Lincoln Housing Commission Minutes
August 10, 2004
Present: R. Caplan, G. Georges, A. Kalisky, BJ Scheff, M. Whitehead, and B. Wolf
Sunnyside Lane: Neighborhood residents Joe Skenderian & Phoebe Francis were present. Scheff displayed a tentative site plan of the 41 Sunnyside lot, explaining that a subcommittee of town officials and committee representatives was overseeing the project. The plan showed a proposed septic location at the rear of the building site and also located a major tree on the lot. Should the house site be moved back and the septic shifted to the front, a more expensive pumped system must be installed. Also a longer driveway and utility installations would increase costs. A few conceptual designs (without landscapting) prepared by Brooks Mostue’s office were shown. No garage is planned at this time, again for cost reasons.
There was some discussion regarding the pros and cons of various house sites on the lot. Concerns were expressed regarding the possible trail location and its closeness to the proposed house. The residents also reiterated their concerns regarding siting the building toward the front of the lot.
Scheff reported that sample RFP’s from neighboring communities had been obtained; they seemed pretty general. The Commission voted unanimously to pay B. Mostue’s office $500 for an intern’s work in preparing the drawings.
Minuteman Commons: Whitehead reported that there appeared to be some miscommunication between DHCD and developer P. Morganelli regarding the counting of subsidized units. Exec. Order 418 (which Morganelli assumed governed compliance) provides certification of affordable housing allowing town consideration for grants, programs, etc., but does not constitute certification under the town inventory toward 10%. Morganelli has now been told that his units must come under the LIP program.
Regarding the over-55 age restriction, Whitehead understood that the necessary legislation had been approved and was awaiting final action. He did explain that regarding the affordable units, they can be marketed to 55+, but children cannot be excluded. He will recommend that the Planning Board require the developers to provide funds for the review of the deed restrictions and other documents in addition to the usual engineering and plan reviews. The documents also need to mention the town’s right to buy two additional units. Wolf will attend the upcoming Planning Board meeting. Georges suggested the developers be asked to provide a copy of a bank commitment letter regarding financing.
It was agreed that the Lincoln Foundation must be consulted regarding administrative issues for this project and other fundraising efforts. A number of concerns were noted, such as controlling condo fees to maintain affordability, eligibility lists, etc.
Affordable Accessory Apartment Task Force: Scheff reported they are tabulating the results of questionnaires distributed to apartment owners. She noted that many already appear to be renting to income eligible tenants.
State of Town Draft: Scheff distributed a draft report for this fall’s State of the Town meeting. Comments were requested.
Future Planning: It was noted that some effort has been made in the past toward drafting inclusionary zoning proposals. Whitehead stated that he had looked at Duxbury and Stow bylaws. He also commented that Stow is using CPA funds to buy “development” rights to limit resale of small homes.
It was agreed we need to assemble the total “build-out” projections for the town, as well as what those numbers would imply regarding affordable housing. What if certain units, such a Battle Farm, count double? What about Hanscom? Wolf will attempt to compile these numbers in September.
Fitts Property: It was noted that the upcoming auction of the Fitts property is scheduled for Aug. 19th. While it was agreed that there was some interest in preserving the home of a long term lower income town resident, the severe time constraint left no opportunity for careful consideration.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
The next meetings are scheduled for Sept. 14 and 28, 2004 at 7:30 a.m.
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