(A) The Housing Commission shall have authority to:
(1) Conduct a housing needs assessment, which may be done in cooperation with the regional housing needs assessment compiled by the regional Planning Commission under R.S.A. 36:47, II.
(2) Conduct activities to recognize, promote, enhance, and encourage the development of housing, particularly affordable and workforce housing.
(3) Assist the Planning Board, as requested, in the development and review of those sections of the master plan which address housing, and those sections of the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and site plan regulations that address housing or otherwise have the potential to affect the cost or availability of housing.
(4) Advise, upon request, local agencies and other local boards in their review of requests on matters affecting or potentially affecting housing resources.
(5) Coordinate activities with appropriate service organizations and nonprofit groups.
(6) Publicize and report its activities.
(7) Hire consultants and contractors.
(8) Subject to the approval of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, receive gifts of money and property, both real and personal, in the name of the city, to assist in carrying out the purpose of this section.
(9) Hold meetings and hearings necessary to carry out its duties.
(B) The Commission shall adopt bylaws and shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen which shall be in the annual city report.
(C) The Housing Commission may make recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the acquisition of real property, in the name of the city by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, lease, development rights, covenant, or other contractual right, including conveyances with conditions, limitations, or reversions, as may be necessary to maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve and properly use the affordable housing of the city, and shall manage and control the same; provided, however, that the city or Housing Commission shall not have the right to condemn property for these purposes. The Housing Commission may make recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the disposal of property so acquired. Prior to the recommendation of use of funds for the purchase of any interest in real property, the Housing Commission shall hold a public hearing with notice in accordance with R.S.A. 675:7.
(Ord. passed 8-3-21)