Housing Commission Minutes
May 10, 2005
Present: Rayna Caplan, Avram Kalisky, BJ Scheff, and Bryce Wolf
Minutes: The minutes of April 26th were approved.
Summer Meeting schedule: It was agreed that the Commission would meet on the following dates through the summer: May 24, June 14, June 28, July 19, and August 16. Additional meetings will be scheduled if necessary.
Bills: Bills were paid in the amount of $108 for CO detectors and $1388 for septic work at 78 Tower Road.
Sunnyside Project: There was brief discussion regarding the neighborhood meeting held on May 3rd regarding the proposed Sunnyside construction. Overall it seemed the meeting went well and that most neighborhood concerns had been addressed. Some concern arose regarding the relocation of the existing informal trail on the property – should it go between the two residences or should it be relocated further north? The Conservation Commission has agreed to look at this, walk the area, and help with a recommendation in advance of the Conservation Com. hearing on May 18. Caplan agreed to take the plans to the Town’s Disabilities Commission for their comments with regard to the accessible apartment. The Planning Board hearing will also be on May 18, and the ZBA hearing on May 19.
Von Mertens Accessory Apartment: Peter von Mertens met to discuss his plans to construct an accessory apartment in the lower level of his home on Tower Rd. He would like the unit to qualify as an “affordable unit.” Scheff explained that while there are several property owners going this route, we do not yet have an official contract form. We need to get official DHCD approval of this mechanism in order for the units to count toward Lincoln’s total affordable housing. Because construction costs are so high, we would like DHCD to approve affordability at 100% of median income, not 80%. In this program owners would select the tenant, possibly with our assistance, while we would monitor rents and certify income eligibility (through 1040 forms). Although the affordability
arrangement expires on the transfer of the property to a new owner, von Mertens suggested that we consider an option to extend the contract to the new owner for one year before new permits are required, to ease the transition.
Von Mertens described his proposed plans, noting that there were some concerns regarding window area, egress, etc. The Commission agreed that while we supported the idea of an affordable apartment, specific construction issues were not really our area of expertise and were better left to the Building Inspector, Planning Board and ZBA.
Appliances: There was a brief discussion regarding the provision of appliances in town-developed housing. It was agreed that stoves and, possibly, refrigerators should be provided. No dishwashers or microwaves. But what about washers and dryers? Hook-ups will be in place in the new Sunnyside residences. It was noted that donations had been made providing appliances to 75 Tower Rd.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.
The next meetings are scheduled for May 24 and June 14 at 7:30 a.m.
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