HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-13-LEXHAB-minLexHAB
Minutes of Meeting on Sept. 13, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 A.M.
The entire Board was present plus one visitor.
The Chairman presided.
1. Minutes
It was noted that the vote of the Selectmen on the Busa site covered not only the
Lowell Street frontage to be committed to affordable housing but also the number of units
allowed (4 units). Therefore, the first paragraph of Section 1 of the minutes for the Iast
meeting needs to reflect both parts of the vote. It was determined to strike everything
after the word "frontage" and to add a new sentence as follows: "The vote reflected the
above ". Otherwise, the minutes were approved as presented.
2. Phillip Road
Dave Eagle reported that the house was left in poor condition by the outgoing
tenant; much more was required than the customary repainting of the interior. In addition,
a branch fell on the roof during a recent storm. However, all of the major work has been
completed.
The house will be ready for occupancy by October first and probably a week to ten
days before.
3. Busa harm
Lester reported on his conversation with a member of the Board of Selectmen. Les
expressed LexHAB's disappointment over the Board's lack of support for the S unit
proposal and resulting shift to a maximum of half that number. Les indicated that
LexHAB still favors the use of the 2 unit buildings contained in our proposal as these
structures are narrow with less bulk that the larger structure (s) recommended by Carl
Oldenberg. The narrow buildings will reduce significantly the blocking of neighborhood
and visitor sight lines.
Lester said that the Selectman invited LexHAB to present a plan for 5 units if it
wishes to do so; the Board could always change its mind as to the maximum number of
units and simply amend its prior vote.
It was the concensus that we should do just that and that to this end, Carter should be
asked to do a new layout for 6 units.
Les closed his remarks by noting that he and Carter had met with Carl Oldenberg.
Carter pointed out to Carl the difficulties to be anticipated in building the large structure
proposed by Carl but that, on the other hand, Carl's parking plan is an improvement over
ours.
It was left that Les will ask Carter to prepare the new layout for six units and that as
soon as it is in hand, he and Carter will meet again with Carl and see if Carl will support
it, in which event we should be in position to ask for a meeting with the Selectmen.
4. Fairview
Bob Burbidge reported on the meeting with neighbors held last evening at his home
nearby. Bob indicated that he had met individually with many of those in attendance and
that the tum -out was in his judgment representative of the neighbors as a whole.
Bill. Hays presented a summary of the reasons advanced at the meeting for a smaller
project_. Bob Pressman summarized LexHAB's presentation
It was the concensus (though no vote was taken) that given the concerns expressed
by the neighborhood to our proposal, we should respond by downsizing the project to 3
new units in one new building. It was noted that the result would be:
- One of the two new buildings would be eliminated
- The DHCD 140b requirement that 25% of the units in a project must meet the
stricter guidelines for tenant selection would now be exactly met.
efficiency
housing
We will get to construct on the site at least one building with high energy
The project, though smaller, advances the Town's commitment to affordable
- We will have listened to the neighbors and responded to their concerns
Bob indicated that another meeting with the neighbors is needed, to be arranged as
soon as Carter completes the new layout.
5. Other Business
None
6. Next Meeting
October 18, 2012 at 4 Militia Drive at 7 A.M.
7. Executive Session
The Chairman then proposed that the Board go into Executive Session to consider
tenant / lease issues without return to open session, declaring that consideration of same
in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of a public
body, namely: LexBAB.
The members of the Board were then individually polled; each member voted in favor
of the Chairman's proposal. The time was8 17 A. M.
Respectfully submitted
William C. Hays, Secretary pro tern