2000-04-06-MGWG-min.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

• The idea of preserving "character" or "characteristics" was discussed; what is meant should be more clearly defined. We might also talk about how we expect character to change. • The term "housing stock" was questioned, but decided to be understandable, and approved. • The draft's coverage was agreed to be good, comprehensive. • The chairman asked us to consider what conflicts there might be between goals. One is between "no growth" and "some growth" and another is in the area of change of character--but more consideration about this topic is needed. We should end up presenting a document in which the conflicts have been addressed and resolved, and decisions are offered about how existing conditions should be changed. • Preservation of open land is now handled by the priorities of the Conservation Commission, John Andrews reported, centering around wetlands, corridors for wildlife, and biologically significant areas; we endorse this process by our goals statements. Creative measures for aquisition of land will probably be needed. Land bank legislation, which we propose, has failed to be approved by the legislature (but might succeed later?). Likewise, Town Meeting has not approved the idea of purchase of conservation restrictions. • We may want to make greater density a housing goal, particularly in the center, where there is easier access to public transportation. • We should be thinking of proposing criteria or "filters" for development, as well as criteria for measurement. • Conservation Director Marilyn Nordby, one of our staff liasons, spoke about current legislation related to our items 1.1.D (the Wetlands Preservation Act) and 2.4 about environmental protections, stating that control should be considered in regional context, rather than just town, or in "watershed groups." She described the formation of "stream teams" and urged better representation from Lexington. The term "watershed protection" should be added to our document, either under 2.4 or under Goal 3. • The idea of regional concern and cooperation should be emphasized, also in relation to transportation. It was decided that we should each study the draft document--Karl suggested reading twice, first for cohesion, second for content--and continue our discussion by email in preparation for further discussion at the next meeting. The next meeting will be April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 2nd floor of the Town Office Building. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Lazarus