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RECEIVED 2022 12 Apir, 135 prn Lexington Housing Partnership Board TOWN CL,ERK Meeting Minutes for February 24,2022 LEXINGTON MA Attendees: Bob Burdidge, Harriet Cohen,Jeri Foutter, Mary Haskell, Wendy Manz,Joe Pato, Robert Peters, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss Absent: none Guests: Cynthia Arens, Stephanie Hsu,Tina McBride The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. 1. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting Ms. Foutter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and the roll was called. 2. Planning Board- Robert Peters-DHCD proposed MBTA Communities regulations Mr. Peters spoke about a new section of chapter 40 A, 3A, requiring all MBTA communities (which includes Lexington) shall have at least 1 zoning district "of reasonable size in which multi- family housing is permitted by right."This reflects the Commonwealth's view that more housing is needed and that additional supply will increase the availability of affordable housing. Lexington is seeking to add an affordability component though there is no specific requirement for this in the legislation. Currently, most multi-family housing requires a special development permit.The goal of the Commonwealth is that there is a faster path to multi-family housing. The state is developing regulations for the implementation of the legislation and the comment period on the regulations is now open. At the March 2 Planning Board meeting, the Planning Board will be taking input as to Lexington's feedback on the regulation.The comments must be sent to the state by the end of March. The Planning Board is beginning the discussion on the implementation of zoning that meets the requirements of the legislation.The Town must be compliant by Dec. 31, 2023. Mr. Peters then responded to questions as to the Planning Board process regarding the regulation. 3. Clean Heat Article 40 Sustainability Incentives for Residential Construction Ms. Arens provided the rational underpinning Article 40 and explained the provisions of the article. Ms. Arens then responded to questions from the HPB. 4. Land Acquisition Subcommittee Ms. Weiss reported that the Select Board approved the HPB proposal for a land acquisition policy.The Subcommittee is now putting plans in place to begin development of the policy. 5. Affordable Housing Resources(formerly Community Housing Specialist)Subcommittee Ms. Foutter reported that the subcommittee members are reaching out to other towns to determine how the Town supports affordable housing. 6. HPB Charge& Membership Ms. Cohen reported that the committee had its first meeting.The subcommittee reviewed the