2006-12-14-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

In response to questions from the audience, Duke Bitsko of the Conservation Commission said there would be two phases to the project. The first would be a planning study and the second would be construction documents. The project will be coming to the Planning Board in January for their comments and suggestions, if any. Muzzy Condominium Study Tom Battin, Chair, Muzzy High Condominium Association, described the project. The request is for $53,500 to conduct a building evaluation study of the Muzzy High Condominium Building. The purpose of the study is to preserve and restore this historic building and to add energy efficiency. The deed restriction on the selling prices of the units makes it difficult for owners to undertake renovation projects. The median income of residents is $47,500. Dawn McKenna asked what portion of the building is owned by the Town. Tom Battin said that the Senior Center and LexHab units comprise 20%; therefore that portion of the total cost would be the responsibility of the Town. It was noted by a member of the audience that LexHab is not funded by the Town. LexHab is a town entity but not a line item in the budget. Affordable Housing Deed Restriction Bob Bicknell, Chair, Lexington Housing Partnership, presented the project. The request is for $200,000 to purchase an affordable deed restriction on a house to implement a program being defined by the Lexington Housing Partnership with support from Community Opportunities Group, Inc. This would be a prototype project to test the home selection, financing procedures, and the purchasing applicant qualification and selection procedures. Similar projects in Stow and Acton are being studied. The goal is to preserve our stock of smaller homes and provide an alternative in Lexington to the current practice of teardowns. In Lexington we seek diversity, but young adults and town employees cannot afford to live here. In the years 1990 – 2000 there has been a 30% drop in residents who are 20 – 40 years old. In response to questions from the audience, Bob Bicknell said that the issue of purchase price vs. assessed value and what is paid in taxes is still being studied. The study phase would be completed before Town Meeting and is being paid for by the housing foundation. The housing foundation would purchase the home at market price using the CPA funds to subsidize the sale. Then the house would be put on the market at an affordable rate. It is not known how many houses it would take to really make a difference in Lexington, but the purpose of the prototype is to understand the parameters. Chairman Weiss announced that the Committee would not be voting on any of the projects at the public hearing and announced the dates of the next two meetings, which