had negative tax implications for the limited partnership structure.
  • Father Martin Homes Ownership Status: Asked for clarity on whether residents are equity partners or owners.
    • Rihanna Burnell: The co-op (limited partnership) owns the property. Residents are members of the co-op and rent from it.
    • Roxana Hidalgo (Father Martin Homes): Expressed confusion, stating they were told they were owners and paid a down payment.
  • Aging Cooperatives and LIHTC: Asked about options for aging co-ops restricted by LIHTC to meet capital needs and protect affordability for fixed-income residents.
    • Rihanna Burnell: Property is restricted by tax credit regulatory agreement; units have income restrictions. Rent is set by the co-op.
    • Chief Dillon: Co-ops could apply for project-based vouchers to help lower-income residents.
  • Tent City Governance: Asked about tensions and governance issues.
    • Chief Dillon: Tent City was built on BRA land, has a large BRA loan. Capital needs and governance training issues. Recent election, new board. Consultants are working on restructuring and refinancing. Lenders are meeting regularly.
• Councilor Brian Worrell (Second Round):
  • Funding Breakdown (Rental vs. Homeownership): Requested a five-year breakdown of city funding for affordable rental vs. homeownership.
    • MOH Response: Will provide.
  • Homeownership Waitlist/Demand: Asked for data on waitlists for new homeownership units (lottery sign-ups vs. units available).
    • MOH Response: Will provide data on lottery sign-ups for new units.
  • First-Time Homebuyer Programs for Deed-Restricted Owners: Advocated for allowing deed-restricted homeowners to re-qualify for first-time homebuyer programs to buy market-rate homes.
    • Karen Rebaza: This policy change is 100% in place. One homeowner is already pursuing this. They would qualify for standard down payment assistance (2-3% plus closing costs). MHP/OnePlus Boston require a three-year non-ownership period, but Mass Housing and portfolio lenders are being explored.
  • Median Income Level of Affordable Homebuyers: Asked for the median income level of buyers in affordable homeownership.
    • Karen Rebaza: Highest percentage is 80% of AMI. Will provide exact numbers.
  • Planning Department and Fair Housing: Asked how the Planning Department uses zoning tools to expand homeownership for historically excluded communities, aligning with federal law (Title 24, Sections 5.150 and 5.154) and Boston's 2023 assessment of fair housing (Goal 7).
    • Jeffrey Thomas (Planning): Cannot legally exclude rental. Works with developers through Article 80 to encourage homeownership. Acknowledged challenges with lending for homeownership. Aims to clean up zoning code to create natural incentives for homeownership projects.
  • Side-by-Side Comparison: Requested a visual comparison of housing payments and equity for someone who bought an affordable home in 2010/2015 vs. someone in an affordable rental.
    • MOH Response: Will provide.
• Councilor Benjamin Weber (Second Round):
  • Home Repair Programs: Asked about Boston's programs for homeowners who can't afford repairs, referencing a Philadelphia program.
    • Karen Rebaza: MOH has "Homeworks" program providing financial assistance up to $30,000 for health and safety repairs. Programs are successful and meet demand. Staff conduct outreach, including home visits.
    • Chief Dillon: Will research the Philadelphia program.
  • Foreclosures due to Repair Costs: Asked if people are selling homes due to inability to afford repairs.
    • Karen Rebaza: Has not heard of this in home services programs; homeowners try hard to stay.
  • Funding for Home Repair: Asked about funding sources.
    • Karen Rebaza: Funded through city operating budget and CDBG.
  • Community Reinvestment Act (CRA): Asked about its effectiveness and programs offered by banks.
    • Karen Rebaza: Banks are still responsible for CRA. Mass Housing offers low-interest (5%) home repair loans. MOH works with five lenders for ADU assistance. Reminds banks of their CRA commitment.

