Lenox Community Preservation Committee
January 12, 2009
Minutes
Members present: Roscoe Sandlin (RS), Midge Sandlin (MS), Joe G. Strauch (JGS), James Jurney, Jr. (JJ) Jim Sorrentino (JS), and Fred Keator (FK).
Scott Pignatelli (SP), Joseph Kellogg (JK) and Olga Weiss (OW) absent with notification.
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
Meeting opened at 7:12 PM.
RS stated that he has good news regarding the library debt service. The payment for FY2010 will be $138,000. The projected payment was $168,000. He also noted that the town was successful in securing an energy grant and the $50,000 allocated to the Community Center window project is no longer necessary. Members asked that the committee be notified in writing regarding the Community Center Window project. Once the committee receives this letter – the file will be closed. MA and RS will check on the procedure to reallocate the money.
MA noted that she received eight CPA applications for FY2010. One application was late. The late application was from St. Ann’s Church. It was filed on January 9, 2009 and the deadline was January 8, 2009. Discussion ensued regarding this late application. FK made a motion to deny the St. Ann Church CPC application and it was seconded by JS. It was clarified that a motion to deny means the CPC will not consider the St. Ann Church application for FY2010 funding. Members voted unanimously to deny the St. Ann Church application.
RS stated that Cynthia Nasman and Marjorie Pero are in the audience. Ms. Nasman and Ms. Pero stated that thet are members of the Housing Authority and support the Curtis Porch application. They are also interested in learning about the other applications.
Members reviewed the applications as follows:
The Housing Authority requests $15,000 for Phase Two of the Curtis Porch restoration project. The project is filed as an affordable housing project but is also an historic building.
The Lenox Library Association requests $75,000 for improvements to Roche Reading Park. The project is allowed under open space and recreation because the property was purchased with CPA funds.
The Historical Commission filed two applications. The Commission requests $3,200 to establish an historic building plaque program, and $16,000 for a survey of the Town Cemetery on Greenwood Street. The Historical Commission filed a grant application with the state and the $16,000 would be a match to the state grant. Both applications are filed as historic preservation projects.
The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire, Inc. filed an application for $110,000 to pay for construction costs for the Saw Mill Brook Affordable Housing project. They received $40,000 last year for Phase Two design costs. The project qualifies as an affordable housing project.
The Town Manager filed an application on behalf of the town for $100,000 for the purchase of the Baczek Property. The property is located on East Street and is approximately 140 acres. RS noted that he represents a member of the Baczek family and will not participate in formal discussions on this application. This property is a potential location for a portion of the bike trail. It is an open space and recreation project. It was noted that there has been a great deal of citizen interest in using CPA money to purchase of open space. This project is an open space preservation project.
Ventfort Hall Association, Inc. filed an application for $20,000 for the Ventfort Hall Arboretum and Education Program. MA stated that the application was filed as an open space, recreation and historic preservation project. Given the state regulations it only qualities under the historic preservation category.
Members discussed potential meeting dates. The meeting schedule will be:
January 26, 2009 applicant presentations.
February 9, 2009 applicant presentations.
February 17, 2009 meeting to discuss and rank project.
February 23, 2009 CPC public hearing.
March 23, 2009 vote on FY2010 funding recommendations.
MA will coordinate exact meeting times and email members a meeting schedule.
Meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: 1/26/09
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