2010-12-06 Battle Green Draft Master Plan

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Ô»¨·²¹¬±² Þ¿¬¬´» Ù®»»² ß®»¿ Ü®¿º¬ Ó¿¬»® Ð´¿² ïîñêñîðïð Þ±«²¼¿®·» One of the first tasks given to the Working Group was to define the limits and scope of the area to be covered by the Battle Green Master Plan. The Battle Green and the adjacent historic properties that contribute to its enhancement need protection. The Battle Green has been defined by several different boundaries in the past. The National Landmark designation (1962) included only the land found within the boundaries of Bedford Street, Massachusetts Avenue and Harrington Road. The Lexington Battle Green National Register District (1976) expanded the Landmark boundaries to include the properties immediately adjacent to the Battle Green, and did not include Belfry Hill. By 2008, the Town of Lexington Historic Districts had expanded the Battle Green Historic District to include properties from Worthen Road to Winthrop Road along the spine of Massachusetts Avenue and extending a short distance down Hancock Street, Bedford Road, and other adjacent streets, including Belfry Hill. Other historic districts were designated along Massachusetts Avenue, extending the historic district designations east to the vicinity of Hillside Avenue. Today visitors are encouraged to explore the Battle Green area from the Visitor Center to Ye Olde Burying Ground to Belfry Hill, to tour the property with the Battle Green Guides and with the Liberty Ride® and to visit the three historic houses operated by the Lexington Historical Society: Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House (36 Hancock Street) and nearby Munroe Tavern (1332 Massachusetts Avenue). (Buckman Tavern is owned by the Town of Lexington and operated by the Lexington Historical Society; the other two properties are owned and operated by the Lexington Historical Society). Citizens of Lexington re-enact the April 19, 1775 Battle and hold other appropriate ceremonies and events here, all carefully monitored by the Selectmen to ensure respect for its national significance. As land held for the common good, the Battle Green continues to serve as the site where members of the community can voice their opinions about government policies and regulations, a sacred spot where the voice of the people is carried to those in charge. Today the Battle Green is a complex blend of history, sanctity and public voice. After careful deliberation and public comment, the boundaries of the Battle Green Area Master Plan are defined by historic context and visitor experience. Starting at the corner of Clarke Street and Massachusetts Avenue, the boundaries run as follows: Southwest down Clarke Street to the property boundary of Belfry Hill Encircling all of Belfry Hill, following the property line from Clarke Street back to its intersection with Massachusetts Avenue Northwest along the residential side of Massachusetts Avenue, including the street, sidewalk and right of way along Massachusetts Avenue Crossing Massachusetts Avenue and following the street, sidewalk and right of way at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Harrington Road Turning down the lane to Ye Olde Burying Ground Encircling all of Ye Olde Burying Ground, following the property line around the entire property and returning up the entrance lane to Harrington Road Ð¿¬ Ü»·¹² ÔÔÝ Ð¿¹» è