Vermont S Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice Meeting

Vermont’s Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice Meeting 6:30-7:30PM Pavilion Auditorium – 109 State Street Montpelier

Attendees – Marjorie Williams, Mike Kearney, Dani Fuoco, Rebecca Plummer, Jennifer Hollar, Julie Kelliher, and Carl Bohlen

Jennifer Hollar opened the meeting at 6:35PM. She introduced Marjorie Williams and Mike Kearney of Mullin and Lonergan, consultants who worked on Vermont’s AI to Fair Housing Choice draft plan for HUD.

Marjorie ran through her power point presentation again (see minutes from the 3:30 public hearing.)

Questions and discussion during and after the presentation:

Julie Kelliher asked Marjorie to explain why the state chose to measure concentrated areas at double the state rate, and Marjorie explained that the other ways to measure concentrated areas didn’t show any concentrated areas in Vermont and that would distort Vermont’s demographics.

A discussion of the ADA included several persons stating that there is no ability to develop a matrix of what ADA requirements apply to what due to their very confusing nature and the many different requirements. Attendees wondered if there was more to do than just educating the public on the requirements but maybe the requirements should be revised.

Someone asked if PHA’s need to prepare an AI report, and they do not.

Someone asked if the Vermont Association of Realtors was interviewed as part of the process and Marjorie was not sure. However, Julie said yes.

Finally, in response to a question, Marjorie indicated that Vermont is not the only state that has a much lower number of rental units that rent at $500/month or less nor is Vermont alone in having many more units at $1000/month or higher.