Lenox Affordable Housing Committee and Trustees Joint Meeting
June 12, 2012
Minutes
Committee Members present: Dave Klausemeyer (DK), Chair, Debbie Burke (DB), Kate McNulty-Vaughan (KMV), Jo Anne Magee (JAM), Ellen Jacobson (EJ), Olga Weiss (OW) and Theresa Ahrens (TA). Trustees present: Dave Klausemeyer (DK), Chair, Debbie Burke (DB), Kate McNulty-Vaughan (KMV), Ellen Jacobson (EJ), Olga Weiss (OW), Jo Anne Magee (JAM), and Jackie McNinch (JM).
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
DK opened the meeting at 3:00 PM.
JM made a motion to approve the May 8, 2012 minutes of the joint meeting of the Housing Committee and the Housing Trustees. EJ seconded the motion and the Committee and Trustees voted 7-0 to approve.
Presentation by Connie Kruger – Peer-to-Peer Consultant
The Committee and Trustees held a joint meeting to meet with the Connie Kruger, Peer-to-Peer Consultant. Ms. Kruger provided a draft of her final report to the Committee /Trustees last week. This is her last meeting with the Committee /Trustees.
Ms. Kruger offered a brief presentation and asked the Committee/Trustees for comments and questions. EJ said that the members are good “students” and she asked Ms. Kruger to suggest one assignment. Ms. Kruger replied that the Committee/Trustees should sponsor an annual community outreach event.
Discussion ensued regarding housing needs. Ms. Kruger pointed to the Housing Production Plan (HPP) and suggested that both family rental and ownership housing is needed. Some members suggested that the HPP does not give the full story regarding family housing. Ms. Kruger assured the members that they know the community best and her comments were based on her review of the HPP.
JAM said that she was surprised to learn the high number of students who qualify for the subsidized lunch program. JM said that only five Lenox teachers live in Lenox and she believes this is tied to affordability. JM also explained that Berkshire Housing is no longer offering first time homebuyer programs because there was not enough interest. She also noted a correction to the website link for Mass Housing.
DK commented that he thinks there should be a regional approach to housing. Ms. Kruger said this is a good idea and offer the Hampden & Hampshire Regional Housing program as an example.
Discussion ensued regarding the second home market in Lenox. KMV said that there are many early retirees in Lenox. Ms. Kruger said that she lives in Amherst and there are similar housing pressures because of the large student population. Many lifelong residents are priced out of the housing market.
OW suggested changes to the 40 B legislation. Ms. Kruger suggested that this is not a realistic approach. Although 40B is flawed - the good in the legislation out weighs the bad.
Ms. Kruger said that the Committee/Trustees should begin a dialogue with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding the Sawmill Brook Project. It is very important to show local interest and support for the project.
Ms. Kruger encouraged the Committee/Trustees to meet with Habitat for Humanity. KVM said she worked with the local Habitat for Humanity organization and the focus is on Pittsfield.
Ms. Kruger asked the Committee/Trustees for comments and corrections to the report. KMV suggested that the recommendations be prioritized. Any additional comments or corrections should be forwarded to MA by next Monday (6/18). MA needs to send the final report and payments information the DHCD the week of June 25th.
Update on Potential Land Donation
DK said that he walk the property with Mark Volk, Foresight Land Services. The property is located next door to 91 East Street. There are extensive wetlands. The potential building envelope is very limited. Mr. Volk advised that a Notice of Intent would need to be prepared and filed with the Conservation Commission. The costs associated with this are approximately $3,500.
DK said the footprint for the house is concerning. It is a very limited area and there would be no room for a lawn. The house would have to be built on a slab foundation as a basement is impossible.
JAM made a motion to spend up to $1,000 with Foresight Land Services to update the plan. KMV seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential for developing the property. JM suggested that DK meet with Neal Carpenter, Chair, Conservation Commission. JAM offered an amended motion to authorize DK to meet with Neal Carpenter prior to spending $1,000 for Foresight Land Services to update the plan. OW seconded the amended motion.
Additional discussion ensued. DB asked if the wetland delineation has changed since 1995. DK did not have a definitive answer. DK suggested that he approach Mr. Carpenter as soon as possible. If Mr. Carpenter advised DK that it is reasonable to develop the property he will work with MA to engage the services of Foresight Land Services to update the plan. DK called for a vote. The Committee and Trustees voted 7-0 to approve.
New Business
OW said she talked to Shakespeare and Company regarding housing opportunities. She confirmed that they would like additional housing units and it might be an opportunity to work together.
The next meeting will by Monday – July 9 @ 3:00 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 4:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: July 9, 2012
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