HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-03-SPRD-minSpecial Permit Residential Development (SPRD) Ad-hoc Committee
Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2021
Special Permit Residential Development (SPRD) Ad-hoc Committee Members present for the
Public Meeting: Jill Hai, Chair; Scott Cooper, Charles Hornig, Richard Perry, Wendy Manz, Betsey
Weiss, Joyce Murphy
Lexington Staff present for the Public Meeting: Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for
Development; Amanda Loomis, Planning Director
Other attendees: David Treitsch
Ms. Hai conducted a roll call to ensure all the members of the SPRD ad-hoc committee and
members of staff present could hear and be heard.
Ms. Hai chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order at 8:30 am.
The meeting was recorded by LexMedia for future on-demand viewing.
Review of SPRD by-law material
Ms. Hai shared that Taylor Singh has resigned from the committee and they will be considering
applications to fill one vacant seat on the committee.
Ms. Loomis shared the background and the supporting material for the proposed SPRD by-law.
She emphasized the need for SPRD, removing the Balanced housing development, and removing
the Public benefit development allowing the Site sensitive development to continue. In addition
to that adding an Alternative Residential development (ARD).
Ms. Loomis suggested amending the Special Permit Residential Development (SPRD) to
Residential Development (RD). The title Residential development is open for discussion and can
be updated as deemed appropriate. RD comprised of Site sensitive development (SSD) and
Alternative Residential Development (ARD). She reviewed the goals and benefits of a Residential
Development, highlights of Site Sensitive Development, key features of an Alternative
Residential Development, the Inclusionary requirement, the design and layout requirements,
encouraging the reuse of Historic and Architecturally significant structures, and Accessory
dwelling units.
Ms. Loomis reviewed the process flow chart, the design and compliance information, and the
requirements pertaining to each step on the flow chart.
Mr. Cataldo shared the calculations, reviewed the unit floor area and gross floor area numbers,
and the number of possible units based on the Reed St proposal he received the week before.
The committee discussed the cost for the conventional subdivision development and the Special
Permit Residential Development. They discussed the eligibility criteria for the affordable housing
units, workforce housing, and SHI compliance.
The committee reviewed the AMI chart, discussed the inclusionary percentage, and how to set
the percentage for ‘moderate’ income. They discussed the percentages, 10% for SSD and 20%
split for ARD; this was evaluated in correlation to the AMI and the feasibility in terms of the
number of units with the intent of finding a right balance.
Ms. Hai advised that the committee should continue the discussion at the next meeting.
Mr. Treitsch suggested adding visuals to the process flow chart so the public can envision how
the development will look like.
Ms. Loomis shared that she has submitted her letter of resignation to the Town. The committee
wished her the best and applauded Ms. Loomis for her great work.
Mr. Perry moved that the SPRD committee recommend that the Select Board support the
OSRD Article 15. Mr. Cooper seconded the motion. The SPRD Committee voted in favor of the
motion 6-0-0 (Roll Call Cooper- yes, Hornig- yes, Murphy- yes, Weiss- yes, Perry- yes, Hai- yes).
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upcoming meetings
The committee decided to have their next meeting on Nov 17 2021, at 8:00 a.m.
Adjourn
Ms. Hai moved that the SPRD committee adjourn the meeting of November 3rd, 2021. Mr.
Perry seconded the motion. The SPRD Committee voted in favor of the motion 6-0-0 (Roll Call
Cooper- yes, Hornig- yes, Murphy- yes, Weiss- yes, Perry- yes, Hai- yes). MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY.