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

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The CPC is required to study the "needs, possibilities and resources" for community preservation in Lexington. To that end, the Committee has reviewed existing plans and documents related to the four purposes designated for funding under the CPA: open space, historic resources, community housing and recreation. In reviewing new projects, the CPC: • Acts as a reviewing body for projects which fall within the CPA purview; • Acts as a funder, not a developer; • Seeks to advance community goals previously set forth in public documents that have received wide review and public input; • Attempts to meet multiple community preservation goals in its selection of projects to recommend to Town Meeting, and to the extent possible, in each such project; and • Communicates its mission and goals to applicants, to other community boards and committees and to the general public. After completion of its review, the CPC's recommendations are forwarded to Town Meeting for final approval. Purpose This Needs Assessment("the Assessment")is a summary of the CPC's work in developing community preservation goals for Lexington. The CPC has attempted to synthesize all planning efforts addressing the four purposes identified in the CPA. The Committee has reviewed Lexington's current resources and has outlined the needs and possibilities for community preservation activities which will enhance open space, recreation, historic resources and community housing. The CPC has set out the guidelines it will use to evaluate project proposals as well as the process it will follow during this undertaking. This Assessment sets out the goals and aspirations of the CPC as it begins its fifth year of implementation. The purpose of the Assessment is to: • Provide a clear statement of both broad and specific goals that lie behind the CPC's recommendations; and • Lay out the specific framework the CPC will use in formulating its recommendations, both for the guidance of applicants and the understanding of Town Meeting. Goals Lexington's committees and commissions have a long-standing history of carefully assessing Town needs and goals in light of the shared values of its residents. The Lexington Comprehensive Plan, the Open Space and Recreational Plan, and the Town's Consolidated 2