2007-11-07-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Community Preservation Committee November 7, 2007 Present: Chair Betsey Weiss, Richard Pagett, Norman Cohen, Joel Adler, Richard Wolk, Wendy Manz, Leo McSweeney, Marilyn Fenollosa, Sandra Shaw (recorder) Chair Betsey Weiss called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the BoS Room. 1. Request for Housing Specialist Part-time Position , presented by Maryann McCall-Taylor, Requested: $19,500. Planning Director. Ms. MCall-Taylor described the request as a “cutting edge” concept for CPA funding, although a number of other towns have similar positions - Sudbury was cited as the best model to consider. Committee members had many questions such as: Would it be better for the Town to initially fund it as part of the operating budget? Do we have other agencies in Town who could adequately perform the functions of this position? Is it appropriate to use CPA funds for operating functions? Will the nature of the job be refined in order to gain support? Some felt that this part-time position would be necessary to effectively research any available affordable housing opportunities. Also key could be the coordinating and oversight duties required with the many existing projects under 40B, as well as those in the “pipe-line.” 2. Belfry Hill Tree Restoration , presented by Ann Senning and John Frey, from the Lexington Requested: $8,000 Tree Committee. Nell Walker, local landscaper was also present. . The main thrust of this proposal was to remove the invasive Norway Maple trees from the Belfry Hill area which is owned by the Town. Betsey and Marilyn explained why this proposal does not qualify under “historic preservation” but could be considered as preserving open space. Dick Wolk said that the Conservation Commission might consider acting on this issue, and suggested they bring it to the Commission’s attention. Questions raised included: How can this project be limited, considering the neighbors with their own Norway Maple problems? Can they get a guarantee from Matt Foti that his price will stay at the $6,000 figure? Committee members had concerns about the re-planting of new trees as an appropriate CPA funded project. Removal and prevention of erosion might qualify, but it would be necessary to clarify the work to be done. David Kanter from Capitol Expenditures suggested that the entire amount of $8,000 be requested up front. 3. Parker Manor Condo Purchases , presented by Martha Wood and Bill Hays from Lex-Hab. Request for $652,000 to complete purchase of three units. The Committee had many questions: Would these units qualify under 40B? This is considered very important for a CPA funding grant. When would the Town be applying for this qualification? How will Home Funds be used in purchase? How does Katahdin Woods fit into picture? Because Lex- Hab has the option to buy 26 units at the original price of $70,000 each at KH, they want to have enough money left over for that eventuality. There are 22 projects thus far and we have heard six of them. Confirmed meetings: 11/12, 4-6; 11/14, 8:30 a.m. and 4-5:15 p.m.; 11/19, 4-6; 11/29, 4-6; 12/3, 4-6. Public hearings on 12/6 and 12/13, both scheduled for 7:00 p.m.