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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-04-HPB-min Lexington Housing Partnership Board RECEIVED 602121 iii[)ec, 6;66 pii Meeting Minutes for November 4,2021 "roWN CLERK Attendees: Harriet Cohen,Jeri Foutter, Paul Linton Joe Pato, Bob Peters, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Melinda Walker, Betsey Weiss,John Zhao L IEM NI .i"O N MA Absent: Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti, Mary Haskell, Wendy Manz Guests: Cindy Arens, Brian (LexMedia), The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. 1. Call to Order:Joint Planning Board and Housing Partnership Board Meeting The Planning Board and Housing Partnership Board Meetings meeting were called to order at 7:32 pm. Attendance was taken. 2. Article 16: Reducing Residential Parking Mr. Hornig prefaced the discussion by stating that the two articles being presented tonight are a part of a set of a larger housing initiatives being undertaken by the Planning Board. Article 16 proposes a reduction in the required parking spaces per dwelling unit from 2 parking spaces per apartment or unit to 1 space. Per United States census data, over 25%of the dwelling units in Lexington have only a single car. The Housing Partnership Board asked Mr. Hornig questions about Article 16. Mr. Horning provided answers. HPB In support of this article to the Select Board and Town Meeting. Ms.Weiss moved support of the article and Ms. Cohen seconded the motion.The motion passed with 8 in favor and 1 abstention (Mr. Zhao). Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board voted unanimously to support this article. 3. Article 15: Open Space Residential Development(OSRD) Mr. Hornig presented the Planning Board's overview of Article 15. The HPB asked questions about the implementation of the Article. Mr. Hornig responded to the questions. In response to questions regarding the provision of affordable housing, Mr. Horning noted that the OSRD will incent the creation of some affordable units, but the OSRD is a "tool in the toolbox"; it is not the solution to providing affordable units within Lexington. The Select Board has not taken a formal position yet, though three Select Board members have indicated they are not in support of this Article as it stands. The HPB discussed the pros and cons of the Article. Ms. Weiss moved that the HPB support the Article to the Select Board and Town meeting. Mr. Linton seconded.The motion passed unanimously. 4. New Business Ms. Foutter reminded the HPB that applications are due tomorrow(Nov. 5)for the AHT Study tft Lexington Housing Partnership Board Committee. Please submit an application if you are interested. Relative to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) article, Ms. Walker commented that one metric is the diversity of first-time home buyers in Lexington. Housing will improve their lives and their financial situation. 5. Set Next Meeting Date Ms. Weiss suggested that we meet in early December.This would allow us to discuss a Land Acquisition recommendation. The next meeting will be on December 2, 2021, at 7:00 pm 6. Adjournment Ms. Weiss moved adjournment of the meeting. Ms.Walker seconded the motion.The motion was approved unanimously.The meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm.