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AC–2015ATM PPROPRIATIONOMMITTEE tation removal, clearing heavily overgrown shrubs, trees and vines, preserving views of historic stone walls, managing invasive species encroachment on field edges and throughout meadows. The Conservation Commission owns and maintains 1,400 acres of conservation land. Of this total, ap- proximately 75 acres represent upland meadows, and these are estimated to take about 7 years to com- plete conservation work, with two meadows being completed per year. Eligible for CPA funding as Open Space and Historic Resources. Article 8(b) Parker’s Revenge Site Restoration - $36,790 This project proposes to restore the Parker’s Revenge battle site for the educational enjoyment of visitors, at the initiative of the Friends of the Minuteman National Park. The project includes archeological analy- sis, site restoration, and implementation of an interpretative plan. The site is owned by the Minuteman National Historic Park. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $152,930, with the balance from private funds. Eligible for CPA funding as Historic Resources. Article 8(c) First Parish Church Restoration Historic Structure Report - $40,000 NOTE: The Committee is strongly divided on this request. As of publication, the Committee’s vote of (3- 3-2) means we do not recommend approval of 8(c). Members have expressed concerns about the appro- priation of public funds for a building that does not serve a primarily public purpose, government support for a religious organization, the comparatively small amount of privately raised funding, and the possibil- ity that approving this request would encourage a larger follow-up request to address problems identified in the Historic Structure Report. This request would be used for a historic structure assessment and report documenting the condition of First Parish building. Architectural and structural elements will be investigated, along with mechanical systems, code compliance, analysis of hazardous materials, building accessibility, etc. Specifications for cost estimates will be prepared, along with a phased project plan. The total cost of the report is $52,660, with the balance being raised from private funds by First Parish. Eligible for CPA funding as Historic Resources. Article 8(d) Cary Memorial Building Records Center Shelving - $75,398 This project seeks to remove undersized shelving at the Cary Memorial Building, and replace it with sta- tionary shelving. These shelves are used for storage of long-term and some permanent records of signifi- cant and historical value. Eligible for CPA funding as Historic Resources. Article 8(e) Battle Green Streetscape Improvements Funding Amount Source CPA$140,000 Free Cash$60,000 Total$200,000 At the 2012 Annual Town Meeting $143,845 was approved for a study of a Battle Green area which has reviewed pedestrian and vehicular safety and flow in and around the Battle Green, its relation to the Cen- ter Streetscape Project, and ways to enhance access and visibility of the historical sites. The FY2016 funding request will allow the town to hire an architect/engineering firm to take the conceptual ideas to a 100% design, providing a plan and cost estimates for any recommended improvements to the area. 20