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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-01-HPB-min :: :: MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board Meeting Minutes for September 1,2020 Attendees:Jeri Foutter, Betsey Weiss, Melinda Walker, Mary Haskell, Bob Pressman, Bob Peters (PB Liaison) and Wendy Manz (CEC Liaison) Absent: Harriet Cohen, Melanie Thompson, Rich McDonough, and Paul Linton Guest: Amanda Loomis, Planning Director, Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development Director, Charles Horning, and Tina McBride The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Betsey Weiss. 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 12:04 pm. 2. Discussion of the Town Planning Office MassDevelopment grant proposal Ms. Foutter welcomed Ms. Loomis and Ms. Iyer to our meeting and said that HPB had been researching 40R for a long time and then asked to give us details about the grant. Ms. Iyer gave a detailed explanation about the MassDevelopment Technical Assistance 40R grant application process.The application is due Sept. 4th and the Planning Board has written and voted on a letter of support and the Town Manager is considering writing a letter of support too. Mr. Horning suggested that the HPB was interested in 40R and to contact us.The grant is for$5,000- $50,000. Ms. Iyer said that the grant would research a variety of topics including the Hartwell Avenue Initiative as well as adding 40R housing to Hartwell Ave. Then HPB members asked questions. Ms. Foutter asked whether it mattered if the land was publicly versus privately owned. Ms. Iyer said that did not matter. Mr. Pressman asked if the Center included the Michelson's parking lot. Ms. Iyer said that it was not specific parcels but general areas. Mr. Pressman wanted clarification that Bedford meant the street and not the town which it does. Ms. Walker asked if the final version of the grant application was completed. Ms. Iyer said that they were working on it and identified areas that the consultant would work on and then the consultant would be more specific. Ms. Weiss asked if they would add Marrett Rd. and Waltham St. along with Marrett and Forbes. Ms. Walker asked about the amount they were asking for. Ms. Iyer said $50,000 and they included an entire list of tasks. Ms. Loomis said that there was a list of areas in Lexington that they were looking at for 40R. Ms. Walker also asked about the impact of the Housing Choice Bill if it passes, on 40R. :: :: MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board Ms. Foutter asked about the availability of the budget and an in- house consultant? Ms. Iyer said that the funding must go to the MassDevelopment consultant from October to June 2021 and then they give a report. Ms. Weiss asked when they would hear if they received the grant? October or November. Ms. Foutter asked if 40S was included in the feasibility study. Ms. Iyer said yes that it was. Ms. Manz asked if both 40R and 40S would be studied in Lexington. Ms. Weiss. 186 Bedford St., a mixed-use development,was a lost opportunity for 40R last spring at ATM. Ms. Foutter said that in 2004 the Battle Green condos which were also smart growth were a lost opportunity. Mr. Pressman and Ms.Walker brought up the issue that the letter should include"Black Lives Matter" so that the Town can secure and retain a diverse group of employees. Work force housing and our children can also live here. 3. Adjournment Ms. Weiss moved to adjourn at 12:50pm. Ms. Walker seconded. However, the quorum was lost since only, Ms. Foutter, Ms. Walker, Mr. Pressman and Ms. Weiss remained.