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Home My WebLink About2011-01-27-HPB-min-draftDRAFT Minutes — Lexington Housing Partnership Board Meeting — January 27, 2011 Present: Winifred McGowan, Mary Haskell, Tom Harden, Bob Bicknell, Chris Kluchman, Melinda Walker, Wendy Manz, Ken Kruetziger, Florence Baturin, Carole Marine (late), Bob Pressman (visitor) Chris Kluchman called the meeting to order at 5:10 pm and announced she had an additional agenda item: Down Payment Assistance. Busa Land Use Proposal Committee: Ken distributed a copy of comments he made at the Jan 19 meeting of BLUPC. Ken also reported on his meeting with Norm Cohen who mentioned he believes the Town expects building 1 or 2 affordable units at a time. Ken responded that construction of more units per building increased green construction and is cost effectiveness. Bob Pressman thinks Norm thinks the plan was to create 4 units. BLUPC is considering only the three uses proposed originally. (affordable housing, recreation and community farm). Bob Pressman prepared and presented a report to the Selectmen on using Waltham Street conservation land for a community farm. Bob Bicknell proposed waiting until after the Feb. 3 rd Selectmen's meeting to make a suggestion. Tom stated he feels we must work with MetroWest to make a 14 unit development possible. Vine Street Report Bob B. and Wendy reported that an architect is working and discussing designs for density. No funds have been released by Selectmen to stabilize or restore the farm house into affordable units. Timeframe: initial meeting in February. Work to be done includes an analysis and study, use of Home Funds. Units could be developed by Lexhab or MetroWest. LWV 1 St Friday in January was well attended. Down Payment Assistance Bob B also reported that Karen has completed all tasks and invoiced all work. There is still money left in Purchase Order ($25,000). Project set up for $15,000; actual cost was $13,000 which has been left in open work order. Karen will send a full report in a month. Lexington Court Bob attended an open house and described affordable units. Not all lottery winners qualified financially for Ist Time Home Owners financing. There was discussion about qualifying requirements for a unit and legal look at the mortgage. Also reported that not all 9 units went to Lexington residents; 4 units will now go to general population. There was discussion about ways to advertise affordable units to Lexingtonians or those with Lexington connection. MetroWest Bob Bicknell reported on MetroWest's role in developing affordable units and Shared Housing Staff through MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council). Bob also reported that the Selectmen are prepared to go forward with concept of Shared Housing Staff. A consortium, consisting of Bedford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Sudbury and Weston, would share staff and services under the direction of the Sudbury Town Planner who would staff the housing office and hire workers. Member towns would contract with them to staff local boards. Lexington plans to use HOME funds for this purpose. Aaron Henry made a presentation to housing groups. Mary Haskell forwarded the following after our meeting. Thank you Mary. http: / /lexington. patch.com /articles /plans- for - regionalized - housing- office- could- include- lexington ?ncid =wsc- patch- readful larticle Goal Setting Chris listed members' goals and projects for 2011 on newsprint. Due to lack of time, this list will be reviewed at the next meeting and the "top 10" priorities will be established /prioritized). See attached sheet for list. Standard Meeting Time There was agreement to set meeting dates as the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. The next two meetings will take place on February 17 (the 4th week is School Vacation Week) and March 24. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm. Respectfully submitted, Florence Baturin Secretary pro tem 2011 Goals/Projects Busa Vine Street Affordable Task Force Subsidies for staying in own homr Efforts: seniors /others Related to tax committee (reverse mortgages) Communication & organization Lottery for affordable units Understand what it is How could it be better Who gets reached out to How do they maintain lists Why aren't there more buyers? Outreach to local businesses w/ Susan Yanofsky Rental vx. Home Ownership Housing Production From portion of comprehensive plan New 2010 census data Need for all housing -4What is our vision of success - 413ifferent kinds of affordable housing Different types of units What are needed 4Communicaiton @ the various aspects of affordable housing And who it serves and why we do it 4Multi- housing density What does it look like — positive images Fear of density Fear of low income Alternative to mansionization Facts & Finances Students at Avalon $29M in $750 — all used What remains Look at SP file Planning dept Organizing and Support --------- - - - - -- linked to community How to engage broader base of support in Lexington "Sustainability" ------ - - - - -- -link to environment Economic, energy, transportation -link to businesses Fund for housing for workers Aaron Henry — presentation - - - - -- -link to GWAC Presentation of smart growth, Con comm. & housing groups