2018-12-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)

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Lexington continues to strive to maintain an economically diverse community, although it has become increasingly difficult to do so. It will continue to be necessary to draw on CPA funds to create additional affordable units. The Planning Board recently approved a 27 unit development on Grove Street, subject to the developer's commitment to make three units affordable. CPA funding could be used to purchase these and other affordable units as they become available under conditions imposed by the Planning Board on new developments. The Leary housing parcel purchased with CPA funds in 2009 provides an additional opportunity. The May 2011 Report of the Committee appointed by the Board of Selectment to develop housing options for the site provides a thoughtful starting point for bringing this project to fruition. The three LHA complexes are a major component of the Town's affordable housing inventory. With State funding in short supply, continued CPA funding of preservation efforts will be appropriate, if requested. CPA funds were combined with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to build four new handicapped accessible units at Greeley Village. There may be other LHA locations where construction of additional units would be feasible. For years, the lack of opportunities for down-sizing in Lexington has been identified as a major concern of residents. Given that current CPA guidelines allow for CPA support for community housing serving individuals earning less than 100% of the area AMI, it would seem that CPA support for new senior developments is warranted. 10