IV. Public Testimony

• Sonal Patel:
  • First-generation immigrant, minority female, first-time homebuyer through City of Boston program.
  • Purchased a new condo in South Boston in 2016 for ~$1 million.
  • Building (33 units) had "massive infiltration issues" (water/roof leaks) after all units sold in 2017.
  • After eight years, owners are still paying "millions of dollars" to fix the "lemon building."
  • Association and lawyers filed a lawsuit during COVID without informing unit owners, impacting refinancing and sales.
  • Now facing foreclosure, paying $2,000/month in condo fees and $4,600/month in mortgage.
  • Expressed frustration that investors and well-to-do association members did not consider individual unit owners' financial impact.
• Senator Diane Wilkerson:
  • Thanked Councilors for the hearing.
  • Acknowledged the "very touching story" of the previous testifier.
  • Stated the City of Boston has many services for homeownership, but "when things don't go well, there is not a process or much receptivity to addressing this."
  • Supported deed restrictions but argued that if homeowners cannot leverage equity, the purpose of homeownership is lost.
  • Highlighted a disparity where some city programs allow cashing out after 10 years, while others (like 30-year deed restrictions) do not.
  • Claimed that homeowners in Mission Hill (2000-2004) with 30-year deed restrictions were not informed or did not sign paperwork acknowledging them.
  • Stated that foreclosures are happening due to "assessments," not failure to pay mortgages, citing the previous testifier's story.
  • Expressed concern about the reported Black homeownership rate, suggesting it has decreased since COVID.
  • Offered to submit further written testimony.
• Bailey Niokas (President, Father Martin Homes Board of Directors):
  • Lived at Father Martin Homes for over 30 years.
  • Father Martin was built in 1993 as part of the City of Boston's Housing Partnership Co-op Initiative.
  • Limited equity cooperative, financed by public/private funds.
  • After tax credit investors exited, debt repayment and property upkeep shifted to resident members.
  • Members are "limited equity partners" who collectively own shares and shoulder full costs (maintenance, capital replacements, salaries).
  • Emphasized the community's diversity and essential worker residents.
  • Committed to preserving the model.
• Katie Narduzzo (Treasurer, Father Martin Homes Board of Directors):
  • Lived at Father Martin Homes for 31 years.
  • Cooperative faces increasing financial challenges.
  • Still carries multiple city loans from original development; repayment is now the co-op's responsibility.
  • A financial plan required 7.25% annual carrying charge increases until reaching maximum LIHTC limits, which was "unworkable" for fixed/limited income residents.
  • City allowed a freeze on carrying charges for 2025.
  • Internal review found 20% (7 households) are extremely low income, paying over half their income for charges/utilities.
  • Capital needs assessment identified over $4 million in repairs needed over 20 years.
• Roxana Hidalgo (Board Member, Father Martin Homes):
  • Lived at Father Martin Homes for 31 years.
  • Co-op is strong and committed to solutions that protect residents and city investments.
  • Community includes teachers, MBTA drivers, city employees, etc.
  • Proposed adjusting city loan terms to match affordability, and resources for translation/accessibility.
  • Highlighted that co-op ownership works with the right support.
• Heather Cook (President, Tent City Tenant Association):
  • Lifelong resident, born into eminent domain/gentrification in the South End.
  • Parents were activists, involved in the 1968 protest that led to Tent City.
  • Tent City (269 units) was intended as affordable housing model.
  • Served on Tent City Corporation Board, uncovered "malfeasance, fraud, and embezzlement."
  • Organized residents in 2022, gathering hundreds of signatures for petitions regarding misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency over $200 million spanning 20 years.
  • New property management company led to "mass evictions."
  • Led public protests in 2022, gaining media attention.
  • Founded Tent City Tenant Association in 2023; Corporation refused to acknowledge it.
  • Reported that the board received a refinance, but "no knowledge of where the money went."
  • Claimed "no mortgage" on the property, but a luxury renovation for an officer's home.
  • Stated the mortgage "has not been paid in two years," and city officials are aware.
  • Expressed concerns about Tent City going into receivership, debit cards connected to corporate accounts, and emails about "stealing money."
  • Challenged Chief Dillon's positive assessment, citing mass evictions, uninhabitable conditions, lack of transparency, and Attorney General lawsuits.
  • Stated that "responsible actions" by the Tent City Board were mandated by the Attorney General's office due to a discrimination lawsuit.
  • Asked for City Council support to maintain Tent City's legacy.
  • Clarified Tent City Corporation has a 99-year lease agreement with the City of Boston (formerly BRA).
• Wei Chen (Roxbury Pace Condominium Resident):
  • Struggled with "unfair treatment and unsafe conditions" for seven years.
  • Dangerous tree left unremoved despite multiple complaints; charged thousands in supplemental fees.
  • Flooding in basement due to improper gutter/drainage changes, causing ice and falls.
  • Paid condo fees for 10 years, but charged additional "supplemental free" of $24,700 (July 2022-August 2025) with no transparency.
  • Billed legal fees despite paying condo fees.
  • Felt ignored and discriminated against, especially as an elderly, non-English speaking owner.
  • Experienced "great stress, both financial and emotionally," leading to anxiety and sleep problems.
  • Asked for City Council action: oversight of condo/co-op governance, financial transparency, and accountability from management companies.

