DUXBURY LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Minutes of 7/31/08
Senior Center
Members Present: Diane Bartlett Brendan Keohan Charlie Rourke
Bruce Bygate Andre Martecchini George Wadsworth
Denece Clinton Brian Murphy
Also Present: Bill Campbell & Christine Stickney, Planning Director
Meeting convened at 7:30 PM
Status of Pending Projects:
Beginning with the Grange project, the Chair informed members that a closing had been scheduled for 8/1/08 and there may be a delay until later in August. Ms. Bartlett also informed members that Town Counsel has determined Town Meeting action is needed with regards to the fire house and a letter to the Board of Selectmen for the upcoming warrant has been sent. Diane asked members to support a draft letter that requests the Board of Selectmen to have Town Counsel begin drafting the necessary leases. Mr. Rourke offered a MOTION to support the draft letter being sent to the Selectmen, seconded by Mr. Martecchini – unanimous vote.
Ms. Stickney informed the members that a tentative date of August 29th has been set for the filing of the Island Creek Comprehensive Permit. Mr. Martecchini noted a potential resident interested as serving as the fifth member of the ZBA. Ms. Stickney noted that the Project Need Form for the interchange has been submitted to Mass Highway and they are currently reviewing the materials.
Proposed Zoning Board Of Appeals Chap. 40B Regulations:
Handouts of the 2002 ZBA regulations and the new proposed regulations were provided to the members for review. A public hearing for review and input on the regulations is being held by the ZBA on 8/14/08. Ms. Stickney highlighted the regulatory changes as well as the fee and escrow amount changes. She expressed her concern with many of these changes being in direct conflict with the new Chap. 40B regulations – citing examples such as item “o” re: pro-formas, appraisals etc. In addition, she noted her concern with the amount of the fees. Mr. Wadsworth questioned why wouldn’t the ZBA want a 1500 per unit fee? Ms. Bartlett expressed her opinion that it appears very high and questioned if DHCD would have a problem with this if challenged. Members discussed the merits
of the amount established and agreed the ZBA should explain how that amount was derived. Ms. Bartlett questioned Mr. Wadsworth, who is also a member of the water advisory board if we had a “well head protection plan” citing the reference in 5.01.1 and in addition she felt the ZBA should include the Planned Protection Plan in section 5.01.2 along with the open space and comprehensive plan. Mr. Wadsworth expressed his opinion that Chap.40B applications are a mere roundabout for the different plans, policies and regulations the Town have put forward to protect the community. Ms. Stickney noted not all Chap.40B applications come with that intention, but that 40B is the only option for a higher density project – Duxbury provides no regulations for duplexes or multi-family. Members discussed other aspects of the regulations and Ms. Stickney noted that Town Manager felt the increase in fees will require fiscal advisory review and possible action so the
8/14/08 hearing may be continued. Ms. Bartlett asked members for direction on the matter, Mr. Martecchini offered the following MOTION that the LHP Chair draft a letter of concerns about the regulations and send it to the ZBA for their 8/14/08 hearing, seconded by Brendan Keohan – unanimously voted.
Evergreen House – Ms. Bartlett let the LHP members know of a request from the owner of the donated house that she needs to know if the LHP is interested by December 31, 2008. Denece Clinton noted that she needs to know to get on with her plans but it is hard to commit with no funds. Ms. Bartlett noted that there is a lot off Tremont Street, landlocked but abutting the railroad tracks that could be a potential site. Bill Campbell noted that when the senior center looked at lots – this one had topographic issues. It was agreed more research is needed and to wait before answering the property owner.
Letter from DHCD: Diane Bartlett noted members should have received a copy of letter dated 6/20/08 from Erin Bettiz that reviewed the proposed Housing Purchase Assistance Program and their concerns. The Affordable Housing Trust had wanted to take the program on and the letter was forwarded to them. Brendan Keohan noted they have only met a few times – progress has been slow.
Camp Wing Site – Diane Bartlett asked if the subcommittee had met and made any progress. Ms. Stickney showed photos of a successful project in Acton that she felt was tastefully done and would fit into Duxbury. Ms. Stickney mentioned that Acton is willing to forward the architectural plans if Duxbury would like them. Mr. Wadsworth suggested we attempt to get the plans to review and he noted that CPA has been concerned with attractive dwellings. Mr. Martecchini noted there may be an issue with propriety rights and the architect – Ms. Stickney will consult with Acton and determine what can be done. Members then discussed how the project would progress once we know what we would like to see on the property – different opinions were shared. Mr. Wadsworth reminded members
that CPA has a deadline of October 15th for financial requests for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting.
Accessory Apartment survey: Phil Mayfield had sent for members to look at a survey done in Brookline when they were considering an accessory apartment bylaw. Members discussed the need for survey and were in agreement it was not necessary but rather just bring an amendment forward for the Planning Board and the LHP to begin working on. Diane asked for a member to help Matt Walsh with this – Denece agreed to help. Members agreed to discuss at the next LHP Meeting in more detail when Matt may be present.
Lincoln Street: Diane questioned if this should be pursued with the Board of Selectmen. Andre Martecchini suggested it be tabled for a bit due to the number of projects and programs the LHP has going. Diane expressed her concern for the property being used for something else. Charlie Rourke expressed his opinion it took a Town Meeting vote to designate and it would take a Town Meeting vote to un-designate it. He would prefer concentrating on Camp Wing and have a successful project to show the Town before we take on Lincoln Street which is a much larger project. It was agreed to table this for awhile.
Island Creek: Andre Martecchini noted he would like to see if the commercial portion of Island Creek could be rezoned back to commercial. There was discussion of the zoning change that happened in 2003 that changed it residential when CZBIC was making some major changes. Andre asked Christine to speak with the Planning Board about possibly attending one of their future meetings – Diane & Bruce agreed to attend also. George Wadsworth said that would be a good idea to talk with the Planning Board first.
Minutes:
Ms. Bartlett asked that the 5/22/08 minutes be held to the next meeting. Mr. Martecchini MOTION to accept the minutes of 4/17/08, seconded by Mr. Keohan – unanimously accepted.
Mr. Martecchini MOTION to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Rourke – unanimously voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:25PM
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Stickney
APPROVED BY LHP ON 09/11/08
| 
