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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21-HPB-min.pdfLexington Housing Partnership Board Lexington Housing Partnership Board (HPB) Meeting Minutes for Oct. 21, 2025 Attendees: Nanette Byrnes, Harriet Cohen (Clerk), Ravneet Grewal, Wendy Manz (Chair), Margaret Heitz, Paul Linton, Joyce Murphy, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss (Vice -Chair) Absent: Cindy Arens (Sustainable Lexington), Chris Herbert, Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Vineeta Kumar, Sarah Morrison (LexHAB) Guest: Linda Prosnitz, Melinda Walker The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Wendy Manz and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting Ms. Manz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The roll was called. 2. Update on the Oct. 17th meeting with the Select Board Ms. Manz had previously sent a summary of the meeting to the Housing Partnership Board. HPB members who attended the meeting reported that Ms. Manz's presentation was well received by the Select Board. The Select Board requested time -bound, achievable objectives as the next step and only three such objectives, at least initially. The Select Board expressed concern that the SHI level of 10% did not reflect the true number of affordable units in Lexington. The Select Board indicated that they considered increasing the number of affordable units to 10% to be important. There was enthusiasm for creating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Lexington. 3. Discussion on Housing Policy and Strategy Comments Ms. Manz asked for input as to how to incorporate comments received on the housing goals and strategy draft document. The HPB offered suggestions and thoughts about the comments that were received. 4. Subcommittee formation of Housing Policy and Strategy Per the Select Board's request, the HPB focused on prioritizing the goals listed in the draft goals and strategies draft. The HPB then formed subcommittees to address the most important goals. Goal C: Increase Number of Affordable Units to a True 10%. Members: Ms. Weiss (Chair), Ms. Cohen, Ms. Heitz Goal A. Mixed Use Development in Lexington Center Members: Ms. Byrnes (Chair), Ms. Weiss, Ms. Cohen Goal B. Smaller, Less Expensive Housing Across Town Members: Ms. Grewal (Chair), Mr. Linton, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Thompson Goal F. Communication, Education and Engagement of the Community Members: Ms. Manz (Chair), Ms. Grewal, Ms. Murphy Lexington Housing Partnership Board 5. Updates on Oct. 23rd LexHAB fundraiser and Oct. 30th Roundtable The LexHAB fundraiser is on Oct. 23. Ticket purchases are considered a donation to LexHAB. The roundtable on Oct. 30 will review the Lexington Housing Needs Assessment. Tiffany Payne, Chris Herbert, Carol Kowalski (Assistant Town Manager for Development), Jay Abdella (Senior Economic Development Coordinator) will be on the panel. Both events are at Lex Art. Please spread the word about both events. 6. Update on status of proposed member changes There has been no change in the status of the proposed membership changes. 7. Liaison reports There were no liaison reports. 8. Review and approve minutes Ms. Cohen and Mr. Linton will coordinate on writing the meeting minutes. 9. New Business The Comprehensive Permit for Lowell Street has been submitted for a hearing at the ZBA on Nov. 13. Comments are due by Nov. 6. Ms. Manz will draft a letter of support for the permit. The AHT is applying to the CPC for funding. The AHT is meeting to decide on the application for CPC funds on Oct. 23. Ms. Manz will draft a letter of support for the application. Applications for CPC funding have started to arrive. The CPC has established a tentative schedule for review of the applications. The Planning Board will be meeting on Oct. 22 to review the proposed SRD for 287-295 Waltham Street. A local resident has submitted significant comments on the application. Ms. Manz suggested reviewing the proposal and attending the Planning Board meeting. 10. Set next meeting date The next meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Zoom. There will be a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Zoom. 11. 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 10-0-0 to approve the motion. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 pm.