Lincoln Housing Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
Present: Rayna Caplan, George Georges, BJ Scheff, Avram Kalisky, Mark Whitehead, Bryce Wolf
Minuteman Commons: Patrick Morganelli, project developer, Larry Smith, property owner, and Katherine Preston, Lincoln Foundation, were present. Morganelli stated that the draft marketing plan for the affordable units was largely boilerplate and had been more or less approved by DHCD. The other documents were similarly drafted, and will be discussed tomorrow morning when they will be given to town counsel for review.
It was agreed that buyer preferences would be 1st, Lincoln residents; 2nd, Lincoln & LS METCO; 3rd, town employees including LS; 4th, parents & children of Lincoln residents; 5th, Hanscom military; and 6th, veterans. This local preference list would apply to 4 of the 6 units (70%). All lottery applicants would be pre-approved for purchase. The buyer for the barrier-free unit would be selected in a separate lottery. There was some discussion regarding the exact nature of a barrier-free unit. Are there certain state requirements that must be met? How is the appropriate occupant identified?
There was brief discussion regarding the 2nd floor unit designated affordable which is the only unit in the project without elevator access. Wolf protested that this unit was a lesser unit, not comparable to the others. The developers insisted this was not a problem and that DHCD had no objection. Wolf will attend tomorrow morning’s meeting regarding the documents.
Morganelli asked if he should use the Greenridge property documents as examples in preparing the resale documents for this project. There was some discussion of the Lincoln Foundation’s role in the Greenridge unit, and the percentage of the sale price which goes to cover the Foundation’s costs (in lieu of a real estate broker’s fee). Could this fee go to the town? There was additional discussion regarding resale monitoring and who would be responsible. The Concord Housing Authority?
There was also brief discussion regarding the assessment of condo fees. Usually they are based on the unit price, except for special assessments.
It was noted that the Planning Board’s special permit must reference the town’s option to purchase 2 additional units.
Sunnyside: Scheff stated that fundraising must begin soon to construct these units. She has been unable to identify an architect willing to work pro bono. The Commission voted unanimously to hire John Lynch to begin work, for a sum not to exceed $12,500. A contract will be forthcoming for review. Preston noted that the Lincoln Foundation needs to work with a proposal, and its options, but is willing to undertake the fundraising effort. Whitehead explained that the necessary permits will be obtained first, then an RFP will go out this winter.
Preston raised the notion that the Commission might want to consider a part-time employee in the future. She observed that much of the administration of the town’s affordable housing is scattered in several different hands. With the addition of the units at Minuteman Commons and at Sunnyside, it might be time to think about consolidating.
Preston will report back to the Lincoln Foundation regarding the Sunnyside fundraising and the monitoring procedure for Minuteman Commons for further discussion.
Accessory Apartment Task Force: Scheff reported that the group received 62 responses to the 144 questionnaires mailed, and has identified 18 accessory apartments which might meet the State’s requirements for affordable units. The State does, however, require a 15-yr. agreement of affordability. The task force plans to meet with the owners about a possible program.
Food Project: Scheff said that the Food Project is hoping to buy a home on Rt. 126 for use by the farmer. She will attempt to see if it can be qualified by the State under the LIP program. The requirements will be somewhat different because it will not be owned by the town.
State of the Town Meeting: Whitehead stated that the Selectmen will soon be distributing a standard format for board and commission reports.
Community Preservation Committee: The CPC will soon need a preliminary estimate for this year’s proposal.
Bills: Three bills were approved for Tower Road. It was observed that the Commission now has a revolving fund to collect rents and pay maintenance costs.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 28, at 7:30 a.m.
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