2013-02-28-HPB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Housing Ms. Margolis provided a copy of the RHS monthly report. She also provided a list of affordable rental housing in Lexington, compiled by RHS. All of the affordable rental housing in Lexington has a long waiting list for occupancy. In addition, there is a 7 year wait for a Section 8 housing vouchers from the LHA. Ms. Margolis explained how the information on the list had been gathered and how the list is organized. The list is intended for people who are looking for affordable rental housing in Lexington. The LHP discussed local preferences and how local preferences work vis -a -vis fair housing requirements. We noted that Community Preservation Commission (CPC ) funded - housing must be run through the state housing lottery, according to state law. There is still a high Lexington preference within the state lottery. We also noted that the affordable rental housing list will be very useful for the housing production plan. Ms. Margolis suggested that we post the list on the LHP web site. She pointed out that we also need to update the web site to reflect the 2012 Area Media Income, rather than the 2010 AMIs. Updated information can be found at the end of the list provided by Ms. Margolis. 5. Report on Town Acquisition and Planning for Scottish Rite Landon Marrett Road. As reported by Ms. Manz and Mr. Pressman, prior to this LHP meeting (and not related to the meeting), the BoS , the CPC and the Town Finance Committee held a meeting in executive session to discuss the acquisition of the Scottish Rite land. Because the discussion was in executive session, information about the meeting is not public. The Town -wide Ad Hoc Facilities Committee is considering the acquisition of various buildings around Town. At a recent Committee meeting, Peter Kelly moved that the Scottish Rite land be used only for a community center and open space. The committee voted in favor of the motion. The BoS has not had a meeting to decide how the land will be used: it is premature to have that discussion because the Town does not own the land and may not be the purchaser of the land. 6. CPC Update Related to Housing Proposals The CPC voted to recommend $450,000 for LexHAB to Town Meeting, with the condition that the money be spent on Busa or Leary Housing. The CPC also approved Steve Keane's request for funding for doors for Greeley Village. 7. Public Awareness The committee reaffirmed the need to increase public awareness of affordable housing needs. Jennifer Van Campen suggested getting 1 or 2 people from each of several towns together to brainstorm ideas /actions for awareness. The problem of the public not being aware of the needs and benefits of public housing is pervasive; it is not just a Lexington problem.