Lenox Affordable Housing Committee and Trustees
July 12, 2010
Minutes
Members present: Dave Klausemeyer (DK), Chair, Jo Anne Magee (JM), Debbie Burke (DB), Ellen Jacobson (EJ) and Olga Weiss (OW).
Absent: Roscoe Sandlin and Kate McNulty-Vaughan (KMV),.
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
DK opened the meeting at 5:15 PM.
DK gave MA the final complete copy of the Massachusetts Housing Institute – Annual Training for Local Officials Handbook. The book will be kept in the Land Use Office.
JM made a motion to approve the June Minutes. Seconded by DB and unanimously approved.
At the last meeting members asked MA to follow-up with the Town Manager regarding the availability of the Children’s Center building for conversion to affordable housing units. MA said she discussed this matter with the Town Manager and he informed her that the Board of Selectmen (BOS) is satisfied with the current use of the building. The Children’s Center provides an important service to local families. Members asked if the Children’s Center could share the building. It was noted that it is a small building and this would not be practical.
DK asked members for their feedback regarding the Berkshire Housing and the Southern Berkshire CDC presentations. It was noted that Mr. Ogden and Mr. Geller had many good suggestions. Based on the information gleaned from Mr. Ogden and Mr. Geller the members suggested the following list of potential affordable housing projects.
1. MA suggested that the Niagara Mill in Lenox Dale was recently listed for sale. She said that earlier this year representatives from Arch Street Development contacted her regarding the redevelopment of mill buildings for affordable housing. Arch Street developed the Clark Biscuit project in North Adams. The company specializes in redeveloping mill facilities into affordable housing units. Earlier this year the Niagara Mill facility was not available but now it is on the market. She said she would contact Arch Street and let them know about the Niagara Mill property. Members thought it was a good idea to contact Arch Street. MA will report back to the committee at the next meeting.
2. Members suggested that MA also tell Arch Street about the vacant lot on Housatonic Street that Pearson Properties was interested in developing. The committee could also contact other developers.
3. Contact David Ward regarding additional affordable units at Kennedy Woods. (A.k.a Aspinwell - The Lenox Shops.)
4. Purchase units at Morgan Manor or Lenox Heights.
5. Build affordable housing units on town owned land on Willow Creek Road.
6. Work with the PB to develop zoning for “infill lots”.
7. Provide a subsidy for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s).
8. Buy an existing house in need of repair. Rehab the property and sell it to a low/moderate income family.
9. Contact local realtors and bankers.
10. Determine if additional units could be developed at Turnure Terrace. (MA will review assessor’s records.)
11. Continue to work on the development of Sawmill Brook.
12. Investigate the Berkshire Bank Foundation.
13. Investigate the Guardian Insurance Foundation.
14. Determine if the BU – Tanglewood Institute –could be converted to affordable housing units. Determine if BU would be willing to donate land for the development of affordable housing units. (MA will review assessor’s records.)
15. Develop a mortgage buy-down program.
Members will cull the list at the August meeting.
DK asked MA to contact RS to determine if he still wants to be a member of the committee. If he does not have the time to serve on the committee she will ask him to attend a committee meeting to discuss the organization of the Housing Trust.
The next meeting will be Monday – August 9, 2010 @ 5:15 PM.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:50 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: August 9, 2010
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