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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-23-HPB-min-final Lexington Housing Partnership Meeting Minutes for September 23, 2010 Housing Partnership Board Attendees: Winifred McGowan, Arthur Katz, Julie Duncan, Ken Kreutziger, Chris Kluchman, Wendy Manz, Mary Haskell, Melinda Walker, Bob Bicknell, Florence Haskin, Harriet Cohen, Carol Marine, Karen Sunnaborg Bob Bicknell chaired the meeting; Harriet Cohen took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 1. Open Meeting Approval of Minutes for May 2010 and June 2010: The motion to approve the minutes as updated passed unanimously.  2. Review Proposal for Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program – Karen Sunnarborg Look at existing programs for down payment closing cost assistance. Two pronged approach: Use HOME funding for down payment closing cost assistance  Use CPA funds for direct assistance to individuals. Some communities view this as an  acceptable use of CPA funds; others do not. 10 8-9 units at Lexington Place Courtyard and 1 unit at Jefferson Union will become available as affordable housing units. The Partnership discussed ways in which funds could be made available for down payment and closing cost assistance to those selected for the affordable housing units. The discussion will continue. Ms. Sunnaborg will continue work on a proposal for down payment assistance. The funding for the report will be provided by the Lexington Housing Partnership. 3. Reports Report from the Nominating Committee – Florence Baturin The nominating committee has nominated the following candidates for a term of two years  starting on October 1 2010. Chairperson: Chris Kluchman Vice-chairperson: Ken Kreutziger Secretary: Carol Marine The slate of candidates was approved unanimously. Report on Ballot issue 2 – Carole Marine Ms. Marine reported that there is some good momentum behind defeating the proposal to  repeal the Chapter 40B legislation. It is important to send letters to the Colonial Times, the Lexington Minuteman, and Wicked Local. Ms. Marine has lawn signs for distribution and is looking for volunteers for sign holding on Election Day. Lexington Housing Partnership Busa Farm Land Use Committee meeting– Ken Kreutziger Mr. Kreutziger presented on behalf of the Lexington Partnership. The preponderance of  speakers at the meeting presented on behalf of using the land for a farm. The Partnership discussed the degree to which advocacy is being driven on behalf of using all of the Busa Farm land for the single use of farming. Ms. Kluchman will work with Tom Harden on a presentation for the next Busa Farm Land Use Committee meeting. Mr. Bicknell will work with Bill Hays of LexHab to determine if the Lexington Housing Partnership and LexHab can work jointly on a proposal and presentation. Jefferson Union Development – Mary Haskell Aaron Henry reported no developments recently. Mr. Bicknell reported an offer from Hank  Manz for a meeting with the Selectmen for a short discussion. [WM1] Ms. (Wendy) Manz offered the League of Women voters First Friday forum in January for  a discussion of Karen Sunnarborg’s report on funding affordable home ownership.. Mr. Bicknell reported that he has been informed that the advertising process for Jefferson Union Development will begin in early December. Web Site Changes – Paul Linton Mr. Linton is keeping the web site up to date and is modifying the requirement page.  Information about “Vote No on 2” will be posted. Report from Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. – Ken Kreutziger Work currently on hold. The September meeting was cancelled because they have not yet  hear from the Boston Foundation on some funding support. The information should be available by the next meeting in October. Vine Street Affordable Housing plans – Bob Bicknell Betsey Weiss, Ms. Manz and Mr. Bicknell are on the committee. Lester Savage is chairing  the committee. The committee met with the town inspector to determine the work required to bring the farm house up to code so that it could be used for housing. In addition, some architectural students may be available to create an online tool for assessing density. The next meeting will be held on October 28, 2010. The meeting was concluded at 9:30 pm.