2007-03-31-CPC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lexington Historical Commission Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey of Lexington The Lexington Historical Commission is requesting $90,000 to correct and update the Town’s inventory of historic properties and neighborhoods in Lexington, which is used for the administration of the Demolition Delay Bylaw. The current volumes contain inaccurate and incomplete information, which needs to be corrected for the fair administration of the Bylaw. The proposed work plan calls for the use of the services of an historic preservation consultant to review, update and complete new research on approximately 2,000 properties in Lexington. As a byproduct of this work, an easily accessible reference guide will be produced. Since 1975, the LHC has assembled a nine-volume inventory of historic structures located throughout the Town that documents over 1400 structures and sites. These forms provide basic architectural and historical information about individual properties and neighborhoods, and are an important source of information for homeowners seeking information about their homes. Listing on the inventory is also the threshold requirement for determinations by the LHC whether the Demolition Delay Bylaw should be applied to requests by owners and developers for demolition permits. Because many of the early inventory forms were prepared in the 1970s, they do not meet current Massachusetts Historical Commission requirements; many more properties remain undocumented, placing them at risk for insensitive modification or demolition. Other properties no longer exist or have lost their integrity over the years. The sheer number of forms makes it difficult to find information on specific properties. This project would: ?? Identify and prioritize incomplete or undocumented buildings; ?? establish a uniform and comprehensive record of these properties; and ?? consolidate the survey information into a single volume that would be easily available to Lexington residents as an important reference source. Lexington’s rich cultural heritage is at risk due to insensitive modification or, within the climate of an intense market for real estate development, demolition, of our important buildings. There are hundreds of properties of post-Revolutionary War periods that are architecturally and historically significant in their own right but unrecognized and unprotected. By identifying and widely publishing this significance, members of the community can celebrate their own homes’ importance, protecting, preserving, enhancing, restoring and rehabilitating them, and seeking creative alternatives to their destruction and demolition. In addition, older, smaller homes potentially are affordable homes, with appropriate public policies and programs. The existence of a comprehensive guide to Lexington architecture and neighborhoods will promote a preservation ethic that complements the Town’s vision for the quality of life of its residents and ensure its diversity of resources. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request.