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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-29-HPB-min Lexington Housing Partnership Board (HPB) Meeting Minutes for January 29, 2025 Attendees: Nanette Byrnes, Harriet Cohen (Clerk), Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Jill Hai (Select Board liaison), Margaret Heitz, Paul Linton, Wendy Manz (Chair) Joyce Murphy, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss (Vice-Chair), John Zhao (COA) Absent: Sarah Morrison, John Zhao (COA) Guests: Jay Luker, Tom Shiple The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Wendy Manz and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom teleconference. 1. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting Ms. Manz called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. The roll was called. 2. Discussion and HPB next steps for Article #2 to Amend Section 7.5 of the Zoning Bylaw to Reduce Multi-Family Dwelling Unit Capacity as well as the STM Feb. 3rd, the PB Feb. 12th Hearing and the ATM March 17th vote Mr. Hornig reviewed the changes to the MBTA Communities Act zoning as shown in the most recent version of Article 2 received by the Planning Board. He noted that the key part is that the goal is to limit the capacity for the creation of multifamily housing to something closer to 1,231 units, the minimum required for Lexington by the Act. The article does this by eliminating or mostly eliminating many of the currently zoned VHO and VO districts and reducing the allowed number of units per acre. The parcels currently in the pipeline are grandfathered as specified in the current zoning. Ms. Thompson pointed out that the Article has been changed to have the Planning Board now being requested to review the proposal in conjunction with the Select Board. It was noted by several people that the maximum number of units that could be built under this zoning was based on a number of assumptions, some of which were incorrect. As such, the maximum number of units is probably overstated. Ms. Hai reminded the HPB that it will take a two-thirds vote to pass Article 2. Ms. Hai and Mr. Hornig discussed the timeframe in which the Planning Board could revisit the MBTA Communities Act zoning. Ms. Hornig suggested that the Planning Board could not act until after a study of the actual impact of new development has been completed. Ms. Hai suggested that the Planning Board could revisit the zoning after a Select Board housing study is completed in mid-March. Several people noted that It is not clear whether the zoning in Article 2 complies with MBTA Communities Act zoning requirements. The HPB discussed the path forward, including the discussion of possible motions regarding Article 2. The HPB agreed that the next step is to create a list of points providing the correct information regarding the MBTA Communities Act zoning by-law and Article 2. Ms. Weiss agreed to lead this effort and asked HPB members to contact her offline if they are willing to help create a list of points. Mr. Hornig asked for the HPB’s input prior to the Planning Board meeting on Feb. 12. The HPB agreed to meet prior to the Feb. 12 Planning Board meeting to review the list created by Ms. Weiss and anyone who volunteers to help her. The HPB agreed to meet On Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. 3. Next meeting date Feb. 20th and HPB Adjournment Ms. Weiss moved adjournment; Ms. Cohen seconded the motion. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the HPB voted by roll call of 9-0-0 to approve the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.