2008-11-13-CPC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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The parcel abuts Katahdin Woods (~54 acres) and the Town’s composting facility (~ 68 acres) and sits between the Minuteman Bikeway and the Battle Road Trail, making it a key parcel for the West Lexington Greenway. This parcel also serves as a key area for habitat connectivity in Lexington west of Route 128.Wildlife using this parcel has access to a stretch of open space from the Burlington line to the Lincoln line, including Katahdin Woods, Tophet Swamp, Simond’s Brook, Paint Mine, the conservation land along Wood Street, and Minuteman National Historic Park. As a wooded lot in the West Lexington Greenway area and within the headwaters area of the Shawsheen River Watershed, this parcel sits in a key location for acquisition by the Conservation Commission. Protecting the property in perpetuity would benefit the Town’s residents, wildlife, and waterways by adding an additional 10.7 acres to an important corridor of open space on the western side of Lexington. Project Goals and Objectives: ?? Acquire properties contiguous to existing town conservation land ?? Protect wetlands and water supply ?? Protect wildlife habitats ?? Increase passive recreational opportunities for visitors to Meagherville and West Lexington Greenway Project Benefit: The purchases will benefit Lexington by protecting additional open space, ensuring access to existing conservation lands and promoting active and passive recreational activities for all Lexingtonians. Funding Request: The project requests $186,100 of CPA funds to fund the appraisal, survey, legal and purchase costs of the two properties. For the two properties together, appraisal costs are anticipated to be $4,600; survey, $29,583; legal, $11,891 and purchase, $140,000. A closing on the property is expected after the first of the year. 8