Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report 03-14-2011

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The LCFC asserts that the Town will not have any maintenance costs should the Busa land continue its use as a farm. As the farm gains financial stability over time, it is possible that the Lexington Community Farm would be able to provide public improvements in addition to maintenance. It is suggested that should farming continue at this site with a non - profit corporation as the responsible party, the Town obtain a professional assessment of the condition of the infrastructure, so that future farming proposals address infrastructure specifics, and so the Town can be assured of public safety at the site. 11. Financial impact to the Town (cost and benefit) "The Lexington Community Farm Coalition would expect to have an agreement with the town to manage the property as a community farm on behalf of the Town. All financial benefits and costs associates with managing the community farm would be included in the agreement ...... Lexington Community Farm is a re -use of the existing farm; it does not require any additional development, apart from construction of a shade shelter, which would be funded via donations. No funding is expected from the Town. Funding for non - operating costs (startup, educational programming) would be raised from Lexington Community Farm Coalition members and grants and a small, low interest loan...... Lexington Community Farm would be managed by a non - profit corporation with governance by a board of directors that would include community stakeholders. A paid, professional farmer would carry out the farming. The farmer would be assisted by a staff of volunteers and paid seasonal employees." —LCFC proposal The LCFC proposal states that there would be no financial obligations to the Town for either capital costs or maintenance costs for the continued use of the Busa land as a farm. "The centerpiece would be a minimum of five acres of farmland under cultivation and a permanent greenhouse which would support a community- supported agriculture (CSA) model of produce sales. Local consumers would buy a share of the farm's output in advance of the growing season for a fixed price and receive a weekly share of the harvest. In addition to providing full prices shares, LCF would offer 5% of its shares at a significant discount to low- income families." A percent of the harvest would be sold at the public farm stand, which would also sell seedlings and plants and produce purchased wholesale from other area farms to provide more diverse offerings. LCF would also donate 10% of its produce to local food pantries. The LCFC provided the following 5 -Year Budget as part of its proposal. It illustrates a net operating loss in the first year as it sells shares, gains experience and purchases farm equipment, and then increasing production towards financial stability. LCFC illustrates a commitment towards education by including a cost for it within its budget. It also states that as a non - profit with a [possible] contract with the Town, a small annual rent ($6,000) would be possible within its business plan. Appendix B below is one appendix in the LCFC proposal - Summary of Farm Budget. Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report Page 25 / 52