HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-14-CPC-min RECEIVED
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MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MARCH 14, 2022 .) CLERK
Remote Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 814 3929 4143 LEXINGTON
Committee Members Present by Roll Call: Marilyn Fenollosa (Chair), Charles Hornig (Vice-
Chair), David Horton,Jeanne Krieger David Langseth,Joe Pato, Robert Pressman, Lisah Rhodes,
and Melinda Walker
Committee Member(s) Absent: None
Other Attendees: Bob Burbidge (LexHAB Chair), Carolyn Kosnoff(Assistant Town Manager for
Finance), Daniela Kerina, Petar Litchev, and Lin Xu
1. Call to order: Ms. Fenollosa called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm, followed by
reading the guidelines for a public meeting and for a meeting via Zoom, and conducting
a roll call of the committee members.
2. Update on request by Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) - 116 Vine Street
Construction Funds— Bob Burbidge; possible vote to Indefinitely Postpone Article
10(k): Mr. Burbidge presented an explanation as to why LexHAB is requesting that
Article 10(k) be Indefinitely Postponed (IP). LexHAB hired a professional cost estimator
to provide a current estimate on the construction costs; the estimated project cost,
$5,655,00.00, would put the price per unit at almost one million dollars. The LexHAB
board felt that this cost per unit was too high. Mr. Burbidge reminded the committee
that LexHAB, as a Town entity, is subject to prevailing wage and public bidding. These
requirements increase labor costs by approximately 30 percent. If LexHAB was not
subject to these requirements, the savings (of almost $2 million dollars) could be put to
better use by purchasing two small single-homes in Lexington. Mr. Burbidge assured
the committee that LexHAB is still interested in completing the Vine Street project, but
wants to wait until the costs per unit are sustainable. To that end, LexHAB intends to
investigate the possibility of reorganizing as a 501(c)(3) organization. Ms. Walker
mentioned some of the financial benefits of non-profit affordable housing development
including tax credits and DHCD grants. With respect to a conversion to a 501(c)(3)
organization, Mr. Pressman noted that the text of the Special Act creating LexHAB
provides that if LexHAB ceases to exist, its property reverts to the Town. He opined that
LexHAB will need to work with the Town and counsel regarding this factor.
3. Motion: That the CPC recommend to Town Meeting that the LexHAB request for 116
Vine Street Construction Funds, Article 10(k), be Indefinitely Postponed (moved and
seconded by Melinda Walker and Lisah Rhodes, respectively)
Approved unanimously by roll call vote: 9-0
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4. Motion: To approve the revised Report to 2022 Annual Town Meeting (moved and
seconded by Jeanne Krieger and Lisah Rhodes, respectively)
Approved unanimously by roll call vote: 9-0
S. Motion: To approve the minutes from March 10, 2022 (moved and seconded by Lisah
Rhodes and Jeanne Krieger, respectively)
Approved unanimously by roll call vote: 9-0
6. Committee Business: Ms. Walker inquired if any more work was planned in the near
future on the Guidelines for the Use of CPA Funding by LexHAB. Mr. Burbidge, Mr.
Hornig, and Mr. Pressman all agreed that it would be discontinued for the time being.
Admiration and appreciation were expressed for the LexHAB board for what was termed
a tough, hard decision to request Indefinite Postponement of funds for the 116 Vine
Street project.
We bade farewell to CPC member David Langseth who is stepping down from the
committee and moving from Lexington.
7. Motion: To adjourn (moved and seconded by David Langseth and Jeanne Krieger,
respectively)
Approved unanimously by roll call vote at 4:14 pm.
D. Horton, recorder
Approved March 21, 2022
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