2010-10-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)

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ll— r� 14 ca 5 es 44L-10] e. Minuteman National Historical Park, wbnch JS part of 1b�e Na1noiflaff ..:�Iar 5 yy1 The Historic Districts Commission of Lexington was established in 1958 to "promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of historic buildings, places and districts through the development of appropriate settings for said buildings, places and districts and through the maintenance of said buildings, places and districts as landmarks of historic interest." The HDC ensures that development or demolition of properties within the four historic districts may proceed only following a determination of appropriateness. The eight members of the HDC are appointed by the Selectmen, at large, and from candidates proposed by the Historical Society, the Arts and Crafts Society, and the Cary Library Trustees. Similarly, the Lexington Historical Commission was created "for the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archeological resources" of the Town. The LHC has prepared a nine -volume inventory of historical structures located throughout the Town that documents over 1400 structures. The LHC administers the Town's Demolition Delay Bylaw to ensure that these historically and architecturally significant structures are preserved. The LHC also endeavors to educate citizens of the breadth and importance of Lexington's cultural heritage. The five members of the LHC are appointed by the Town Manager. On a private level, the Lexington Historical Society plays a number of key roles, including the ownership of the Hancock -Clarke House, Munroe Tavern and management of Buckman Tavern under lease from the Town, as well as through publications, the presentation of educational programs and the maintenance of an important archive. The National Heritage Museum founded and supported by the Scottish Rite Freemasons , also provides resources and programs on American history and culture that complement the cultural management efforts of the Town. Goals The goals for historic preservation in Lexington are embodied in the criteria for evaluation of potential CPA projects. The CPC seeks projects that Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological resources of significance, especially those that are threatened; ( Commented [TES]: Consistent types of bullets here and in Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate town -owned properties, features or l all sections resources of historical significance; Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate the historical function of a property or site; Support the adaptive reuse of historic properties; Affect a site within a Lexington Historic District, on a State or National Historic Register, or eligible for placement on such registers, or on the Lexington Historical Commission's Cultural Resources Inventory; Demonstrate a specific public benefit; or Provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic resource. 12