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Lot 1,Middlesex County Hospital Lexington residents are particularly concerned about preserving Lot 1 of the former Middlesex County Hospital as conservation land. The parcel, which is owned by the Commonwealth,is located between Concord Avenue and Trapelo Road west of Walnut Street. It is 54 acres, with 49 acres in Lexington. Lot 1 is one of the few remaining undeveloped parcels and is pending disposition by the state. It includes a section of the old Oxbow Road(see below)known as Ricci's Lane, which is an important historic roadway lined with stone walls. Lot 1 has two healthy meadows and high quality pine and oak/hickory stands, and includes at least four certified vernal pools. There are also remnants of foundations and plantings associated with former farms located in this area. This property is known for its native vegetation and wildlife. It is all the more valuable because it is a key parcel in the northwestern portion of the Western Greenway, an open space project linking properties in Lexington, Waltham and Belmont, including parts of Hobbs Brook and Beaver Brook. It is being nurtured by Friends of the Western Greenway, an umbrella organization created by the Waltham Land Trust, CLC, Belmont Citizens Forum, Lexington Conservation Stewards, Belmont Land Trust and Mass Audubon. Some of the land in this six-mile corridor is already preserved. Recommendations The Western Greenway project is an excellent example of the benefits of inter- community cooperation. Much has already been accomplished by the collaborative efforts of municipalities and non-profit organizations working together. A unique aspect of Lot 1 is its combination of natural and cultural resources, which provides an opportunity to expand the coalition to include the Lexington Historical Commission. • Document the undocumented Lexington portion of Lot 1 on an MHC inventory form, particularly the remnants of Oxbow Road and foundations along the road edge. Use this understanding of the history to support the case for preserving this unique historic resource. Work with Western Greenway coalition to preserve this area. • Work together with all concerned groups,particularly state officials to preserve Lot 1. One option may be to consider transferring the property ownership from DCAM to DCR or other land conservation entity. Norris Farm The Norris farm,located at 39 Highland Avenue at the junction of Highland Avenue and Washington Street includes a late 19Th century farmhouse, barn and five acres of wooded land adjacent to the Vine Brook Conservation Land. The property contains both natural and cultural resources and is a critical open space connector in the eastern part of town. There are no protection plans in place. The property is identified as "highly sensitive- open space residential" in the town's 2002 Comprehensive Plan. i ,airuds+.�)c Ili[uVewo y t'rogiiaairu 9