Housing Commission Minutes
December 20, 2005
Present: Rayna Caplan, George Georges, BJ Scheff and Bryce Wolf. Also Sam Rappaport.
Sunnyside: There was broad discussion of how to resolve the construction issues regarding the new housing units. Caplan reported that she had followed up on Lexington’s approach – the Town/LexHab/Rotary Club partnership. Speaking with Dave Eagle, she learned that the Rotary Club in Lexington builds units, coordinating with Minuteman High School for example, and then deeds them over to LexHab for affordable housing once they are completed. Is it possible to work similarly with the Lincoln Foundation? Scheff will discuss with Kathy McHugh. Lexington’s approach seems to avoid much of the difficulty we currently face under state and federal guidelines. It was agreed that the legalities of this approach would be further researched. Because design changes are likely in the
proposed structure, a meeting with the Planning Board should be scheduled for January.
Next steps regarding the accessory apartment construction were discussed. Scheff will invite Earle Midgely, Anita Scheipers, and representatives from Minuteman High School to the next meeting. Rappaport will complete drawings, and design a foundation. Issues to be discussed include contracts, non-school construction items, timing, and supervision. Overall, assuming the details can be worked out, it is hoped that Minuteman students can be used to build this project.
At Risk Property Committee: Wolf reported on the recent committee meeting. Attention is currently focused on the changing status of the Ridge Road apartments. Possible action awaits the property transfer to new owners. Copies of the final report of VHB, At Risk Properties Analysis, were distributed and are available for review. Also distributed were results compiled from the feedback questionnaire of the State of the Town Meeting.
CPA Committee: Wolf reported that this committee is also waiting to see what action may result regarding the Ridge Road apartments. Possible other funding proposals include replacement windows at the Library and a new tot lot.
Revolving Fund and Rental Guidelines: Earl Midgely will provide an account statement at the next meeting. It was noted that the current rent received for the Codman Farmhouse ($900/month) seems insufficient. Scheff reported that state guidelines regarding affordable rents have changed. Previously rents were restricted to 1/3 tenant’s income, now it is determined by number of bedrooms in the unit and can be more than 1/3 income. This makes it easier to estimate maximum rents for affordable units.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
The next meetings will be January 10 and 24, 2006, at 7:30 a.m.
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