2013 RPT of CPC to STM-March-final

Browse Search

Carriage House and parking area. The entire property, including the historic mansion, its addition, the carriage house and the surrounding grounds are listed on the Lexington Historical Commission's Comprehensive Cultural Resources Inventory (the Inventory). Evaluation of the Property by the Town In September 2013, the Board of Selectmen created the ad hoc Town wide Facilities Master Planning Committee to evaluate the Town's facilities needs and to propose a ten-year plan for meeting these needs. At about the same time that the Facilities Master Planning Committee was formed, the Scottish Rite confirmed their plans to sell approximately ten acres of land, including the historic mansion/annex and carriage house. Previously, the Scottish Rite had been informed that the Town might have an interest in buying the property if it were to be offered for sale. Given the ongoing Facilities Master Planning study, the Selectmen asked the Facilities Master Planning Committee to evaluate whether this property would help meet the Town's long-term facility needs. To assist the Facilities Master Planning Committee in this effort, the Selectmen also requested $40,000 in funding from the Community Preservation Committee's administrative budget to retain an architect to evaluate the property and buildings, and to obtain two appraisals. The architect and Facilities Master Planning Committee evaluated whether this property could be used as a location for a new main fire station, new police headquarters or a community center to replace the Muzzey Senior Center. The Facilities Master Planning Committee also considered whether the Town should purchase and rent the facility for private uses, including an event center or adult living and care facility. The Facilities Master Planning Committee found that the community center use was the most appropriate for the site and made that recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on December 17, 2012. Concurrent with the Master Planning study, the Community Center Task Force Committee was charged with studying the concept of a community center that would serve the intellectual, physical, and social needs of seniors, other adults, teens and youth. The Community Center Committee provided its report and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on November 26, 2012 and found, in part, the need for a new building or the repurposing of an existing facility that would have: • Dedicated space for seniors and teens; • Offices for the Human Services and Recreation Departments; • Centralized information and volunteer services; • Flexible rooms for meetings, casual gathering space with food service for drop-in activities, and exercise space for all; • Centrally located or on public transportation routes; and • Ample parking. 4