DUXBURY LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Minutes of 1/24/08
Senior Center
Members Present: Diane Bartlett Barbara Kelley Charlie Rourke
Bruce Bygate Brendan Keohan Matt Walsh
Denece Clinton Brian Murphy
Also Present: Bill Campbell, George Wadsworth (Planning Board) and Christine Stickney, Planning Director
Meeting convened at 7:30PM
Proposal for the Grange and Firehouse buildings – neighbors meeting:
Direct abutters were sent a written invitation to attend tonight’s meeting and learn about the LHP’s plans for these buildings. The only neighbor that came to the meeting was Ms. Lynne Gaines from #699 Lincoln Street. Members were introduced and Ms. Gaines, who explained the location of her residence and lot to the proposed site. Diane Bartlett gave a brief history of the project and showed architectural renderings of proposed improvements the LHP hopes to make to the buildings. Ms. Gaines spoke of a conversation she had with Calvin Chase of the State Grange which she found very upsetting as to his approach of the encroachment issue. Ms. Gaines stated that when they bought their property they were unaware that the Grange building encroachment and it wasn’t until later in 2006 when the
property was surveyed did it become apparent. Diane Bartlett informed Ms. Gaines that the LHP had already taken a vote to remove the rear portion of the building for it to be entirely within the property when the Town purchases it. Ms.Gaines also expressed her concerns with storage at the rear of the buildings (ie: trash barrels etc) and her view down on the property. In addition she is also concerned with a mounded septic system and how it may look aesthetically and possibly devalue her property. Ms. Gaines asked the committee if there was a way to assure no trespassing on her property due to a concern she had of debris partially buried on her lot and someone getting hurt. Charlie Rourke noted that the RFP put out required a fence along the rear of the property and landscaping however there is never any assurance of trespassing by anyone. Bruce Bygate responded to Ms. Gaines concern of the septic that there is a process that is followed and notification given to
abutters if needed by the Board of Health when the system is seeking a permit. Ms. Gaines also expressed her opinion that the Franklin and Lincoln intersection is very dangerous and these two buildings are not good locations for families with children.
Discussion on Community Meetings:
Diane and Charlie reported they met with the Duxbury Business Association and they had a good response to their discussions. Matt Walsh reported that he met with the Rotary and was left with an uneasy feeling. One issue discussed was the use of CPC funds for affordable housing and not open space.
A second area of concern was the proposed Affordable Housing Bylaw. Matt thought there was a cap as to the number of lots however, he was corrected by George and Bruce who noted the starting point and they will be analyzing further these numbers for more information to present to Town Meeting. Matt commented that zoning is what makes Duxbury what it is and many felt this proposed bylaw would deter from the character. Matt also expressed his concern that all the warrant articles could be jeopardy if one wasn’t like – he felt the most important article is the Housing Trust establishment. Members briefly discussed the possible concerns Matt had heard with each of the five articles and different members suggested answers that need to be made public. Christine noted that this is only one group and
others have yet to be introduced to the articles – it may be premature to pull everything – withdrawal can be right up to the date of Town meeting. Bill Campbell suggested to Matt if he could compile a list of the concerns then we could try and address them through an article in the Clipper or Reporter. Matt gave his summary of what people need to know about the articles. First, we are not taking anything away from Open Space – housing is part of CPC. Secondly, relative to the proposed zoning bylaws if we had the parameters of how many potential lots would be eligible as proposed by George & Bruce that would help. Thirdly, we should get an idea of how many people may use this bylaw. Diane noted that it is stimulated by the private sector and based on the numbers that George and Bruce derive we should know better.
Grange Update:
Christine reported that the Request for Proposals has been advertised in the Central Register and the Patriot Ledger – they will be available January 30 with responses due back by February 29, 2008. Diane reported that she has been working on two grant applications from the Historic Preservation Fund – she is submitting one for $10,000 and the second for $20,000. George noted that this is important to let CPC know of your efforts to obtain other funding from grants.
Other Matters:
Charlie Rourke MOTION to approve the minutes of 1/10/08, seconded by Denece Clinton – unanimously voted.
Christine asked members about the upcoming meeting schedule – it was agreed to skip the meeting in April over the April vacation week. She will have the meetings posted.
Diane asked members for their feelings on putting an article in the newspaper regarding the approval of the Planned Production Plan. Members were agreeable and Bill noted it should be sent to all three papers – clipper, reporter and ledger.
Garden Club Letter – Diane showed members a draft letter that she would like to send on behalf of the partnership that urges the garden club to help educate new homeowners with possible plantings on their grounds.
Respectfully, submitted – Christine Stickney, Planning Director
APPROVED BY LHP ON 03/20/08
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