HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-15-HPB.min
Lexington Housing Partnership
Meeting Minutes for September 15, 2005
Attendees:
Bob Bicknell Tom Harden Florence Baturin Mary Haskell
Inky MacDougall Betsey Weiss Ken Kreutziger Paul Linton
Martha Wood Jeri Foutter Maryann McCall-Taylor
Bob Bicknell chaired the meeting. Jeri Foutter took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 7:30
pm.
Minutes
Minutes from July 2005 were approved unanimous
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Supportive Living, Inc. (SLI)
Attorney Rachel Dorr, Board Member and Clerk for SLI, gave a presentation about the proposed project
on the Lexington Press property (Bob Sacco) located on Oakland Street. The parents of survivors of brain
injury and permanent damage originally started SLI, and SLI has built and currently manages two
properties, one in N. Reading and one in Woburn. There are currently over 150 people on their waiting
list for residential units, and Rachel Dorr indicated that some Lexington residents currently on the waiting
list could be moved up. The N. Reading property has 8 residential units and the Woburn property has 15
residential units, both are apartment style homes. The proposal for Lexington calls for 15 units, and
hopefully, HUD will fund 9 units under the 811 Program. There will be a total of 11 units that will count
toward low-income rental housing; with 2 units available to residents with incomes below 50% AMI and
4 units will be market rate.
The Lexington Press location would be ideal for the residents with shopping and other conveniences
within walking distance. SLI has met with the Town Committee on the sidewalks and access from Depot
Square for van pick-up and drop-off. Some abutters have voiced their concerns about the increase in
traffic with regards to the residents’ visitors and van usage. SLI has decided to upgrade the back of the
property, build safe access and steps to/from the Municipal Parking Lot for use in the van trips to and
from doctors appointments, physical therapy appointments, etc. SLI plans to stay within the original
footprint of the Lexington Press buildings. The Land Use or Zoning is deemed Educational use (life
skills training), and due to Section 3 of Massachusetts Legislation Act, no special permit needed with
reasonable dimensional requirements, such as required setbacks. Per Rachel Dorr, no Town Meeting vote
is required.
The land was purchased for $1.7 million, through a loan with Brookline Bank. SLI has started a capital
campaign and has raised $700,000, so far. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6 million.
Four or five state programs will be used for funding, and HOME is one of these programs.
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The LHP moved and confirmed a recommendation to the Planning staff, for pursuit with the
Town that funds from FY86 HOME funds be used to support the SLI project.
Lexington Housing Partnership
Committee Reports:
CPA for Lexington
(Betsey Weiss)
Betsey reported she has reviewed the CPA PowerPoint presentation with Recreation, Historical Society,
Planning Board, Citizens for Lexington Conservation and LexHab. They have voiced their support. She
may place the PowerPoint presentation on the website. The Selectmen would prefer funding for projects
already in the budget plan.
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Zoning By-Law Changes
(Mary Haskell, Ken Kreutziger)
He requested that
Ken reviewed the most recent draft of the Broad Inclusionary Zoning Requirement.
the LHP endorse this approach for presentation to the Planning Board. The LHP approved
unanimously.
Mary reported that Phil Herr would present the most recent version to the Planning Board
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on September 28.
Lexington Housing Foundation, Inc.
(Jeri Foutter)
Jeri presented the most recent letter of the Housing Foundation’s checking activity to the Partnership.
The LHF received a $3,000 donation from Cambridge Savings Bank, and a second donation from the
Hancock Church in the amount of $2,000. Copies of the contribution letters and the corresponding Thank
you letters were distributed.
Reports from the Chair:
The Partnership needs three new members. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please contact
Bob.
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There will be a Metro West Regional Workshop run by CHAPA in Framingham on October 6.
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A Board member of the Fair Housing Committee is invited to the November 17 meeting.
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The next meeting is on November 17at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room in the Town
Hall.