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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2011 ATM <br /> damage to the building and equipment, or delay in department response to an incident. This is a proactive <br /> measure to prevent further damage or interference with department operations. The project will be <br /> implemented in two phases. The first phase will be to develop a design that enlarges the door openings in <br /> a manner consistent with the historic character of the building and the second phase will be the <br /> implementation of the approved modifications." [Brown Book, Page XI-12]. <br /> • <br /> • <br /> • <br /> Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Funding Committee Recommends <br /> Requested Source <br /> (c) Leary Property Planning Funds <br /> Housing) $30,000 CPF (Cash) Disapproval(5-0) <br /> (Community <br /> "The Ad Hoc Leary Property Community Housing Task Force has recommended to the Board of <br /> Selectmen that $30,000 be requested to prepare an affordable housing development proposal for the site at <br /> 116 Vine Street. Approval of these funds would enable the Task Force to continue public outreach and <br /> pre-development activities such as architectural and engineering work, production of plans and <br /> specifications, and program development. The Task Force expects to explore a range of construction <br /> funding, including a future application for CPA funds, but the Task Force needs to define its program <br /> prior to applying for affordable housing production grants from the State. Ultimately the group envisions <br /> that a local non-profit developer will handle the long-term operation and maintenance of the property, and <br /> that revenues generated by the property will be sufficient to sustain the project without needing infusions <br /> of new capital." [Brown Book, Page XI-16]. <br /> Lexington has long relied upon the Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB), under the authority <br /> of the Board of Selectmen (BoS), to provide for, and manage, the Town's affordable housing stock. <br /> Before looking elsewhere through the means of a development proposal or Request for Information <br /> (RFI) requiring this additional funding it needs to be made clear why LexHAB cannot be the developer <br /> of the housing on the Town-owned land that was the Leary Property and pursue the RFI with the advice <br /> and counsel of the Task Force which would obviate the need for this funding as LexHAB should cover <br /> any such costs from within its own assets. (At the BoS' meeting on March 14, 2011, it was stated that <br /> LexHAB has already committed to funding $10,000 toward the on-going effort to define what should be <br /> the housing recommended for this parcel of land and LexHAB representatives said they were willing and <br /> able to be the lead on the development.) We recognize that the Task Force provides advice to the BoS and <br /> that LexHAB must obtain that Board's approval before it can execute any production of housing; <br /> therefore, in the end, it is the BoS which will judge the merits of whatever development proposal is <br /> fashioned, regardless by whom. <br /> Therefore, in absence of a proposal for production of affordable housing on that Town-owned land by <br /> LexHAB and leaving to LexHAB with the advice and counsel of the Trask Force to issue any Request <br /> for Information, this Committee recommends disapproval of this sub-element even if the dollar amount <br /> were lower than the current request. <br /> • <br /> • <br /> • <br /> Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Funding Committee Recommends <br /> Requested Source <br /> LexHAB Set-Aside for HousingApproval as <br /> (d) $450,000 CPF (Cash) <br /> conditioned below <br /> Acquisition(CommunityHousing) <br /> (5-0) <br /> "LexHAB is requesting `up-front' funds from the CPA fund in order to purchase affordable housing units <br /> in a cost-effective manner. To date, LexHAB purchases a unit, applies to the CPC for funding, and then <br /> must wait until July 1 until funds become available. This delay results in the necessity for two closings, <br /> duplicative legal fees, lost rental income, and unnecessary payment of interest costs. Providing LexHAB <br /> with funds prior to purchase saves LexHAB and the Town considerable money and staff time. The funds <br /> for this article to support community housing would be held by the Town, and bills would be submitted <br /> 32 <br />