2022-12-01-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 especially, since these projects address structural integrity and safety concerns of the properties. Mr. Creech asked about LexHAB’s maintenance budget. Ms. Morrison answered that LexHAB only charges 30% of an occupant’s income for rent , and that the rents collected are insufficient to cover all of the preservation and maintenance costs, which is why they are asking for these additional funds. Ms. Walker asked if all of the units are on the non-SHI housing list. Ms. Morrison couldn’t say definitively but reiterated that all of these projects were for preservation and that preservation projects can be undertaken on non-SHI units. Ms. Fenollosa commented that the CPA statute does not make a distinction between SHI and non-SHI units but rather by units that were purchased using CPA funds and those that were not so funded. Ms. Krieger asked about boiler replacement and if there has been any consideration to utilizing heat pumps. Ms. Morrison responded that LexHAB is doing a unit-by-unit inspection and that they are considering using heat pumps. Mr. Sandeen commented that he feels that they should be building with heat pumps, especially since the Commonwealth offers a great number of incentives to convert from oil and gas-based heating systems, especially for low-income households. After a motion was duly made and seconded, the Committee conducted a roll call vote in a straw poll (9-0) to support the project. Munroe Center for the Arts: Christina Burwell, the Executive Director for the Munroe Center for the Arts, presented a project to build an exterior elevator and bathroom renovations on the upper floors of the MCA building. Ms. Burwell noted the history of the building, from its construction as a school in 1904 to its acquisition by the Town and then to opening itself to artists as a non-profit in the 1990s. Ms. Burwell then stated that multi-generational art has been created at the Center ever since, and that the Center currently employs 70 people and now annually hosts over 1,400 students of all ages. Ms. Burwell stated that the Center also needs to invest in ADA compliance. Brian Healy, the architect of the project, explained the vision of the project and that its focus is based in accessibility and preservation. Mr. Healy stated that constructing an elevator inside the existing building would potentially destroy the historic interior woodwork and become prohibitively expensive. Mr. Healy also stated that the bathrooms that were originally designed for small children are no longer f it for purpose, the boiler is at the end of its lifespan, and the HVAC system needs work. Mr. Healy also stated that the Center has had meetings with neighbors and relevant Town committees over the past few months and that residents have been largely supportive of the project’s vision. Finally, Mr. Healy addressed the new cost estimate that was shared with the Committee and commented that the initial estimate was based on square footage of the building ($600/square foot). The updated estimate came in at 2.5 times the original estimate ($8,493,497 from $3,267,000) though Mr. Healy and Ms. Burwell stated that the scope of the work has not changed at all. Mr. Healy blamed inflation and rising construction costs that have caused much of the increase. Steve Poltorzycki, an MCA board member, added that the Town owns the small park in the rear