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<br />3 <br /> <br />meet people at every income level. There are currently no deed restrictions in place but that <br />LexHAB has rented to people of all AMI ranges. <br />Mr. Horton asked what was the timeframe for the implementation of LexHAB as a 501(c)(3), <br />and Ms. Morrison responded that the transition takes place with the legislative cycle, and as <br />the State Representatives have made it clear that the process would take approximately two <br />years, she would be “pleasantly surprised if it didn’t.” Mr. Horton followed up by asking if there <br />are any other towns with relevant experiences. Ms. Morrison explained that LexHAB is unique <br />in terms of affordable housing organizations. Ms. O’Brien asked how LexHAB’s fundraising <br />goals have changed with the possible transition to a 501(c)3. Ms. Morrison stated that <br />nonprofits’ (even affordable housing nonprofits’) most reliable source of income is individual <br />donations. Ms. Morrison went on to explain that currently LexHAB’s budget is $800,000.00 and <br />$35,000.00 come from private donations. Ms. Morrison also explained that residents have in <br />the past offered to donate their homes to LexHAB, and that she would like to see that <br />expanded. Mr. Creech stated that he had previously sent Ms. Morrison questions regarding her <br />presentation and that those answers should help save a great deal of time at Town Meeting, <br />especially for those members who may not have been able to view this presentation. Mr. <br />Sandeen added his support and those of several other Select Board members and he said that <br />he can’t wait to see this motion passed. Mr. Beuttell also added his support to the Article, as <br />did Ms. Krieger, who also asked if there were any concerns about the home rule petition , given <br />Lexington’s shaky recent history of passing those petitions. Ms. Morrison said that LexHAB is <br />not taking anything for granted and that this motion could pass but could very well also die at <br />Town Meeting. Ms. Walker commented that she supports the Article “500%,” but also added <br />that there needs to be a differentiation of terms, especially when AMI levels are concerned. <br />Ms. Walker went on to say that the public is largely unaware about how much a person needs <br />to earn to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts and that the term “affordability” <br />is being used in a way that could be counterproductive. <br /> Mr. Pressman commented that LexHAB can retain the emphasis on those at the lowest levels <br />of AMI and that LexHAB could seek a support grant from the CPC to help it in a fiscally sound <br />way. He also stated that the CPC has a large reserve of funds that can be used to help those at <br />the lowest AMI spectrum. <br />After a motion was duly made and seconded, the CPC conducted a roll call vote (8-0-1) to <br />support Article 14. <br /> <br />Establishment of an Affordable Housing Trust: Gretchen Reisig and Kathryn Roy introduced <br />Article 12, the establishment of an affordable housing trust in Lexington. Ms. Reisig explained <br />to the Committee what exactly an affordable housing trust is and specifically how it could <br />benefit the Town of Lexington. Ms. Reisig also described the extent of the affordable housing <br />crisis in Lexington. Ms. Reisig explained that in the past decade Lexington created 41 affordable <br />units, while losing 41 group home units, and that since 2011 there have been no additional SHI <br />units procured. Ms. Reisig also explained that of the over 11,800 homes in Lexington , only 663 <br />are “affordable,” underlying the need for a dynamic funding entity like an affordable housing