HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-27-HPB-min t �
�• "'"- Lexington Housing Partnership Board RECEIVED
022 03 Mar, 154, Maui °m
TN CLERK
Meeting Minutes for January 27,2022
LewTru MA
Attendees: Bob Burbidge, Harriet Cohen,Jeri Foutter, Paul Linton, Robert Peters, Bob Pressman,
Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss,John Zhao
Absent: Mary Haskell,Joe Pato
Guests: Margaret Heitz, Charles Hornig, Stephanie Hsu
The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by
Harriet Cohen.
1. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting
Ms. Foutter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and the roll was called..
2. Vine Street Project
Mr. Burbidge updated the HPB on the current plans for the Vine Street affordable housing and
responded to questions about the housing.
Ms. Weiss moved that the HPB support the LexHAB Vine Street Project. Mr. Linton seconded.
The motion passed unanimously with Mr. Burbidge abstaining.
3. Planning Board: Open Space Residential District(OSRD) Update and Vote
Mr. Peters reminded the HPB that the OSRD warrant article failed narrowly in the most recent
town meeting.The Planning Board is revising the OSRD zoning to satisfy the concerns of Town
Meeting.The OSRD will be presented at a public hearing in February.
Mr. Peters then responded to questions from the HPB and guests.
Ms. Cohen moved that the HPB support the OSRD zoning as presented to the HPB at this
meeting and anticipates approval of the final OSRD zoning. Ms. Weiss seconded the motion.The
motion passed unanimously with Mr. Pressman and Mr. Zhao abstaining.
4. Planning Board: Mixed Use District in the Center Update
Mr. Peters reviewed the Multi-Use District warrant article.This article would move Lexington
towards compliance with the Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities, though
Lexington would still not be in full compliance with the regulation. Mr. Peters then responded to
questions from the virtual floor.
The Planning Board is seeking comments and suggestions on the Mixed-Use District zoning
changes. Ms. Foutter asked the members of the HPB to attend the hearing on the zoning
changes and become informed on the proposed changes.
5. Land Acquisition Subcommittee Update and Vote
Ms. Weiss moved approval of the memo from the Land Acquisition Subcommittee. Mr. Peter
seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously.
6. Comprehensive Plan Housing Committee(CPAC) Draft Strategies Review and Discussion
The HPB discussed the draft CPAC housing strategy.There was some disappointment with the
lack of specific actions towards housing, but also a good discussion of working collaboratively
with multiple town committees on housing issues.
tft
Lexington Housing Partnership Board
Please send comments to Ms. Weiss or to CPAC directly and copy Ms.Weiss.
7. Affordable Housing Resources and Housing Website Updated by Human Rights Housing Group
Ms. Heitz said that the new housing resources page should be posted at the Town website
within the next few days. Melinda Walker and Stephanie Hsu were instrumental in the update.
The Human Rights Housing Group is assessing its current efforts and identifying how it might
best use its resources.
The Housing Specialist subcommittee has done research on whether a recommendation should
be made to the Town to hire a housing specialist.
Ms. Heitz volunteered to represent the HPB in continuing updates and approvements to the
Town website page on affordable housing.
8. Preliminary Discussion for HPB Charge and Membership Expansion
Ms. Cohen moved the creation of a subcommittee to review and propose changes to the HPB
charge, the subcommittee to consist of Ms. Cohen, Ms. Foutter, Ms. Heitz, and Ms. Weiss. Ms.
Weiss seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously.
9. Board Member Updates
Planning Board: Mr. Peters: The Planning Board is preparing for Town meeting.The Planning
Board will also address Special Permit requests for 75 Outlook and 69 Pleasant Streets. Neither
Special Permit request has an affordable housing components.
SPRD:The SPRD met and worked on the bylaw.
COA:transportation: Mr.Zhao reviewed the accomplishments of the Council on Aging: providing
senior parking at Community Center and free rides on Lexpress; housing: reaching out to the
Select Board to ask for a panel discussion regarding housing with relevant Town boards and
committees; and investigating providing financial assistance to seniors for housing.
Affordable Housing Trust (AHT): Ms. Foutter: the AHT study committee has been formed and
had its first meeting.
10. New Business
There was no new business.
11. Approval of Minutes
Ms. Weiss moved approval of the minutes of December 2, 2021, Mr. Peters seconded the
motion.The motion passed unanimously.
12. Set Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Feb 24 at 7:00 pm.
13. Adjournment
Ms. Weiss moved adjournment of the meeting. Ms. Peters seconded the motion.The motion
passed with all voting members except Mr. Pressman voting in favor. Mr. Pressman vote against
the motion.The meeting adjourned at 9:01 pm.