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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-26-HPB.min Lexington Housing Partnership Meeting Minutes for June 26, 2008 Attendees: Florence Baturin, Lisa Snellings, Betty Borghesani, Arthur Katz, Ken Kreutziger, Bob Bicknell, Harriet Cohen, Winifred McGowan, Melinda Walker, Betsey Weiss Bob Bicknell chaired the meeting; Harriet Cohen took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm. 1. Open Meeting The minutes for the meeting on May 22, 2008 were approved unanimously. 2. Sub-Committee Reports Accessory Apt. Committee – Arthur Katz Mr. Katz has written an op-ed piece promoting accessory apartments. He will submit it to the Lexington Minuteman. Lexington First-Time Homebuyer Program: Status of Survey and Define Project – Bob Town Meeting approved a Survey and Define Project. They approved $25,000 of CPA funds for this project. An invitation to prepare a Scope of Services for the project was prepared and sent to four consultants. Responses were received from three of the four. The next step is to interview all three and to select one. The goal is to have the work done during the summer and early fall. This would allow us to prepare a proposal based on the consultant recommendations for the November CPC meeting. 3. Reports Lexington Housing Conversation A two hour meeting was sponsored by the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and the Lexington Planning Department. The purpose was for MBHP to become better acquainted with Lexington’s housing challenges and for Lexington to learn more about MBHP services. The Partnership was represented by Arthur Katz, Lisa Snellings and Mary Haskell. The Lexington Housing Authority was represented by Ann Whitney and LexHAB was represented by Bill Hays. Selectmen Hank Manz and Peter Kelley attended. State Senator Susan Fargo attended, as did her chief of staff. Maryann McCall-Taylor and Aaron Henry represented the Lexington Planning Department. Meeting with Consortium of Local Towns to Prepare Joint Grant A proposal was submitted by the consortium for funds from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. Housing Specialist Discussion The Lexington Housing Foundation supported the development of a report by Karen Sunnarborg on the viability of hiring a housing specialist with CPA funds. A meeting was held with several of the Selectmen, the Town Manager and Maryann McCall-Taylor for Ms. Lexington Housing Partnership Sunnarborg to present the results of the report. Ms. McCall-Taylor was asked to create a proposal for such a housing specialist. The request is being considered. CHAPA Proposal We submitted a proposal to CHAPA for a grant to support an affordable home ownership program. CHAPA had some questions for Mr. Bicknell, so we know they are considering the proposal. We are waiting for CHAPA’s response. Community Land Trusts The Lincoln Institute has prepared a report on community land trusts which Bob has obtained. These trusts acquire land and then develop houses on the land. The trust retains ownership of the land. The home owner owns the dwelling, but not the land. This may be an idea for Lexington. Lexington Site Analysis Ms. Weiss, Ms. Baturin and Mr. Bicknell performed the site analysis. Mr. Bicknell will circulate the results. 4. Report from Lexington Housing Foundation – Bob Bicknell The Hancock Church has contributed funding for the Foundation. A thank you will be sent this week. Mr. Bicknell and Ms. Baturin will be preparing a proposal to several banks in town for additional funds. 5. New Business CHAPA Breakfast Forum: Thursday, July 17, from 9:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. Speakers will provide an update on affordable housing issues. Ms. Snelling will be attending. Several other Partnership members also indicated interested. Council of Aging (COA) A study was done on the feasibility of using the White House as a Senior Center. COA will present it to the Senior Center next month. It is believed that it is feasible to use the White House with extensive renovation. The members felt renovation was not a wise use of CPA funds. Muzzey Condominiums was not felt to be a suitable alternative. The next Lexington Housing Partnership meeting will be on August 21, 2008, 7-9pm in the Selectmen’s Meeting room at the Town Hall.