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Human Services Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Senior Center
| Members Present: | ||
| Cindy Griffiths | Tim Stranges | Agnes Saenz |
| Members Absent: | ||
| Rachel Carr Kim Dawkins | Bob Dorsey David L’Heureux | Eric Wang |
| Staff Present: | ||
| Mary Lou Jacobs | Sarah Gicale | |
| Guest: | ||
| Scott Robins, Rockville Resident | ||
Re: Call Meeting to Order/ Introductions
This meeting was held jointly with the Senior Citizens Commission and was called to order at 10 a.m. by Ciriaco Gonzalez, Chairperson of that Commission. Mr. Gonzalez then introduced James Brown, Jr., President, Victory Housing.
Re: Presentation: Victory Housing Project for Seniors
Mr. Brown described the facility that Victory Housing proposes to build on county-owned property located on Fleet Street in downtown Rockville. The project would consist of 86 units on three floors with associated parking. He also described in detail the various issues encountered by Victory Housing in proposing the building. These include objections to the number of trees being removed, the amount of parking space, and opposition to the building by residents in the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Brown and his staff have redesigned the building and will continue to work with these residents and City government to resolve their differences. He is willing to devote time and energy to the project, as he strongly believes that affordable housing for seniors is an increasing need in Rockville and throughout the county. He also considers the site perfectly suited to this use as senior residents would have access to Rockville’s new Town Center and other nearby activities. Mr. Brown was pleased that members of the Senior Commission were present as they represent those people who could be helped through the new housing facility. He commented that most of the project’s critics would not be personally affected. Cindy Griffiths said that she lives very near the proposed site and, while access to her home would be affected, she supported the project and was grateful to Victory Housing for their preservation of a large number of trees.
The proposed housing is intended for seniors with a minimum age of 62 who can live independently. While Victory Housing is a nonprofit arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Mr. Brown emphasized that eligibility for the housing does not include any specific religious affiliation. The maximum income allowed is $43,000 for one person or $49,000 for two people. After considerable discussion of the issues involved amongst everyone attending the meeting, Mary Lou Jacobs suggested that Victory Housing give priority to residents of Rockville as a means of promoting the housing project within the community. Mr. Brown said he would definitely explore the idea. He also agreed to circulate petitions supporting the housing to members of both commissions.
Re: Discussion of Human Service Concerns Affecting Rockville Seniors
Following the presentation, members of the Human Services Advisory Commission stayed for a brief business meeting. Those members attending appreciated the Victory Housing presentation and especially liked Mary Lou’s idea of prioritizing Rockville citizens. They asked that the handouts from the meeting be copied and mailed to those members unable to attend with the idea that a letter of support could be discussed at the September meeting.
Re: Plan Agenda for September Meeting
Re: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at noon. Due to the absence of a quorum, it was decided not to adjourn to executive session but to discuss the pending personnel matter through email communication.
The next meeting of the Human Services Advisory Commission will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Eyed Susan Room at Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue.