2015-01-21-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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01/21/15CPC Minutes $520,000 for purchasing the property; $ 80,000 to $100,000 for ancillary costs such as surveys (approximately $35,000) and legal fees (unknown at this time); $140,000 for rehabilitation/restoration. There was discussion about clearly identifying the purposes for purchasing the property; otherwise the use may be open for interpretation by others. It was noted that the property had not been used for significant farming, and it was mostly comprised of wetlands and woodlands, neither of which is conducive to farming. It was also noted that historically, conversations relating to the use of Wright Farm have been limited to conservation, housing, and historical purposes. It has been identified as having multiple land types and it abuts Burlington’s Landlocked Forest, making it a wonderful laboratory for environmental programs. Arguments for alternative uses are not anticipated, and it was generally agreed that there is little that would support introducing alternative ideas. There was discussion about subdividing the property for housing and open space purposes. Various approaches were explored, taking into consideration the Town’s Bylaws. Mr. Valente suggested that these are issues that need to be addressed after the land is conveyed to the Town; he agreed that some legal complexities may need to be addressed to get all the pieces into place. There was discussion about the funding of the purchase. Mr. Addelson indicated that it may be possible for the Town to support a cash transaction, particularly if the closing is after July 1, 2015, when a new fiscal year begins. The 180 day deadline for closing may make a post July 1, 2015 closing impossible. A motion was made and seconded to approve the use of CPA funds of up to $755,000 to purchase Parcel 2 of the Wright Farm to be used for open space, affordable housing and possible historic purposes. The final amount of the project cost is to be determined at a later date. VOTE: 9-0 Community Center Sidewalk: Mr. Livsey provided a history of the efforts to design a sidewalk from Marrett Road to the new Lexington Community Center (LCC). Initially, Town staff created two options, both of which crossed parts of land owned by the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library (Scottish Rite) and impacted their arced brick walls that are part of their entry landscaping. Proprietors of the Scottish Rite land opposed both of them. They do not see a need for a sidewalk, and they don’t want a design that changes the current arced brick walls that have symbolic meaning associated with the identity of their facility. Two additional options were then created, and there was a meeting in late December at the site to review the alternatives with interested parties. Consensus was not reached. It is being recommended that an outside designer be hired to facilitate the development of an acceptable design. This would involve a two-step process: Again exploring options with the proprietors of the Scottish Rite property; and Developing schematics with alternatives. DPF has a FY2016-FY2020 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) request for $50,000 to pursue this project. It is considered to be CPA eligible. 2