2011- 12-01-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)

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Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Open Space BACKGROUND Open space is one of the defining characteristics of Lexington, which is now a mature suburb. It enhances the historical and scenic character of the Town,protects important watershed and biological values, including wetlands, streams, floodplains and wildlife habitat, affords opportunities for passive recreational and educational uses, including hiking, walking, bird watching,picnicing, and nature exploration. CURRENT RESOURCES The Town Conservation Commission is entrusted with promoting and managing the Town's natural resources, enforcing the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act(M.G.L. c. 131 §40) and acquiring and managing open space. The seven—member Commission is appointed for staggered terms by the Town Manager with the approval of the Selectmen. Out of approximately 10,650 acres, Lexington currently has more than 1,350 acres of conservation land, and approximately 400 acres reserved for recreation, including parkland. Town fiscal demands and restraints associated with Proposition 2 �/z have been accompanied by the constant pressure of development, resulting in an absence of land acquisition by the Town during the past twenty years prior to the passage of the Community Preservation Act. (For a list of specific parcels that have been identified as priorities for Town acquisition, see the Land Acquisition Planning Report attached as Appendix C to the 2009 Lexington Open Space and Recreation Plan, which can be viewed in the Office of Community Development, Conservation Division.) The CPA has encouraged the acquisition and protection of open space by providing funds for the outright purchase of land to be owned by the Town or for the purchase of permanent conservation or agricultural restrictions that provide protection to privately owned land. Since the passage of the CPA, the Town has purchased the following parcels of land totaling approximately 54 acres for conservation purposes: the two Goodwin Parcels off Hartwell Avenue, the Leary Parcel off Vine Street, and the soon to be acquired Cotton Farm Parcel off Marrett Road and donated Hartwell Avenue Parcel. The Busa Farm Parcel off Lowell Street was also purchased with CPA funds, though this 7.9 acre parcel was not specifically designated for conservation purposes. NEEDS AND GOALS: The goals for open space include, but are not limited to the following: 14