Surcharge on Specific Residential Development
Adopted
Result
94
Yes
66
No
8
Abstain
Activity summary
Adopted (94-66-8)
Vote
7
Discussion threads
Community discussion
7 threads.
Arguments for
Article 25 and Chapter 40Y could be complementary; Article 25 would apply to smaller lots (e.g., 1/3 acre) that 40Y does not cover.
— Jenny Richlin, Pct 4
The Affordable Housing Trust needs diverse funding sources beyond Community Preservation money, and Article 25 provides a way to fund it modestly.
— Bob Creech, Pct 7
The Select Board will have control over the surcharge formula, allowing for balanced judgment.
— Bob Creech, Pct 7
Article 25 would increase the relative attractiveness of 40Y-permitted construction compared to McMansion construction.
— Benjamin Lees, Pct 7
Supporting Article 25 is a way to directly support the Affordable Housing Trust.
— Ruth Thomas, Pct 4
Arguments against
Article 25 provides a one-time payment, whereas Chapter 40Y would increase the residential tax base permanently through more housing units.
— Betsey Weiss, Pct 2
The surcharge may reduce the price sellers get for small homes or add costs to home buyers.
— Betsey Weiss, Pct 2
Chapter 40Y is a superior path for solving the 'McMansion' issue and encouraging starter homes.
— Betsey Weiss, Pct 2
Key questions raised
Is 'as-of-right' the same as 'by right'?
— Ruth Thomas, Pct 4
How many building permits on average are issued each year that would be subject to this charge (based on the last 5 years)?
— Laura Swain, Pct 2
Discussion threads
Betsey Weiss
12 msgs
Dear TMMs, I have been an affordable housing supporter for over 25 years. I certainly support affordable housing funding. I do not support Article 25. I think there is a different, better path. Articl…
Jay Luker
10 msgs
Greetings Town Meeting Members, Article 25 proposes to raise funding for the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust by allowing the Select Board to impose a surcharge on specific new construction activiti…
Laura Swain
Pct 2
4 msgs
Could the citizen (if a town meeting member), advise how many building permits on average are issued each year that would be subject to this charge? (For example, in each of the last 5 years?) Laura S…
Michael Martignetti
Pct 3
4 msgs
Hi Fellow Town Meeting Members, I urge you to vote against Article 25 for the following reasons: - Although producing affordable housing is a goal many of us have, it should be a community wide goal, …
Jay Luker
Pct 1
3 msgs
Hello Town Meeting! These are some questions for the proponent of Article 25, Matt Daggett. Matt, Sorry if I mix any of this up or it's been explained elsewhere. I only have the earlier, 2020 presenta…
Rita Vachani
Pct 2
2 msgs
Mr Daggett The motion for Article 25, Section 2 states: The surcharge shall apply only to newly-constructed single-family and two-family structures larger than gross floor area thresholds defined by t…
Michael Martignetti
Pct 3
2 msgs
Fellow Town Meeting Members, Will we be receiving more information on Article 25 soon? The Warrant Article doesn't specify which transactions Article 25 wants to attach a surcharge to, and I don't thi…