2013-07-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen's Meeting - July 1, 2013 revised the proposed plan by reducing the number of buildings from three to two and reduced the number of parking spots from 8 to 6. LexHAB reported to the Selectmen on January 26, 2013. On June 5, 2013 LexHAB held another public meeting to address density. The current plan, dated April 22, 2013, consists of three units (with the one on the ground floor a handicap accessible unit), the existing house and a possible solar carport. A major issue with the Fairview Avenue area is traffic. It is an unaccepted street that is not wide enough for two lanes of traffic and it is used as a cut - through. This is an issue that LexHAB cannot solve but needs to be addressed by the Town. Mr. Hays reviewed the proposed tenant selection process they hope to use which is to award units on housing size, basis of need and local preference. If the Board endorses the LIP application it will be signed by the Town Manager and the Chair of the Housing Partnership Board and then it will be forwarded to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for their review and approval. If the LIP is approved by DHCD, LexHAB would regulate three of the units and DHCD would regular one unit. The last step in the process is approval from the Board of Appeals for zoning variances. This LIP Application is important because it will set the stage for the Busa and Leary affordable housing projects, which will both require a LIP Application. Also this project is important to help Lexington maintain the 10% Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). Because of an increase of private homes in town, the Planning Department has calculated that it will require three new affordable housing units be added each year to keep pace with the growth of housing in Lexington. Ms. Mauger mentioned that the Selectmen received a Memo from Beth Rust, the Community Housing Coordinator of the Regional Housing Services, that supports LexHAB's proposed tenant selection process. The Board also received a Letter of Support from the Housing Partnership Board (HPB). Mr. Pato believes LexHAB has been responsive to the neighbors by modifying its plans and for their decision to look at climate action plan and consider a green model for construction on this project. Ms. Mauger mentioned the emails and letters that the Selectmen received from abutters with concerns about density and traffic on Fairview. Because Fairview Avenue is an Unaccepted Street the Town has no jurisdiction over it and cannot install signage. Mr. Kelley is concerned that the neighbors are not in support of the project and he would like LexHAB to continue to work with the neighbors. To help with the traffic issues, he asked if the Town could install "Do Not Enter between 7 -9 AM and 4 -6 PM" signage at the entrance to Fairview on Massachusetts Avenue and Wood Street.