HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-20-PB-rpt-art35 a�a �riN Town ofLexington
PLANNING BOARD Robert D.Peters, Chair
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Michael Schanbacher, Vice Chair
j< f � ' Lexington MA 02420 Melanie Thompson, Clerk
'F t 1 ; ' ,�' Tel (781) 698-4560 Robert Creech,Member
Charles Hornig, Member
APRIL If � plannin CO,lexingtonma.goy
www.lexingtonma.gov/planning Michael Leon, Associate Member
RECOMMENDATION REPORT OF THE LEXINGTON PLANNING BOARD
ARTICLE 35: AMEND ZONING BYLAW—SUPPLEMENTAL INCLUSIONARY HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, after three public hearings, the Planning Board unanimously voted five (5) in
favor and none (0) opposed, to recommend that Town Meeting refer Article 35 for Supplemental Inclusionary
Housing Requirements to the Planning Board.
RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)'s Compliance Guidelines for Multi family Zoning
Districts permit municipalities to require 10%of units in a project to be affordable units with a cap on the income
of households not less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). DHCD may approve a greater percentage of
affordable units over 10%, but never more than 20%, if a third party provides an economic feasibility analysis of
the zoning demonstrating that the variety of housing units can be feasibly be developed.
The Planning Board initially placed this article on the warrant separately from Article 34 with the intent of
performing the study and requiring more 10%of a project's units to be affordable. After consultation with Town
Counsel, the Board has incorporated all affordable housing language into the motion under Article 34.
PUBLIC PROCESS:
On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, after publication of the legal advertisement in the Lexington Minuteman
Newspaper on January 12, 2023 and January 19, 2023, the Planning Board opened the public hearing. Continued
public hearings were held on February 8 and February 15. The public hearing closed on February 15 and the Board
voted to refer the matter to the Planning Board.
Over 200 people attended the February 1St public hearing. A total of 94 written comments were submitted during
the public hearings and considered by the Planning Board. The Board carefully considered all testimony and
comments to develop the zoning proposal being presented to Town Meeting.
RECORD OF THE VOTE:
Michael Schanbacher moved that the Planning Board recommend that Town Meeting refer Article 35 to the
Planning Board. Melanie Thompson seconded the motion.The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-
Page 1 of 2
Planning Board Report with Recommendation to Town Meeting
Article 35
0 (Roll Call: Robert Creech—yes, Charles Hornig—yes, Robert Peters —yes, Michael Schanbacher—yes, Melanie
Thompson—yes).
SIGNATURE OF THE PLANNING BOARD CHAIR
Robert D. Peters
Exhibit:
Approved Planning Board Meeting Minutes
www.Lexi ngto n MA.govZM BTAZo n i ng
Page 2 of 2
Planning Board Report with Recommendation to Town Meeting
Article 34