HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-12-04-FHC-min.pdf L
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SELECTMEN
Fair Housing Committee
12,30 09d6t*tfriivr
Minutes of the meeting of December 4, 1980 tY
Present: Al Zabin, Leona. Martin, Ron Chi, William Sullivan, Bob Pressman
and Natalie Miller
Also: Nancy Banks and Bea Phear
Al called the- meeting to order at 8:15 p.m.
The committee. went over the December 1, 1980 draft.-of the Lexington Fair Housing
plan_ A number of corrections and changes were made:
1. Adda new section, III Affirmative Action, (under Problem Area Identification
on page 16) to discuss the LHA's lack of affirmative action.
2. Expand the discussion ofrthe survey to summarize what people said were
problems, and cite number of responses and dates
3. Add the racial breakdown for subsidized elderly
4. Update mortgage and other financial information
5 Change the conclusion paragraph pointing out-that study doesn't prove
there is no discrimination and is inconclusive
6 Add affirmative action to action plan, and a counseling and assistance
program to help new residents
Bob Pressman will also write his own section dealing with lot size and land use, as
the current draft doesn't state the problem as clearly as he would like.
The committee discussed HUD's withholding of money for the LHA purchase of con-
dominium units. Al believes that- it is due to their realization that condos might
be subject to increases in assessment voted by the members association (e.g. swimming
pools) which would push the costs above the 25% of income restrictions. This issue
had not been a problem in 1978-79, and the costs are within their guidelines. Bob
felt that this might be .a sign of new administrative reluctance to fund for housing.
Natalie mentioned that we are overlooking the fact that Some discrimination exists
in Lexington in other ways which discourage blacks from living here. The affect on
housing patterns is subtle and hard to document. The isolated incidents of bigotry
ray have had a real effect, even though they are not directly related to housing.
Both government and citizens should try to take steps to prevent them.
The committee then moved to the question of a Town Meeting open housing resolution.
It has to be a Selectmen's article which we could suggest, but they engineer it
through Town Meeting.
Leona asked if we knew what we want to say. Al suggested that we be resolved that
it is the policy of this town that we are an open community and that all races and
bac.-grounds are welcome Natalie felt that such a statement would not be passed.
Ever-body is in a very conservative mood and we have to select our battles in regards
to timing She said she is willing to go ahead, but we should be prepared that it
micht be nasty.
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Bob said we wanted it last year, but the Selectmen didn't feel there was enough time
to get support. He wants to support pushing such a resolution now. Leona mentioned
not wanting a year to go by without addressing the issue; we need to plant a seed,
but there might be resistance. Al pointed out that LHA has to report on how they're
fulfilling the goals.
Bob felt that if this statement is going to cause such a reaction, then what we are
doing is a waste of time. He had been thinking of something even stronger, e.g.
accessory apartments, and turning over school sites for racial diversity. We can
have impact only if minority people outside the community heat about Lexington's
goals.
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Nancy pointed out the danger of passing a resolution that implies we have been
closed in the past. The_ statement should be from Town Meeting, for example the t
goals on page 19 of the draft plan. She suggested starting the goals first in the €!
plan.
Al said he wouldn't be too timid to push the Selectmen, despite the so called
conservative turn. It might even provide welcome relief, as the conservativism
seems to be springing more from economic pressures We need the symbols first in
order to advance, and should set it as a goal
Bea mentioned the existance of the West Suburban Open Housing Program, based in
Concord with Carrie Jenkins as executive director. The Fair Housing Committee will
be notified of their meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 10 15 ppm.
Respectfully submitted,
CC—
Bea Phear
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