2017-10-12-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Pato relayed the sentiment of the Board of Selectmen. The Board requested the CPC advance the project to Town Meeting for broader review. If the CPC did not recommend the project to Town Meeting, the Board would not seek alternate funding for the purchase. Ms. Krieger left the meeting remotely at 3:40 PM. The Committee discussed the possibilities of ordering a second appraisal and calling an additional Special Town Meeting but ultimately decided against both due to time constraints. The Committee preferred to see the requested revisions to the existing appraisal. Ms. Krieger re-joined the meeting remotely at 3:53 PM. Several members took issue with the Board of Selectmen's request of the CPC to recommend the project so Town Meeting could deliberate. They noted that Town Meeting relies on the gate-keeping authority of the CPC to recommend worthy projects and the Board of Selectmen was taking away that authority by asking the Committee to forward the proposal to Town Meeting for voters to weigh in. The Committee discussed recommending a lesser amount to Town Meeting. There was also discussion about the distribution of potential gift money to fund the difference between the appraisal and the purchase price. Ms. Kosnoff discussed funding options for the purchase, noting that the current balance in the Community Preservation Fund could adequately cover the purchase price. Mr. Horton made a motion to recommend $875,000 for the acquisition of the parcel of land at 44 Adams Street. The motion was seconded. Further discussion ensued regarding the purchase price and how it compared to other pieces of land acquired by the Town. Mr. Hornig questioned if the motion on the table could be conditioned on receiving a revised appraisal. The Committee agreed that it would endorse whichever cost was lower, the updated appraisal or$875,000. Ms. Fenollosa opened the meeting for public comment. Supporters of the acquisition cited the proximity of the land to the Fiske Elementary School and the benefits to both students and teachers. Others noted the importance of preserving and enhancing an important vista in Lexington. Potential accessibility benefits were also discussed. Several residents also spoke in opposition, noting that the existing conservation land and vista would be preserved even if the additional parcel was not 2