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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-29-HPB.min Lexington Housing Partnership Meeting Minutes for November 29, 2007 Attendees: Florence Baturin, Bob Bicknell, Harriet Cohen, Julie Duncan, Jeri Foutter, Tom Harden, Mary Haskell, Art Katz, Chris Kluchman, Ken Kreutziger, Paul Linton, Maryann McCall-Taylor, Winifred McGowan, Melinda Walker, Betsey Weiss, Iris Wheaton Bob Bicknell chaired the meeting; Harriet Cohen took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm. 1. Open Meeting The October minutes were approved unanimously. 2. Comments on Affordable Housing Roundtable Summary A summary of the discussion after the presentation at the Affordable Housing Forum meeting held on November 15, 2007 was distributed. The presentation was an overview of a housing strategy proposal from the Lexington Town Planning Department. The Partnership asked for a copy of the strategy. Ms. McCall-Taylor offered to send out a copy. A request was made to the chair to discuss the strategy at a future Partnership meeting. 3. Sub-Committee Reports. Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Open Hearing – Betsey Weiss The First-Time Homebuyer Program and the proposal for site analysis are being discussed at an upcoming meeting of the CPC. The First-Time Homebuyer Program discussion is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 6:30 pm. The site analysis program discussion is scheduled for Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm. Partnership members are urged to attend. Accessory Apt. Committee – Arthur Katz, Julie Duncan The Committee will have a report in January. Lexington First-Time Homebuyer Program – Tom and Chris The Partnership submitted a proposal to the CPC, as noted above. Mr. Harden and Ms Kluchman have responded in writing to questions from the CPC. Ms. Foutter discussed the proposal with Cambridge Savings Bank. They suggested a few mechanisms by which the proposal could be implemented through a financial institution. The specific way in which the program will be implemented will be developed if and when the program is approved. The Partnership thanks the Cambridge Savings Bank for the advice and guidance they have provided. It is extremely helpful in moving this proposal forward. In preparation for the CPC meeting, the Partnership discussed various arguments in favor of the proposal. Lexington Housing Partnership 4. Report of the Chair (Bob Bicknell) Municipal Housing Trust ? The First Time Homebuyer Program was discussed with Ms. McCall-Taylor and with Rob Adelson. Mr. Adelson works in the Lexington Town Finance Department. Mr. Adelson and Ms. McCall-Taylor asked the Lexington Housing Partnership to take a leadership role in putting together a proposal for a Municipal Housing Trust. Mr. Bicknell will draft a letter asking for the Selectmen’s approval for moving forward with discussions on a Municipal Housing Trust. The letter will outline the advantages of such a Trust. Annual Report ? Mr. Bicknell asked for approval of the text he drafted for the Lexington Annual Town Report. He will take suggestions offline. Please send feedback to Mr. Bicknell by December 20. 5. Group Photo The group photo was taken for the Lexington Annual Town Report. 6. Report from the Lexington Housing Foundation – Jeri and Florence A report will be given at a later meeting. 7. New Business Next meeting: the next Partnership will be on January 24, 2008. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.