Lenox Affordable Housing Trustees
January 17, 2012
Minutes
DK opened the meeting at 3:24 PM.
Members present: Dave Klausemeyer (DK), Chair, Ellen Jacobson (EJ), Debbie Burke (DB) Kate McNulty-Vaughan (KMV) Jackie McNinch (JM) and Olga Weiss (OW). Absent: Jo Anne Magee.
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
Minutes: JM made a motion to approve the December 5, 2011 Minutes. KMV seconded the motion and the Board voted 7-0 to approve.
DK introduced Frederick Keator. Mr. Keator informed the Trust that he has a client who is considering the donation of a four acre parcel of land to the Affordable Housing Trust. Mr. Keator noted that although much of the property cannot be developed, he estimated that there is enough area to build a small house. DB informed Mr. Keator that affordable housing units should meet the guidelines for smart growth. DB asked if the parcel was in a remote location that would preclude access to public transportation. She also asked about connection to public water and sewer. According to Mr. Keator the property has accesses to public water and sewer and is close to public transportation. His client had some survey work completed in the 1990’s. His client does not want to
continue to pay taxes on the property and is willing to donate the property as opposed to selling it.
There was discussion regarding the process for exploring a land donation. The Trustees expressed an interest in the parcel but want to determine the costs associated with development.
JM made a motion to explore the land donation. DB seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of development. The Trustees acknowledged that a delineation of the property wetlands would have to be conducted. The Conservation Commission would have to approve the delineation. Mr. Keator will contact Foresight to determine how much survey and engineering work was completed in the 1990’s. He will try to establish an estimate for potential survey and engineering working. JM offered an amendment to her motion. JM made a motion to explore the land donation and to work with Mr. Keator and Foresight Land Services to determine an estimate for development. OW seconded the motion and the Trustees voted 7-0 to approve.
KMV offered an update on the Community Preservation Committee application process. The presentations will be held on February 6 and 13. The public hearing will be February 27. She noted that the Committee received a number of this year.
The next meeting will be Tuesday – February 7, 2012 @ 3:15 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: 2/7/2012
| 
