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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-16-HPB-min tft Lexington Housing LHP Meeting Minutes for October 16, 2018 Attendees: Harriet Cohen, Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti,Jeri Foutter, Mary Haskell, Paul Linton (by phone),Wendy Manz, Joe Pato, Rich McDonough, Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Melinda Walker, Betsey Weiss Absent: none Guest:William Reyelt, Principal Planner, Smart Growth Programs, DHCD The Lexington Housing Partnership (LHP) meeting was chaired by Ms. Foutter and minutes were taken by Ms. Cohen.The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm. 1. 40R and 40S Presentation/ Mr. Reyelt Mr. Reyelt provided an overview of the 40R statue and answered Board questions on the statute. The Board thanked Mr. Reyelt for his excellent presentation. 2. Annual Report/All The Board discussed the items to be submitted as highlights in the Town Annual Report.These items might include: ■ Researched the feasibility of promoting 'Smart Growth Zoning Overlay Districts" in Lexington; such districts are permitted under M.G.L. Chapter 40R. ■ Discussed and reviewed Town Meeting Article 42: Citizen's Article: "Special Permit Residential Developments";the Board submitted a position statement on Article 42 to the Board of Selectmen. ■ Invited Elizabeth Barnett, Carlisle Housing Coordinator,to provide an overview of the Benfield Farms project. Benfield Farms is a CPA-funded senior housing project. ■ Advocated for the conversion of the Judge's Way cooperative to condominiums and for the deeding of the five low income rental units to the Lexington Housing Authority. CPA funding was used to purchase the 5 low income units. ■ Maintained a website (at lexingtonhousingpartnership.org). Website serves as a resource for individuals and families seeking affordable housing. ■ Advocated for affordable housing on the Leary land. ■ Participated in the completion of the LIP application for the Wright Farm House. ■ On Town Meeting floor, LHP members advocated for additional CPA funding for Farm View on Lowell Street. 3. Discussion on potential CPA application regarding 40R and 40S The Board discussed opening a discussion with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectman regarding the possibility of a 40R overlay. One consideration is a proposal to the CPA to hire a consultant to identify potential 40R sites in Lexington. 4. Possible Conservation Commission/ LexHAB CPC article for November Town Meeting/All tft Lexington Housing LHP The 39 Highland Street article was withdrawn. S. National Development Ms. Haskell complimented the Board members who presented at the Planning Board in favor of the National Development Corps project. David Kucharsky,Town Planning Director, is organizing the National Development information received to date for presentation at Town Meeting. National Development offered to make 15%of the independent living units available as affordable units. Discussion on the National Development Corp. will be continued at the November meeting. 6. Housing Partnership Board Charter Ms. Walker passed out copies of the Housing Partnership Board and the list of members as shown on the Town website. Members who are liaisons are non-voting members. Mr. McDonough will be a non-voting liaison from the Council on Aging. Discussion on the charter and membership will be continued at the November meeting. On the charter,the LHP is referred to as the Housing Partnership Board.The LHP agreed to refer to itself as the Housing Partnership Board. 7. Discussion of Boston Globe article on NIMBY-ism Ms. Walker handed out an article from the Boston Globe on trying to quantify the NIMBY factor in planned house developments. CHAPA is holding a meeting in NIMBY-ism titled, "Who is the 'M' in NIMBY? New Evidence from MA Zoning Meetings" on November 7. 8. Set next meeting date The next meeting will be on Nov. 7 at 7:30 pm. Action Items The following are action items noted above in the minutes: ■ Ms. Foutter to meet with Mr. Reyelt to provide a more general overview for presentation to the Board of Selectmen. ■ Ms. Foutter will seek two estimates for a consultant to assess potential 40R sites within Lexington. ■ Ms. Walker to send email to the Town stating that Mr. McDonough is a non-voting liaison for the Council on Aging.