1998-04-06-ATM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 6, 1998 8:48 p.m. Ralph Clifford, Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee, spoke in opposition to Article 43 and outlined the difficulties experienced in obtaining affordable housing. 8:50 p.m. Bruce Collier, pr.3, spoke in opposition. 8:51 p.m. Lynn Knight, 24 Tarbell Ave., spoke in favor of Article 43 and of the need to preserve open space. 8:53 p.m. Sam Berman, pr.3, spoke against the article. 8:54 p.m. Ira Bernstein, pr.2, questioned LexHab on its use of lots for building. 8:55 p.m. Marshall Derby reported 9 of 43 housing units were constructed on empty lots. 8:55 p.m. David Harris, pr.4, questioned intent of the Article. Dawn McKenna explained desired focus to existing housing. Mr. Harris spoke in support as he didn't feel the article tied the hands of LexHab. 8:56 p.m. Sue Cusack, pr.9, stated the intent of the article would create more divisiveness in the Town and spoke against the article. 8:57 p.m. Alan Lazarus, pr.6, agreed with Ms. Cusack and stated he felt the article was too restrictive. Mr. Lazarus questioned Mr. Derby on operating practices as a result of the AdHoc Report. Mr. Derby stated the Board had formalized some previously implemented informal procedures. 8:58 p.m. Alan Lazarus urged a group be formed to raise funds to buy existing housing. 8:59 p.m. Florence Baturin, pr.6, spoke in opposition. 9:00 P.M. David Rudner, pr.2, questioned record of past building by LexHab. Mr. Derby explained only one house thus far was preexisting. Mr. Rudner explained he didn't believe the proponents of the article were necessarily opposed to LexHab. 9:02 p.m. Nyles Barnert, pr.4, spoke against. 9:03 p.m. Alan Levine, pr.8, spoke in support and on issues confronted by LexHab in finding available land for building. 9:04 p.m. Scott Burson, pr.4, called the question. After a voice vote the Moderator declared the main question now before the meeting. 9:05 p.m. Mr. Niles summarized his points. 9:05 p.m. After a voice vote the moderator declared the motion not adopted. 9:05 p.m. Dawn McKenna, pr.9, served notice of reconsideration of Article 43. ARTICLE 45: TRANSFER SPENCER STREET LAND TO CONSERVATION 9:06 p.m. Presented by Dawn McKenna, pr.9. ---------------- - - - - -- MOTION: That the Town transfer the care, custody, management and control of the land shown as Lot 2 on plan entitled "Compiled Subdivision Plan of Land in Lexington, MA (Middlesex County)" recorded as Plan No. 1324 of 1996 in the Middlesex County South Registry of Deeds to the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes as provided by Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as amended. ---------------------------- 9:07 p.m. Ms. McKenna explained the opposition to the comprehensive permit process used to override the Town's own zoning by -laws to build, and her concern of the means by which this land is in the hands of LexHab.