Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report 03-14-2011

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It is anticipated there will be approximately one child each for every second and third bedroom in a unit. This estimate may be low, based upon the Town's experience with Avalon at Lexington Hills. The Town may be expected to contribute a minimum of approximately $38,000 toward the construction of each unit, but it depends upon the sources of the funding for the project. If the Town has met its affordable housing quota, will the Town be willing to continue to absorb the costs involved in view of the fiscal difficulties that exist and are expected to continue or to commit Community Preservation Act (CPA) money to the proposed project? If not, is the proposal viable? A limited number of Lexington residents can be expected to be given accommodations. If the buildings are located near the abutters, the shadows created can impact the quality of living for them. 2. How many people benefit from the use; benefit to underserved populations The number of affordable housing units will benefit those in need. It is unknown how many Lexington residents will be selected to rent accommodations in the affordable units. 3. Scale of the proposed land use /development The LHP proposal was seen to have a great impact on the land, due to the housing, its parking needs and access, as was the athletic field. The proposal was seen to create significant activity on the property. If the housing were to be sited where the farm stand is presently located, the buildings and accompanying shadows would impact the quality of life for abutters. 4. Impact to the neighborhood The LHP proposal massing and placement were seen to have a large impact on the neighborhood and abutters. The proposal was also seen to have an impact on the proposed community farm operation. The combination of an athletic field, community farm, and housing, bringing a second road to the land, was seen to be an issue for traffic in the area. Without the athletic field, the impact of the proposal on the neighborhood would be moderate. The additional traffic on Lowell Street would seem not to be any greater than traffic from the Bartlett Street neighborhood. The number of units with the attendant parking needs and traffic generated can have a negative subjective impact on the neighborhood. The housing units, if located in the area of the existing farm stand, will impact the abutters. 5. Impact to abutters and enhancements See No. 4 above 6. Impact to the Arlington Reservoir and enhancements It is doubtful the housing units, if properly developed, would have a meaningful impact on the Arlington Reservoir. However, combined with the other elements of the proposal, the level of activity and development would have a significant impact. Busa Land Use Proposal Committee Report Page 30 / 52