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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-20-HPB-min :: :: MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board Meeting Minutes for May 20,2021 Attendees: Harriet Cohen,Jeri Foutter, Mary Haskell, Paul Linton, Wendy Manz, Bob Peters, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss,John Zhao Absent:Joe Pato, Bob Burdidge, Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti, Melinda Walker Guests: Charles Hornig The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02. 2. Review of May 17 Joint Meeting-Select Board, Planning Board, Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Housing Partnership Board,Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee Ms. Foutter reviewed the goals of the May 17 meeting and briefly summarized the presentation by Pam Hallett of the Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA). Ms. Haskell commented that it was a good sign that the attendance at the meeting was very high and that there was a great deal of positive interest at the meeting. Several HPB members joined in those comments. Ms. Manz commented on the expertise shown by Ms. Hallett. 3. HPB Next Steps-Alternative Affordable Housing Funding and Operation Models Ms. Foutter suggested that we provide suggestions as to a mission statement for a potential task force and to provide questions that would be beneficial for the task force to address. Mr. Zhao also suggested providing a proposed timeline. Ms. Foutter asked that all HPBs send their thoughts on the mission and scope of the task force to Ms. Cohen. Ms. Cohen will collate the information. She and Ms. Foutter will draft a document based on the input.The document will be reviewed at the next HPB meeting. 4. Fall Town Meeting—Land Acquisition Article Tom Shiple joined the December meeting for a discussion regarding stakeholder participation in any negotiations regarding land acquisition by the Town.The stakeholders are the potential recipients of CPA funds. Ms. Foutter suggested that we move forward with a resolution or warrant article for Fall Town Meeting (if such a meeting is held) that will provide for such stakeholder participation. S. Board Member Updates ■ Planning Board Mr. Peters said the next meeting of the Planning Board is on Wednesday, May 26.Two housing related items: (1) potential consideration for an open space development (see agenda); (2) potential zoning amendment looking at housing zoning types and intensity. ■ LexHAB No updates at this meeting. :: :: MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board ■ Lexington Housing Authority No updates at this meeting. ■ Council on Aging (COA) The COA is working through a list of concerns for seniors in Lexington.Two issues of concern are the mental health of seniors and housing for seniors. The COA noted that Newton has a program to address seniors retiring in place—support financially and with services.The goal is to have seniors retire in their existing house. ■ SPRD Committee Ms. Weiss reported that the last meeting was April 26.The next meeting is on June 1. 6. Approve Prior Minutes Ms. Weiss moved approval of the prior minutes. Mr. Pressman seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously with one abstention by Ms. Foutter. 7. New Business Ms. Weiss and Ms.Thompson participated in the walk-through of the 48 units that the HCA is developing in Arlington. Ms.Thompson reported that the HCA had "done an awesome job."The units are extremely well done and very spacious. Each unit is about$500K because they had to buy the land and then remediate environmental issues. $16M for 48 units. Construction by Delphi.The units are super insulated, which means lower heating costs.The units are high quality construction with 2" x 6' studs.The financing came from multiple sources. Ms. Foutter thanked Melinda Walker for sending out the Boston Globe article (email 5/20/21) 8. Set Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be on July 1, 2021. Ms. Foutter will investigate whether we will meet by Zoom or in person, depending on state mandates and other guidance. 9. Adjournment Ms. Foutter moved adjournment. Ms. Weiss seconded the motion.The motion was approved unanimously.