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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-23-FHHR-min.pdf FAIR HOUSING AND HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES 3/23/97 Present: Florence Baturin; Sue Cusack; Katherine Davis; Michelle Ekanem, Chair Steve Baran, Fair Housing and Human Relations Director Dan Fenn, Selectman Liaison Absent: Ralph Clifford; Beverly Goodridge; Mary Haskell; Leona Martin LexHab articles The Committee discussed the LexHab articles (see Town Warrant) and agreed to support Sue Cusack's recommendations (see attached) with respect to the following articles: 33, 34, 35 Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee report to Town Meeting The Committee made recommendations relating to Michelle Ekanem's report to Town Meeting. A handout containing the Charge and Michelle's report was to be prepared for ( the back table at Town Meeting by Steve Baran. See attached. The Committee noted particularly preparing protocols for dealing with incidents of discrimination, further cultivating realtors and others in welcoming minorities and people of color into Lexington and developing closer working relationships with related groups, e.g., Lexington Coalition for Racial Equality LexHab and the Lexington Housing Authority Michelle Ekanem request for support Michelle Ekanem asked the Committee to consider electing a Co-Chair to assist her in carrying out her duties. This was tabled until the next meeting. Article 29 Land Acquisition of Spencer Street ;lt;' ch Response: We support exercising the option using $1 of Town funds so that LexHAB cab purchase the lot for $124K and develop a 2 family home. Article 33 Change in Chapter 521 of 1983 that requires Town Meeting to approve transfers of town property to LexHAB. This would require approval of the Legislature. Research: Is input from Planning Board and Conservation currently required before a LexHAB site can be developed? Response: This committee is satisfied with the oversight of the Selectman, and when required the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. Article 34 Payment in Lieu of Taxes is requested. Response: Any additional demands on the cash flow put upon Le?cHAB will inhibit their ability to seek alternative to open space for development, and thereby diminish their ability to meet their mission for the community Article 35 Land Transfer at Tarbell Avenue to LexHAB Response: i ' Support the article, LexHAB has decided the lot is not suitable. Article 43 Real Estate Transfer Tax, revenue received to go into the general fund. Response: Support article as a vehicle to develop reserves for affordable housing. Fair Housing Report The opportunity to discuss the undercurrents of the LexHAB conversation that go beyond conservation and suitability of site to social concerns that highlight the hard work ahead of us to build a stronger more diverse community Anecdote' Children attending parents who demonstrate against Tarbell Ave Site expressed concern for their safety if an affordable home were placed near their access to the playing fields. The parent of the child took the time to point out that they currently had friends who lived in LexHAB house who presented no safety threats, but the general conversation points to complexity of these issues and the truly negative impact they are having on our children.