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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-28-HPB-min-draft Lexington Housing Partnership Board Meeting Minutes for October 28, 2010 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Room 207 Town Hall Attendees: Winifred McGowan, Julie Duncan, Tom Harden, Chris Kluchman, Wendy Manz, Mary Haskell, Melinda Walker, Bob Bicknell, Florence Baturin, Harriet Cohen, Carol Marine, Karen Sunnaborg, Mary Aann McCall-Taylor Chris Kluchman chaired the meeting; Carol Marine took the minutes. The Meeting was called to order at 7:35. 1. Approval of Minutes for September The Motion to approve Minutes for the September meeting, as amended, was passed. 2. Presentation to Bob Bicknell Bob Bicknell was honored for his unprecedented tenure on the Partnership. Norman Cohen read from the Proclamation issued to Mr. Bicknell by the Board of Selectman noting that Bob came to him in 2001 and asked to form the Partnership. Florence Baturin presented a plaque which recognized Bob’s accomplishments and Chris Kluchman read a statement from Betsey Weiss citing Bob’s accomplishments over the last decade. 3. Open Meeting Law Mary Aann McCall-Taylor-McCall gave a presentation on the Open Meeting Law (OML), its regulations, interpretations and nuances. The text can be found via a link to the Office of the Attorney General on the Town of Lexington website. Ms. Kluchman indicated that the Partnership needs to exercise a “reasonableness” standard with regard to transparency in the conduct of its business while maintaining its ability to act. Ms. Haskell was troubled by the ill defined notion of “action.” There was general agreement that the Partnership should be mindful of the OML with regard to all Partnership business. 4. Committee Reports a) Busa Farm Land Use Committee – Chris Kluchman A subcommittee of Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Kluckman, Mr. Harden and Mr. Kreutizger completed a concept plan for the site. Ms. Kluchman presented the committee’s multiuse proposal which included approximately 24 units of affordable housing in two buildings together with parking, a NCAA compliant lacrosse/soccer field with parking and five acres of agricultural space. It was generally agreed that the concept plan was designed in a way that was sensitive to the site constraints as well as the concerns of abutters. Ms. Kluchman indicated that it is anticipated that units would be rented to residents at or below 80% of AMI and some would require Section 8. All units would qualify for the SHI. Lexington Housing Partnership Minutes 1 DRAFT October 28, 2010 Next steps will include engaging Steve LaFerriere to run a pro forma and contacting the Oxbow developers of Wayland to gather information on green development on that site. It was noted that Janet Kern from the Lexington Community Sponsored Agriculture proposed that the entire site be used for the sole purpose of farming while Lexington Recreation Department proposed a mixed use development that included affordable housing, recreational use and some agriculture. Mr. Bicknell asked that we confirm that the Partnership and Lexhab are making a joint proposal to the Busa subcommittee. Ms. Manz is impressed with the level of detail in the concept plan and all agreed. The plan was approved by unanimous vote of the Partnership. b) Down Payment Assistance Program (ADDI) – Karen Sunnarborg Ms. Sunnarborg reported on the status of the down payment assistance th program to cover closing costs. The next lottery is expected to occur on Nov. 29 for the Lexington Courtyard property on Lowell Street. It is hoped that we can establish one program for all properties starting with Lexington Courtyard. The proposal will use funds from the Lexington Foundation to cover closing costs on affordable units for residents that have been vetted by the lottery agent and have qualified for financing. Ms. Sunnarborg points to the increase in closing costs from $2000 to $4000 and that absence of the $8000 tax credit as reasons for offering this financing. All units using this financing will qualify for the SHI. It is anticipated that using $10,000 will cover three to four purchasers. Mr. Harden articulated a reason against this advance stating that if a borrower could not afford to commit the 3% of the purchase price then it raises a concern that such buyer might not have the financial wherewithal to make the ongoing financial commitment to the property. Ms. McGowan asked about making the funds a loan rather than a grant. Ms. Sunnaborg indicated that we could make a “term loan”. Both Ms. Sunnaborg and Mr. Bicknell indicated that this assistance could give the additional boost to buyers who are otherwise qualified. After motion and second to use funds, the vote was passed. (Temporary adjournment to hold meeting of the Lexington Housing Foundation) Lexington Housing Partnership Minutes 2 DRAFT October 28, 2010 c) Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. – Bob Bicknell Mr. Bicknell reported that he and Mr. Kreutziger represent the LHP on this collaborative effort. The Metro West Collaborative applied for a grant from the Boston Foundation. A meeting is forthcoming. d) Leary Land - Bob Bicknell Ms. Manz, Ms. Weiss and Mr. Bicknell met with the ad hoc committee and voted to present to CPC a proposal for funds for pre development work in the amount of approximately $3025,000 for design work and services necessary toinitial activities on the existing farm house to insure the stability of the structure. There ensued a lively discussion as to whether the farm house is worth keeping. Lexhab thinks not. e) 40B – Carol Marine Ms. Marine reported on the implications of the defeat of the repeal of 40B. The defeat is seen as a strong message that the electorate values affordable housing as a state wide goal. Chapa CHAPACitizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) will be working with various communities throughout the state to consider state and local housing policy initiatives as a result of the vote. 5) New business Mr. Bicknell pointed out that there is an RFP for the Dana House property. The property is listed by Lester Savage and the asking price is $1.9 M. Mr. Bicknell indicated that the Metrowest Collaborative should look at his property. th Next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30. Move to adjourn at 9:40. Respectfully submitted, Carol Marine. Clerk Lexington Housing Partnership Minutes 3 DRAFT October 28, 2010