Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report 03-14-2011

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The farm proposal also fulfills the desire of many in Lexington to use farming as an intergenerational activity. This activity, and the numerous community service and educational opportunities it proposes, creates a forum for families to gather and for farmers to offer their expertise on soils, crops, insects, sustainability and nature. Lexington has two private, working farms and a public farmers market. While these outlets offer access to fresh produce in a retail setting, neither offers opportunities for regular public access and participation on a farm. 2. How many people benefit from the use; benefit to underserved populations LCFC would grow and distribute fresh produce through multiple channels, which would include CSA shares (approx. 250), a farm stand to serve the general public, school lunch programs, pick - your -own passes, and donations of fresh produce to low- income families and individuals. A percentage (estimated to be 10 %) of the food grown would be donated to local food pantries. It has the potential to provide educational opportunities for pre - school children, school -age children, young adults, adults, and seniors. LCFC would like to offer intergenerational events such as potlucks and farm tours to encourage all of those interested to be actively involved in the life of the community farm. It would be the only farm in Lexington that can simultaneously meet the needs and interests of all age groups and economic levels. A letter from the Commonwealth Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, recognizing multiple benefits to Lexington and surrounding towns is included in Appendix 7.9. There are Lexington residents who already own shares in community- supported agriculture enterprises in other communities in the area. They are people who want to be directly involved in food production and want to pick /harvest their own food from a local farm, a farm in Lexington, through hands -on involvement. These same people are among others who also want to support a farm in Lexington as a means to demonstrate the town's commitment to global and local sustainability. "There is a high demand for CSA shares in this area. Waltham Fields sells out its 300 shares a year in advance and has a waiting list. Smaller farms like Newton Community Farm typically sell out their CSA shares in a week. These sales are even more impressive given that consumers pay up to $700 per share months before they receive any produce." —LCFC We consider the people who desire to participate in a Lexington community farm an "underserved" population, as there are currently no opportunities to participate in this type of activity in the Town. 3. Scale of the proposed land use /development The scale and scope of the LCFC proposal are compatible with the acreage of the Busa property. The LCFC proposal states that the property has sufficient acreage to support a sustainable community farm operation. The Busa Farm assets that the LCFC would want to incorporate into its operation include the greenhouse, artesian well, farm stand and greenhouse. 4. Impact to the neighborhood LCFC would continue the tradition of a working farm on the land. Razing structures and grading the land are not required in this proposal. Existing access points to the land are adequate: via the parking Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report Page 22 / 52