2017-05-02-HPB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Housing Partnership Update on progress on studying `Smart Growth Zones.' Jeri Foutter is still waiting to hear from the town about a meeting date. Report on meeting with the Council on Aging. At the invitation of the Council on Aging, partnership members Jeri Foutter, Richard McDonough, Melinda Walker and Betsey Weiss attended a COA meeting on April 5th. There was lively discussion about the possibility of development of collaboration between the partnership and the COA to advocate for the development of senior housing in Lexington. Participants felt that the perhaps a working group could be modeled on the working group that led to the successful establishment of the new Lexington Community Center. New Business. The partnership welcomed Lexington residents Gerald Paul and Harry Forsdick to the meeting. Mr. Paul and Mr. Forsdick presented their concerns about the lack of senior housing in Lexington and offered some suggestions about ways development of new housing might proceed. One way to enhance to the vibrancy of Lexington center would be to build senior housing in the center; this would generate more foot traffic. The most recent high- density development in the center, Lexington Place, is too expensive for seniors looking to downsize. Gerald and Harry wondered whether a portion of the Depot Square parking lot could be used as a site for a multi-level structure (with parking). Jeri Foutter reported that she asked Jennifer VanCampen (Metrowest Collaborative Development) what would be the minimum requirements for a community development corporation to get involved in new construction. Jennifer said the model would be at least 30 units in a multi-level building (4 or 5 floors) with an elevator. Although the apartments might be considered small, Jeri suggested the project could include community areas for socializing and guest rooms available to reserve for visiting guests to compensate for downsizing. She also mentioned Caritas Communities, a non-profit developer of affordable housing might be interested in developing senior housing; Caritas Communities is unusual in that ALL of their units in their developments are affordable or low-income (unlike for-profit developers such as Avalon). The following is a sample of the questions raised during the discussion. Would eligibility for either rental or owner -occupied affordable housing be based on just income OR income and assets? What would be an appropriate price point for sale or rental? What would be the best square footage? Would the co -housing model be of interest to folks in Lexington? Would it be appropriate to limit residents to one car per unit? Set next meeting date. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Adiournment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.