Boards take preliminary look at 38-unit Commons expansion ahead of town meeting

LINCOLN -- January 24, 2023, Lincoln boards preview 38-unit Commons expansion as affordable-housing dispute looms before town meeting. OnePoint Partners Senior Project Manager Ryan Herkenrother presented additions and infill cottages at six campus locations for owner New England Life Plan Communities, with a net gain of 38 parking spaces to 356 total. Planning Director Paula told the applicant that the proposed two affordable units, 25 percent of the nine-unit Flint addition, "will not comply with our bylaw," which mandates 15 percent inclusionary affordable across all 38 units. Co-Chair Gary Taylor noted a prior skilled-nursing expansion was resolved by cash payments of roughly $250,000 per missing affordable unit. Town Administrator Tim Higgins said the town and OnePoint have reached "an agreement in principle" on an MOU protecting roughly $3 million in annual property-tax revenue, to be referenced in the eventual special permit. Earlier, the Planning Board voted 4-0 to endorse adding the 1939 Holmes Perkins-designed home at 58 Bedford Road to the local historic district, and both boards unanimously approved the updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.