Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report 03-14-2011

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LCF would operate under sustainable land management techniques that are consistent with ecologically sound, environmentally beneficial principles. The farm's approach proposes to encompass care not just for the soil, but also for water and air. The proposed uses of the environmental resource areas of wetlands, buffer zones and riverfront area are consistent with the Committee's understanding of the laws protecting these areas. They include farming and walking trails that provide connections with other walking trails. 8. Impact to public utilities and infrastructure and enhancements "This use requires no additional utility infrastructure beyond the existing artesian well and electricity currently on site. A portable sanitary facility would be necessary for hosting programs for the public; in the longer term, we propose to improve the site with composting sanitary facilities... Existing electric service to the site and buildings is sufficient for use." —LCFC proposal In supplemental information provided by the Lexington Community Farm Coalition, LCFC expressed its desire to add composting toilets over time, similar to those constructed by Minuteman High School for Drumlin Farm. It appears that the current water and electrical supply is sufficient for farm operations, and that sanitary facilities that do not require a connection with town sewer would be provided. It is possible that in the future, should the farm be very successful and attract many visitors, volunteers and school children, that permanent sanitary facilities would be desirable. 9. Security requirements There would be no additional security requirements for the continued use of the Busa land as a farm. 10. Maintenance requirements "The Lexington Community Farm Coalition would undertake all maintenance, including maintaining field fertility and necessary repairs to the greenhouses, well, and farm stand. In addition, LexFarm would manage a volunteer Farm Stewards program for the purposes of maintaining trails and open space ...... We propose to use and improve all existing structures on the property, including the permanent greenhouse and the seasonal greenhouse. The heated, permanent greenhouse would serve a combined use: for early seedling production. " -LCFC proposal In supplemental information supplied by the LCFC in response to a specific question from the Committee, it was stated that they are not aware of any structural issues with the permanent greenhouse. LCFC's budget includes annual maintenance costs of $500 for the greenhouse and farm stand, as well as utility costs of $5,000. In addition, LCFC acknowledges that should the permanent greenhouse be used for public educational events, a qualified professional will be called upon to determine that it is safe for such use. Additional information on the condition of the greenhouse provided by Jane Hammer, who currently works at Busa Farm, is found in Appendix B of LCFC's submission to the Committee dated December 6, 2010. Lastly, LCFC's assumption is that the well (drilled in 2002) and the pump are in working condition, the farm stand building is unheated but is usable and contains a walk -in refrigerator, and annual maintenance costs are included in their budget. Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report Page 24 / 52