2000-06-12 Managing Growth Development and Open Space Working Group.pdf

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backs of buildings, and a lack of diversity in retail The rate of new development may depend on local and dining. economy,with at least one major economic downturn very likely over next 20 years. Open green spaces in the center and at satellites must be preserved and enhanced. A limited number of cluster developments may be permitted,resulting in an insubstantial(relative to the Environmental Quality: Lexington residents place a demand) amount of new housing for small high value on achieving a clean and healthy households. environment for themselves and their children. In coming years,the housing needs of a larger aging Transportation/Accessibility: A wealth of population,beyond the question of affordability,may experience shows that Lexington residents see high come to the fore,such as smaller, more easily traffic volume and traffic congestion as being maintained and more accessible units for those who incompatible with their vision for their choose not to run for better climate but to continue to neighborhoods. Residents support alternatives to the live in familiar automobile,such as Lexpress,the MBTA buses, surroundings.That population may be better off bikepaths,and pedestrian ways. financially than earlier generations,having gained from(among other things)the increase in the value of Open Space:Lexington residents place a high value real estate. on conservation land. The acquisition and protection of open space has consistently been one of the top Commercial Development:Technology and the two or three priorities emerging from surveys of town growth of the Internet seem to be producing residents.Citizen support can also be inferred from enormous growth in"work-at-home"commercial the existence of several active citizens' groups that enterprise. Significant changes in technology are focused largely on open space. (Internet"work anywhere,"DSL,fiber optic cable) may continue to change patterns of living and FUTURE TRENDS working. General:Lexington's total population may not grow Town Center: On-line shopping may decrease substantially over the next twenty years, though the shopping runs to the center by 2020. Work-at-home segment aged 60-75 may increase significantly.The self-employment,assisted by hi-tech communication, total population projection rests on the assumption may probably increase. that residential zoning options do not markedly change Transportation/Accessibility: No significant changes are expected to physical characteristics of Aviation growth may likely increase. The potential the major automotive thoroughfares through the town market for Hanscom is sufficient to make it a major (routes 4/225,2,I-95,Mass. Ave./Bedford St., civil airport.If real estate development on Massport Lowell St.,Marrett Road/2A). Growth in property succeeds,and/or Hanscom Air Force Base commercial property and infill housing may tend to closes there may additional commercial development increase traffic. with associated growth in parking,traffic and density. There may be a move to provide new access to DSL and fiber optic connectivity penetration may Hartwell Avenue,through a re-opening of plans for a increase significantly during the next 20 years and "Hartwell Connector" from I-95,across open space may cause a reduction in certain types of vehicular wetlands. traffic. There is a growing recognition and use of regional Environmental Quality: Consumer awareness may approaches because transportation issues and clean reduce use and generation of toxic materials,and air problems both transcend jurisdictional boundaries reduce some non-point pollution,e.g.pesticide runoff and are related to development. and migration into groundwater. Residential Development:Tear-downs are and will The mix of planes using Hanscom is changing,with continue to be the primary source of new home increases in jets and blimps,and decreases in prop construction. planes.Noise,air and water pollution increase as this happens. Managing Growth-23