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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-23-HPB-minLexington Housing Partnership Board Meeting Minutes for July 23, 2019 Attendees: Bob Peters, Harriet Cohen, Jeri Foutter, Bob Pressman, Melinda Walker, Wendy Manz, Paul Linton, Mary Haskell, Rich McDonough Absent: Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss Attendees: Hongsheng Tang Action Items: ■ Mr. Linton to post a statement to the HPB website to indicate that the HPB Meeting Minutes can be found on the Town's website — Archives section. ■ HPB members: review the material at the links provided by Jeri Foutter regarding the 40R and 40S legislation and please read about the Massachusetts starter home initiative (see this article for a summary of the starter home initiative). 0 40R o 40S ■ https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-40r ■ https://www.chapa.org/sites/default/files/TheUseofCh40R 2018.pdf ■ https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-40-s ■ http://www.concordsgdev.com/pdfs/050522 CHTF School Funding_pdf o Housing Production Plan ■ Section VI - Goals and Objectives, p. 43-p. 53 - info for HPB and goals we can work on. ■ p. 42 2.6 talks about modifying overlay districts The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm. 1. Call to Order and Approve Prior Minutes (June 25, 2019) Several action items were removed as completed. Ms. Walker moved approval, Mr. Peters seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 2. 952 Waltham Street / Mr. Hongsheng Tang Mr. Tang indicated that he is interested in using a friendly 40B approach for the proposed development at 952 Waltham Street. The HPB provided advice to Mr. Tang as to next steps. 3. Fairland/Lincoln Street Project At the last meeting, the Planning Board considered conditions that would be attached to a Special Permit for the project. The house currently on Lincoln Street will be redeveloped as a two-family house. Per discussion with the Planning Board, one of the two units will be a rental unit owned by the developer. That unit will be a "workforce rental unit" that could be occupied by a person(s) with income up to 120% of AMI. 4. Planning Board July 10 Meeting & Planning Board Update Mr. Peters reported on the July 10 meeting, which was a joint meeting between the Select Board and the Planning Board. The meeting was facilitated by a town manager from outside Lexington. There was some discussion about an appointed versus and elected Planning Board. Lexington Housing Partnership Board There was also discussion as to the role of the Planning Director and the Planning Department and as to whether the role of the Planning Director is commensurate with the high level of qualifications for the position and with the autonomy described in the job descriptions. Ms. Foutter advised the HPB members to watch the video of the meeting posted on LexMedia. 5. 186 Bedford Street Development At the last Planning Board meeting, all five members of the Planning Board indicated support of the 186 Bedford Street development. 6. Council on Aging (CCIA) Update Mr. McDonough reported that the COA did not meet in July (per their usual schedule). 7. Lexington Housing Authority Update Ms. Walker reported that the LHA met on July 16. Three items of interest: DHCD is offering grants for MODPHASE. If a local housing authority can demonstrate that it has worked with a social service group to improve the life of elders, the DHCD may make a grant for capital improvements not necessarily related to the, e.g., capital improvements associated with education, language, and health care. Mass Housing Partnership is offering money to provide technical assistance for land development. These funds are probably not applicable. HUD is providing funds to support Section 8 housing for veterans and their families. There is also a program to provide SRO housing for veterans who are willing to live alone.Jeri] 8. SPRD Update Mr. Pressman reported on the discussion about limitations on impervious surfaces. There was also discussion of the process for moving special permit developments forward and how to make the process more predictable for developers. 9. LexHAB Mr. Pressman reported that LexHAB has worked out a way for the 6 Lowell Street units to be built as pre -fab units. The target is to complete development by November. Funds have not yet been identified for some parts of the project (solar panels, appliances, paving, landscaping). LexHAB is attempting to obtain funds for this work. Wright Farm House: a water pipe in the street needs to be fixed — the latest in a series of unexpected problems. Target completion date is January 2020. 10. Annual Goal Setting Ms. Weiss and Ms. Foutter attended the annual goal setting meeting at Town Hall. HPB goals were submitted prior to the meeting but not discussed at the meeting. The meeting was more focused on team building and vision than on goal setting. 11. Joint Select Board & Housing Partnership Board Meeting (7/22 at 8:00 pm) Nordblom Development presented a conceptual proposal for 120-130 "age -targeted" rental units at the former Emerson Gardens. Lexington Housing Partnership Board 12. Jefferson Drive Townhomes Ms. Foutter previously provided material regarding the Jefferson Drive Townhomes. Application period: Information session: Application Deadline: Lottery: July 11, 2019 August 7, 2019 September 11, 2019 September 24, 2019 The HPB discussed ways in which to publicize the lottery for the affordable units. Ms. Thompson has already done some outreach. Ms. Foutter will contact Mr. Malloy, the Town Manager, about informing town employees and the school superintendent about informing school system employees. The HPB members will also post flyers at various places around Lexington. Ms. Foutter encouraged the HPB to attend the information session and the lottery. 13. HPB letter supporting Baker Act to Promote Housing Choices Ms. Weiss finalized the letter. Ms. Foutter and Ms. Weiss signed the letter and will send it to the state senators. Ms. Foutter suggested that the HPB members send the letter to their state representatives and state senators. 14. CPC Representative Mr. Pressman represents the HPB at the CPC. His term is ending. Ms. Haskell moved re -appointment of Mr. Pressman as the HPB representative to the CPC. Ms. Walker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 15. New Business This Thursday, July 25, the Medford Housing Authority will host a multi -town meeting on affordable housing. Mr. Linton reported that the LHP website received an email message from a caseworker that a single mother with a special needs minor who needs 24-hour support services. The single mother and the disabled minor are being evicted from Avalon. Ms. Haskell forwarded the email to a contact who provided information to the caseworker on an organization that might provide legal assistance. 16. Action Items The action items have been updated. 17. Set next meeting Thursday, Sep. 19 18. Meeting adjournment Ms. Haskell moved adjournment. Mr. Linton seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm.