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2.LexHAB Proposal for Set-Aside fund for the design and construction of affordable housing at the Busa Property $750,000 - Mr. Bill Kennedy, Chair of LexHAB, met with the Committee to request funding for the construction of affordable housing units at the Busa property (the final number of units yet to be determined by the Selectmen). Aaron Henry, Town Planner, was present for the discussion. Mr. Kennedy showed the CPC the following: (1) a site plan and floor plans dated December 27, 2012: (2) an amended site plan, dated October 20, 2013; and (3) an amended ground floor plan, with a revision date of March 7, 2013. The revised site plan showed two buildings with one curb cut off Lowell Street. Each building had three units with a one bedroom unit on the ground floor, a two-bedroom unit on the second floor (ground floor off Lowell Street) and a two bedroom unit on the third floor. The ground floor access off Lowell Street would be handicapped accessible. Mr. Kennedy explained that the plans are still in the design stage, since the number of units has not been approved by the Board of Selectmen. He said the exterior of the buildings would not change if the plans were adapted to only two units per building, noting that the lowest floor would then be used for storage. He said the cost estimate of $1.2M for the six units shown derived from a construction cost of $200 per square foot, and that the estimate included the sewer connection. Mr. Kennedy added that the units would be very efficient nearly zero energy. The addition of solar panels would achieve zero energy status. Mr. Henry explained the process LexHAB would follow in the coming months. He said that the development will require a Comprehensive Permit, which is issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). (The ZBA notifies all abutters within a 300 radius and issues the permit at a public hearing.) The permit requires the issuance of a Sources and Uses Statement by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). LexHABs application for the Sources and Use Statement will require construction-ready plans and final cost estimates. He said the documents will be submitted to the Selectmen who approve and sign off on the application to DHCD. Mr. Henry suggested that there would be 1-2 meetings with the Board prior to any approval. After approval of LexHABs application, DHCD then issues a Site Eligibility Letter, which paves the way for the ZBA public hearing. Mr. Kennedy added that LexHAB would be having an upcoming meeting with the neighborhood to which an expanded list of neighbors and the Busa Farm stakeholders would be invited. He said at LexHABs next meeting with the Board of Selectmen, the same design plans as those reviewed at the CPC meeting will be submitted. Final plans will not be prepared until the BOS has endorsed the sketch plans and decided upon the number of units. Mr. Horton asked whether there were any other sources of funding for the LexHAB affordable housing project, to which Mr. Kennedy replied that he had not applied for any supplemental funding. Mr. Henry added here, that the size of the development was below the threshold for State funding such as HOME funding (Home Investment Partnerships Program). Ms. Fenollosa noted that at the last Annual Town Meeting, LexHABs proposal, though approved by the CPC and Town boards, was voted down by Town Meeting members. She questioned how LexHABs presentation would be different at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Kennedy replied that the addition of specific plans and detailed cost estimates would be the difference. Mr. Canale stated that if the Planning Board were to review the LexHAB proposal, in his opinion they would likely ask that the houses be pushed farther from Westminster Avenue, 2