HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-07-CPC-min
Community Preservation Committee
November 7, 2007
Present: Chair Betsey Weiss, Richard Pagett, Norman Cohen, Joel Adler, Richard Wolk, Wendy Manz,
Leo McSweeney, Marilyn Fenollosa, Sandra Shaw (recorder)
Chair Betsey Weiss called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the BoS Room.
1. Request for Housing Specialist Part-time Position
, presented by Maryann McCall-Taylor,
Requested: $19,500.
Planning Director.
Ms. MCall-Taylor described the request as a “cutting edge” concept for CPA funding, although a
number of other towns have similar positions - Sudbury was cited as the best model to consider.
Committee members had many questions such as: Would it be better for the Town to initially fund it
as part of the operating budget? Do we have other agencies in Town who could adequately perform
the functions of this position? Is it appropriate to use CPA funds for operating functions? Will the
nature of the job be refined in order to gain support? Some felt that this part-time position would be
necessary to effectively research any available affordable housing opportunities. Also key could be
the coordinating and oversight duties required with the many existing projects under 40B, as well as
those in the “pipe-line.”
2. Belfry Hill Tree Restoration
, presented by Ann Senning and John Frey, from the Lexington
Requested: $8,000
Tree Committee. Nell Walker, local landscaper was also present. .
The main thrust of this proposal was to remove the invasive Norway Maple trees from the Belfry Hill
area which is owned by the Town. Betsey and Marilyn explained why this proposal does not qualify
under “historic preservation” but could be considered as preserving open space. Dick Wolk said that
the Conservation Commission might consider acting on this issue, and suggested they bring it to the
Commission’s attention. Questions raised included: How can this project be limited, considering the
neighbors with their own Norway Maple problems? Can they get a guarantee from Matt Foti that his
price will stay at the $6,000 figure? Committee members had concerns about the re-planting of new
trees as an appropriate CPA funded project. Removal and prevention of erosion might qualify, but it
would be necessary to clarify the work to be done. David Kanter from Capitol Expenditures
suggested that the entire amount of $8,000 be requested up front.
3. Parker Manor Condo Purchases
, presented by Martha Wood and Bill Hays from Lex-Hab.
Request for $652,000
to complete purchase of three units.
The Committee had many questions: Would these units qualify under 40B? This is considered very
important for a CPA funding grant. When would the Town be applying for this qualification? How
will Home Funds be used in purchase? How does Katahdin Woods fit into picture? Because Lex-
Hab has the option to buy 26 units at the original price of $70,000 each at KH, they want to have
enough money left over for that eventuality.
There are 22 projects thus far and we have heard six of them. Confirmed meetings: 11/12, 4-6;
11/14, 8:30 a.m. and 4-5:15 p.m.; 11/19, 4-6; 11/29, 4-6; 12/3, 4-6.
Public hearings on 12/6 and 12/13, both scheduled for 7:00 p.m.