Planning Board minutes 1989-09-27

Browse Search

Minutes for the Meeting of September 27, 1989 3 In response to a question from Mr. Sorensen, as to whether it was their proposal to give the multiple units to the Town, Mr. Higgins replied that their proposal was to end up with eight units in the existing three buildings, that presently contain five units, with no exterior extensions in the three buildings. They proposed that LexHab would "have control" of three units, meaning that they could select the tenants, and specify how the rent would be collected. In response to other questions from Board members, he added Ms. Vilasi would continue to own the units and receive the rent. Mr. Sorensen commented that appeared they were going in the wrong direction in increasing the number of multiple units. In response to a question from Mrs. Wood, as to whether there was any other way to allow the development and retain the existing units, Mr. Bowyer responded the comprehensive permit process could be used but, by statute, the applicant must be a non-profit corporation, limited dividend corporation or a public agency, and there must be either a state or federal subsidy in order to qualify for the permit, and the applicant must give evidence of what the subsidy program is, as well as what non-profit or limited dividend corporation is making the application. He added there may be an alternative available in the near future that may allow for local initiative eliminating the require- ment for state or federal subsidy, but it would still require that the ap- plicant be a limited dividend or non-profit corporation. He added the applicant appeared to have two choices: 1) establish a limited dividend corporation, or 2) designate a public agency to be the applicant. Ms. Vilasi stated, that Richard Walker, regional representative of the Mass. Housing Partnership, had stated, when he met with her, that they did not need any state subsidy to go ahead with their plans, and that he supposedly gave that opinion to Mr. Bowyer about a month ago. Mr. Bowyer commented that he had set up the meeting between Ms. Vilasi and Mr. Walker to look at the properties. He added that Mr. Walker had reported back, by phone, that he thought it was a very promising proposition, but that Mr. Walker had not indicated whether or not he had told the applicant it would not be necessary to have a subsidy program. Mr. Walker had mentioned two or three subsidy programs he thought might suit the property, given the characteristics of the buildings, and he noted the buildings would have to conform to building codes. Mr. Walker urged that the parties consisting of the Town, the Realty Trust and Mass. Housing Partnership get together to carry it to the next step. The Board agreed this meeting should take place. Mr. Bowyer reported there is a meeting scheduled with the Town Manager, the Planning Director, Ms. Vilasi and Mr. Higgins tomorrow morning. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. //ka-64iitie(--" Eleanor Klauminzer, Vice Chairman