HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-25-LEXHAB-minLexHAB
Minutes of Meeting held on April 25, 2012 at 7:30 AM
At the LexHAB offices
All members were present together with Pat Nelson, Beth Rust, Carter Scott and Aaron
Henry joined the meeting at 7:50 AM.
1. The minutes of the March meeting were accepted without change.
2. Financial Statements:
Gerry H. pointed out that:
(a) The expenditure for Garfield Street shown on page one mostly
covered painting in the units. Other work has been capitalized.
(b) The figure for net income on the last page does not tell the whole
story; to the $77,500.90 shown here, one must factor in both
the Garfield Street operating loss of $4,441.20 and the expenses
for general administration ($22,298.47) to arrive at the true net
income of $50,761.56 shown at the bottom of the one -page
summary.
3. Busa Property:
Dave, Bill H. and Lester updated the status of the Busa Farm project.
Bill K. reported that he had reviewed a new plan for lower Lowell Street
prepared by Carl Oldenberg ( ?), providing for 4 units in one building. Bill
suggested that it would be helpful if LexHAB could take a position on this
proposal.
During discussion, members observed that:
-The Town needs more than 4 units on this site; opportunity to make a sub-
stantial contribution to the Town's inventory does not occur this often.
- The Carter Scott plan does not impinge upon the plans of the farm group
- The building proposed by Mr. Oldenberg has great mass and would, if
constructed, characterize the entire site as one for affordable housing
- Even though, under the Oldenberg plan, the first thing anyone entering
Lexington from Arlington would see would be the 250 foot open vista
over the fields, the 4 -unit building next encountered would. immediately
change the Gateway message from open space to concentrated (afford-
able?) housing.
- Carter Scott's plan fits very well on the site and is consistent with the
structures in the neighborhood
It was the unanimous position of the Board that LexHAB continue to support the
plan for 8 units and not support the Oldenberg alternative.
4. Fairview Purchase
Bill H. summarized the state of our planning for Fairview, indicating that the next
question to be decided is the number of units of housing we are going to ask for.
Carter Scott has produced a plan calling for 4 new units. The plan was reviewed.
During comment, the following points were made:
- The proposal calls for two 2 -unit buildings, one having the appearance
of a barn; these buildings fit nicely with houses in the neighborhood,
and offer maximum efficiency. The fit is superb.
- A 3 -unit building would have to be sprinklered and would also present
a greater mass.
- Only one or two abutters will be directly affected by our new buildings;
on two sides, there are no houses the property being owned either by the
Town as conservation acreage or by the U.S.Park Service.
- The Town needs more than 2 units on this site; an opportunity as good as
this has not emerged in LexHAB's entire life span.
It was the unanimous consensus that LexHAB proceed with the Carter Scott plan..
5. Town Meeting Update.
Bill K. reported that, efforts to secure support from the CEC having failed, we held
to our original request that $450,000 of CPA funds be set aside for LexHAB for
future purchase or construction of one or more units of housing of any kind,
wherever LexHAB may propose. The moderator and Town Counsel determined
that since the proposal was for the purchase of real estate, a two- thirds vote would
be required. The request passed by a very few votes. We do not know whether
a two- thirds vote will now be required in connection with all future CPA requests.
6. Wilson Road.
Dave reported that much of the work at Wilson Road has been completed; paving
will be done next week; we should be able to show the house to prospective
tenants in two weeks. Maryann will check to see who, from the non -local pool
of applicants, will be next in line and arrange to show the unit to the first
interested applicant. Dave indicated that the rehab of the property will probably
exceed our initial estimate but not by a significant amount.
7. Wright Farm.
Bill K, noted that the Selectmen are considering the purchase (using CPA) funds
of the major acreage in the Wright Farm for open space purposes. The owners will
continue to occupy the house and perhaps the barn, with an agreement to sell the
occupied premises later on the the Town under an option that the Town will hold.
The Selectmen would like to know whether I,exHAB would support this proposal,
especially if there were to be an understanding that the option property would be
committed to affordable housing when the option is exercised.
Bill circulated a proposed letter which was unanimously approved.
8. Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be on May 23rd at 7 AM (note: not at 7:30).
9. Executive Session.
It was then voted, each member voting individually in favor, to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of tenant selection, without return to open
Session thereafter.
The open meeting ended at 9 AM.
Respectfully submitted
William C. Hays
Secretary pro temp