V. Councilor Questions to Public Testifiers

• Councilor Julia Mejia:
  • Acknowledged the stress and exhaustion of residents.
  • Father Martin Homes Communication: Asked how many times they communicated with the city about their financial state over 30 years.
    • Roxana Hidalgo: "Not really that much" until recently (2024-2025) when the $1.7 million loan became an issue.
    • Bailey Niokas: "Very little" communication about ownership status.
  • Father Martin Homes Ownership Understanding: Asked when they started questioning their ownership status.
    • Roxana Hidalgo: Started questioning around 2018 when the city stepped in for the loan, and a "transaction" was done without full community communication. Felt they "sold our souls" and are now "just partnerships."
  • Father Martin Homes Rent Increases: Asked about the 7.25% annual increase.
    • Katie Narduzzo: The 7.25% increase was tied to the maximum LIHTC AMI limit, which keeps rising, making it unsustainable.
    • Roxana Hidalgo: Her rent went from $633 to $1,700.
  • Tent City Concerns: Asked Heather Cook about other residents' fears and the dynamics of being a vocal voice.
    • Heather Cook: Residents fear losing homes, feel "hoodwinked." Experienced "scare tactics." Highlighted a murder on the property and lack of security. Described a "go along to get along mentality" and ostracization for speaking up.
  • Advocacy for City Council: Asked testifiers what they hope for from the City Council.
    • Heather Cook: Demanded "transparency with accountability" to save Tent City's legacy, hold officials accountable, and address "collateral damage" from greed and lack of executive oversight.
    • Roxana Hidalgo: Wished for the $7 million loan to be resolved so residents can live without stress, afford carrying charges, and preserve the community. Questioned why their mortgage is included in the city loan.
    • Bailey Niokas: Advocated for more transparency and executive oversight, citing a conflict of interest with their shared lawyer with the city. Asked for city-provided vouchers for co-ops with aging populations and permission to sell land to pay back loans.
• Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune:
  • Vouchers for Co-ops: Clarified that vouchers would subsidize rent to meet carrying charges, not for individual residents to leave.
  • Ownership of Shares: Confirmed Father Martin residents own the majority of shares in the cooperative.
  • City's Role as Lender: Confirmed the city is a lender, holding a mortgage, but not the owner of the property.
  • Father Martin Loans: Confirmed one loan of $1.7 million is being paid with 7.25% annual increases, and a $7 million interest-only loan is "sleeping" until 2044.
  • Tent City Status: Confirmed Tent City is an affordable rental, but management is reportedly trying to grandfather subsidies and make other units market rate, including Airbnbs and housing for Mass and Cass residents.
  • Call for Collaboration: Offered to help facilitate discussions between Father Martin Homes and the Mayor's Office of Housing to find solutions.

VI. Adjournment

• The hearing on Docket #1440 was adjourned.