Lenox Community Preservation Committee
July 28, 2008
Minutes
Members present: Roscoe Sandlin (RS), Midge Sandlin (MS), Joe G. Strauch (JGS), Jim Sorrentino (JS), Scott Pignatelli (SP), Joseph Kellogg (JK) and Fred Keator (FK).
Olga Weiss (OW) absent with notification.
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
RS stated that the committee should elect a chairman for the coming year. JK nominated RS, seconded by JS. The Committee voted 7-0 in favor. RS thanked the committee members for their support.
RS noted that this meeting is devoted to a discussion of affordable housing needs. He said the Lenox Affordable Housing Committee recently completed the Lenox Housing Production Plan. The plan was prepared in accordance with state standards and will be submitted to the state for approval. MA stated that CPC members were emailed a copy of the plan. JK stated that the Planning Board adopted the plan last week. RS noted the Selectman approved the plan as well. JK pointed out that the plan makes many recommendations that rely on CPA funding. He stressed that CPA funds should be a leverage for other funding.
FK said that he would like to see projects that incorporate open space and affordable housing in one project. JK noted that Lenox has lost volunteer firefighters to other communities because Lenox is too expensive for young families. Discussion ensued regarding what is considered affordable. JS asked what qualifies as affordable housing. MA explained that the state defines affordable as housing that is accessible to individuals or families making 80% of median income. She said in Lenox that means a family of 4 could afford to buy a home that is priced at $175,000 or less. Members agreed that even in the current slower housing market – this is not realistic in Lenox. RS explained the provision of Massachusetts General Law 40B.
RS asked for comments from the audience. Debbie Burke, Lenox Affordable Housing Corporation, and Kate McNulty- Vaughan, Lenox Affordable Housing Committee, both spoke in support of the need for Affordable Housing.
JGS asked about the status of the proposed Aspinwell affordable housing units. It was noted that this project is probably on hold given the Department of Environment Protection appeal. JGS is concerned about the emphasis on affordable housing for families because this could put a burden on the Lenox schools. RS noted that the town is mandated to provide 10% affordable housing but even without the mandate it is important to have a diverse community.
SP noted that he is a third generation Lenox resident and would like to see more opportunities for existing Lenox residents. Debbie Burke stated that the Lenox Affordable Housing Corporation is working on the Sawmill Brook affordable housing project. The law allows preference for town residents and employees.
FK would like to save money and suggested that the committee bank all the money next year. Discussion ensued regarding the need to be more selective regarding projects. Debbie Burke urged the committee to consider funds for the Sawmill Brook project next year. She noted that the Sawmill Brook project could help the town close in on its 10% affordable housing mandate. RS suggested that there might be an opportunity for the Sawmill Brook project to qualify for a pilot program that will allow the town to count all the units toward its affordable housing mandate. This could be a wonderful opportunity for the town and it would be a good use of CPA money.
JS asked Debbie Burke if there was much resistance from the neighborhood. She stated that her group is working with the abutters and overall the project has been well received.
RS thanked Debbie Burke and Kate McNulty- Vaughan for attending the meeting. He asked if the members had any additional comments or question.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
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