2023-04-07-HPB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Meeting Minutes for April 7, 2023 Attendees: Cindy Arens (Sustainable Lexington liaison) Harriet Cohen (clerk), Jeri Foutter (chair), Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Paul Linton, Wendy Manz, Sarah Morrison (LexHAB liaison), Joe Pato (Select Board Liaison), Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson Absent: Betsey Weiss (vice-chair), John Zhao Guests: Margaret Heitz, Melinda Walker 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 2:00 pm. The roll was called. 2. Article #33-SPRD Amendment response, vote, and statement if needed Ms. Arens said that the purpose of the Article 33 amendment is to require the provision of an affordable unit rather than a payment in lieu for developments of 6 or fewer units. Ms. Arens agrees with the goals of Article 33 and that this amendment better fulfilled the goals of creating inclusionary housing. It is very difficult to identify and acquire land (whether by the Affordable Housing Trust or other person or organization) and that it will never be less expensive to build inclusionary housing than when housing is being developed. Ms. Manz, who is also on the SPRD committee and speaking for that committee, said that the SPRD committee recognizes that this is intended as a friendly amendment. However, for a variety of reasons, the SPRD committee does not support this amendment. Mr. Hornig, speaking for the Planning Board, said the Planning Board also does not support the amendment. The HPB discussed the amendment, noting the arguments in favor and against. Mr. Hornig moved that the HPB recommend to the Select Board and to Town Meeting that the amendment be rejected. Ms. Cohen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. In favor: Harriet Cohen, Jeri Foutter, Charles Hornig, Paul Linton, Wendy Manz, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss Against: none Abstaining: none Ms. Manz reported that Lin Jensen had originally filed an amendment that requires a special permit be used for developments under SPRD. The SPRD committee reviewed this amendment and voted to oppose it. Ms. Jensen subsequently modified the amendment to require a special permit only for site sensitive developments. The SPRD committee has not yet had a chance to review the modified amendment. Mr. Hornig reported that the Planning Board also discussed the original amendment from Ms. Jensen and opposed it. The Planning Board has not met since the modified amendment was