msandeen [at] lexingtonma.gov
(781) 863-8784

More diverse and affordable housing is acknowledged to be a critical need at both the state and local level. The Town currently funds positions for a Sustainability and Resiliency Officer and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer but has declined to fund a position for a Housing specialist. In light of the recent initiatives supported by Town Meeting, a Housing Trust and the conversion of LexHAB to a non-profit housing corporation, do you think there is need for a professional to oversee and manage these efforts?

Affordable housing is a critical need in our community. I fully supported the creation of an Affordable Housing Trust and the reorganization of LexHAB as a 501(c)(3) corporation as important initiatives intended to increase the development of affordable housing in Lexington. Carol Kowalski and her staff have worked closely to support these efforts and are committed to enabling additional affordable housing in Lexington. In addition, Lexington’s Planning Director, Abby McCabe and her department, are working on updating Lexington’s zoning law to provide several districts where additional multifamily housing can be built. The Town has also contracted with Liz Rust, the Director of the Regional Housing Service Office, to assist the Town and Lexington residents with all aspects of affordable housing, including creating and managing affordable housing and helping people find housing in Lexington.

We will make a lot of progress on affordable housing with these recent changes. It may make some sense to let the newly formed Affordable Housing Trust and the reorganized LexHAB boards assess and recommend the best way the Town can support affordable housing. There would be a lot of value in allowing those organizations to help define the responsibilities for the position in consultation with other affordable housing stakeholders, if they feel it is needed. 

I have volunteered to serve on the Affordable Housing Trust and, if appointed, will continue to advocate for initiatives that will help the Town accelerate our development of affordable housing.