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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-26-HPB.min Lexington Housing Partnership Meeting Minutes for October 26, 2006 Attendees: Winifred McGowan, Norm Cohen, Bob Bicknell, Martha Wood, Florence Baturin, Ken Kreutziger, Iris Wheaton, Inky MacDougall, Julie Duncan, Paul Linton, Tom Harden, Betsy Weiss, Jeri Foutter, Greg Zurlo Bob Bicknell chaired the meeting; Gregory Zurlo took the minutes. The minutes of our September 13 and September 28 meetings were approved. 1.Muzzey Condominiums request for Letter of Support – Diana Ayers Ms. Ayers, Mary Keady and Tom Battin, chair of the Muzzey Trustees, presented specifics of some of the needed repairs to the building. After discussion involving the contribution of the property’s units to the Town’s affordable housing stock, the Partnership voted that the Chair prepare a letter of recommendation to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to consider approval of the Muzzey High Condominium Building Evaluation Study at the Spring Town Meeting. (13 members present; 9 yes, 3 no, 1 abstain) 2.Deed Restriction Proposal – Judi Barrett Ms. Barrett presented her proposal of services to assist the Partnership with exploring the feasibility of establishing an affordable housing deed restriction program to acquire, restrict, and resell existing homes to moderate-income first- time homebuyers. Ms Barrett generally discussed the process underway in Stow, stressed the importance to incorporate gap financing, and the need to monitor the program for secondary market absorption. Working with local banks and realtors will be part of her scope of services to provide a custom tailored program for Lexington. The Partnership voted unanimously to accept the proposal from Judi Barrett, Community Opportunities Group Inc dated 10/23/06, and for it to be funded through the Lexington Housing Foundation. There was also a unanimous vote to submit an application to the CPC for a prototype project to implement the deed restriction program and unanimous agreement that a letter prepared by the Chair should be sent to Stow supporting their Deed Restriction Program. 3.Committee Reports Communications Committee – Florence Baturin Work continues on the brochure, aimed at persons seeking affordable housing, and will be circulated to the Partnership after committee review. Zoning – Bob Bicknell Winifred McGowan and Greg Zurlo agreed to join Bob Bicknell and Tom Harden in the Ad Hoc Housing Committee for Inclusionary Housing, as they’re able, in its effort to gain support for the proposed by-law. Lexington Housing Partnership LHP Web Site – Paul Linton Mr. Linton will continue to coordinate content to be presented on the Partnership’s website. Connecting to the Town’s website will be explored. Lexington Housing Foundation – Bob Bicknell Mr. Bicknell shared Jeri Foutter’s transaction summery memo of the Foundation’s account. There is currently a balance of $7,449.19. Community Conservation Districts – Iris Wheaton The committee will meet next week to discuss goals. 4.Vice Chair Report – Ken Kreutziger The Vice-chair recently attended a seminar offered by the State Ethics Commission for Town committee and board members to review general code of ethics, conflict of interest and open meeting laws and commented on its value to all. Mr. Kreutziger recommended others visit the Commission’s web site www.mass.gov/ethics . Mr. Kreutziger also noted a recent presentation he attended on the topic of M.G.L. c40R regulations which encourage smart growth and increased housing production in Massachusetts. 40R regulations safeguard cities and towns because it allows design guideline criteria to be created by the municipality in advance of the specific development in which the regulation will be exercised. 5. Next meeting The next meeting will be held November 30, 2006 in Town Hall Room G-15 The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.