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MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board
Meeting Minutes for October 27,2020
Attendees: Harriet Cohen,Jeri Foutter, Mary Haskell, Paul Linton, Wendy Manz, Robert Peters, Bob
Pressman, Rich McDonough, Melanie Thompson, Melinda Walker, Betsey Weiss
Absent:
Guest: Matt Daggett,Tom Shiple
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 7:03 pm.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03.
2. Approve Prior Minutes
Ms. Walker moved approval of the minutes of September 24, 2020. Mr. Peters seconded the
motion.The motion was approved unanimously with Mr. Linton and Ms. Haskell abstaining.
Mr. Peters moved approval of the minutes of September 1, 2020. Ms. Walker seconded the
motion.The motion was approved unanimously with Mr. Linton and Ms. Cohen abstaining.
3. Article 6:Authorize Special Legislation Development Surcharge for Community Housing
Mr. Daggett reviewed his presentation on the town warrant article for the HPB.The HPB
discussed the town warrant article with Mr. Daggett and he responded to questions from the
HPB.
The Board agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss the proposal and decide whether
to endorse the proposal.
4. Article 7: Land Acquisition 39 Highland Ave
Ms. Weiss pointed out that three parcels had previously been acquired by the Town with no
consideration for dedicating any part of any of the parcels for affordable housing.The Town is
also seeking to acquire the 39 Highland Ave property, again with no consideration for affordable
housing. Ms. Weiss suggested that both housing and recreation interests be a part of the
negotiation for any property the Town is considering acquiring.
Ms. Weiss requests that this topic be on the agenda for the next regular meeting.
S. CPC Application for Consultant to ID possible 40111 areas
Ms. Cohen presented the Lexington Housing Foundation (LHF) application for CPC funds for a
consultant to study Section 40R smart zones.The HPB discussed the LHF application. Ms. Weiss
moved that the HPB support this application and Ms. Walker seconded the motion.The motion
was approved unanimously.
6. Lexington preference in Public/Affordable Housing
This topic was tabled until the next meeting.
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MAP Lexington Housing Partnership Board
7. Board Member Updates
■ Planning Board
This topic was tabled until the next meeting.
■ LexHAB
Mr. Pressman: Six architects express interest in the Vine Street project. From those six,
Collin Smith selected. He previously worked with the Town on the Lowell Street project.
Several committees have been established to work on this project.
■ Lexington Housing Authority
Ms. Walker was concerned as to whether the Town was making sufficient efforts for rental
assistance. Ms.Walker has contacted the Town Manager's office and brought this forward
to the Select Board.The Town Manager estimates that, based on current usage, the fund
has enough money to cover rental assistance.
The Town website is not clear about how to apply for rental assistance, Ms. Walker asked
the Town that the website more prominently feature the rental assistance. She also asked
that the Town post hard copy information about the rental assistance at appropriate
locations in Lexington.
■ Council on Aging
This topic was tabled until the next meeting.
■ SPRD Committee
This topic was tabled until the next meeting.
8. New Business
There was no new business.
9. Action Items
No action items were identified.
10. Set Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will discuss Mr. Daggett's warrant article.The meeting will be on Nov. 5 at
7:30.
The HPB also scheduled a meeting for Thursday, Nov. 19, 7:30 pm, pending town meeting. If
town meeting will move to early December.
11. Adjournment
Ms. Weiss moved adjournment, Ms. Cohen seconded the motion.The motion was approved
unanimously.