HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)
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9-15-06
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
September, 2006
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Index
________________________________________________
Index...........................................................................................................................................2
Overview....................................................................................................................................3
Community Housing...................................................................................................................7
Historic Preservation.................................................................................................................10
Open Space...............................................................................................................................13
Recreation.................................................................................................................................14
Appendix I - Application for Funding.......................................................................................16
Appendix II – Plans, Documents and Studies............................................................................17
Appendix III – Glossary............................................................................................................23
Appendix IV – Community Preservation Committee.................................................................24
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Overview
________________________________________________
Introduction
The residents of Lexingtonvoted in March, 2006 to adopt the Community Preservation Act
(CPA). In fiscal year 2007, our first full year under the CPA, the Town will have collected over
$2,000,000 raised through a 3% surcharge on the local property tax bills, available for eligible
CPA projects. In October, 2007 a state match is estimated, at the time of this writing, to add
another $2,000,000. In subsequent fiscal years, unless there is a change in our level of
participation or the CPA is amended by the State Legislature, we can expect similar levels of
annual funding at least through fiscal year 2009. The Lexington Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) was formed in April, 2006to make recommendations to Town Meeting on
how to utilize the funds raised through the surcharge and the state match (CPA funds).
The CPA requires that at least 10 percent (a total of not less than 30%) of the CPA funds
received in each fiscal year be spent or reserved for each of the CPA's three main purposes: open
space, historic resources, and community housing. CPA funds that are not expended in one year
may be “banked” or carried over to subsequent years. However, once CPA funds are banked for
a specific purpose, they must ultimately be used for the purpose for which they were banked. The
remaining 70 percent of CPA funds in each fiscal year are available to be appropriated or
banked, according to the Town's discretion, for one or more of four purposes: the three listed
above, as well as for recreational uses. In addition, subject to certain restrictions, five percent of
the CPA funds raised annually may be used for administrative activities related to the work of
the CPC.
The CPC consists of nine members, including members appointed by and from the Conservation
Commission, the Planning Board, the Housing Authority, the Historical Commission, the
Housing Partnership and the Recreation Committee, as well as three members appointed by the
Board of Selectmen.
The CPC is required to study the “needs, possibilities and resources” for community preservation
in Lexington. To that end, we have reviewed existing plans and documents bearing on the four
purposes designated for funding under the CPA: open space, recreation, historic resources and
community housing.
Purpose
This Plan is a summary of our work in developing community preservation goals for Lexington.
We have attempted to synthesize all planning efforts addressing the four purposes identified in
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CPA. We have reviewed Lexington'scurrent resources as well as outlined the needs and
possibilities for community preservation activities enhancing open space, recreation, historic
resources and community housing. We have set out the guidelines we will use to evaluate project
proposals as well as the process we will follow during this undertaking.
This Plan sets out the goals and aspirations of the CPC as we embark on our first year of
implementation. The purposes of this Plan are
• To lay out the framework CPC will use in formulating the recommendations it will bring to
Town Meeting.
• To provide guidance to the residents of Lexingtonso that they may understand the purpose
of the specific goals that lie behindthe CPC's recommendations.
• To inform Town Meeting, which will receive our recommendations, about the
considerations and goals that frame our decisions.
• To assist the applicants, who will bring proposals to us, in understanding the guidelines we
will apply in reviewing and recommending projects for funding.
Goals
Lexingtonisfortunate in that it has a long-standing history of placing importance on the value of
assessing our Town's needs and goals. The Comprehensive Master Plan, the Open Space and
Recreational Plan, and the Town's Consolidated Housing Strategy and Plan are among these
outstanding efforts. (For a complete list of Plans, Documents and Studies, see Appendix II). We
expect that the CPA will become a resource for carrying out the thoughtful community
preservation recommendations contained in these studies.
The subsequent sections of this Plan discuss community goals and projects specific to
preservation within each of the four designated purposes of the CPA. In addition to these goals,
the CPC has articulated a set of overarching guidelines that apply to all projects, regardless of the
category(ies) under which they fall. The CPC will use these guidelines in its review and
decision-making process and, therefore, these are intended to provide additional guidance to
proponents in the preparation of their applications for funding.
In making decisions about which projects to recommend for funding, the CPC will use the
following guidelines in its project review and selection process, although not all guidelines will
be appropriate for every project.
Decision Guidelines
The Lexington Community Preservation Committee will only consider proposals that are
eligible for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding according to the requirements
described in the CPA legislation; specifically,
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The acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space.
??
The acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources.
??
The acquisition, creation, and preservation of land for recreational use.
??
The creation, preservation, and support of community housing (including items
??
such as annual payments to the housing authority to preserve or expand the
affordable housing supply).
The rehabilitation and restoration of open space, land for recreational use, and
??
community housing that is acquired or created using monies from the fund.
Preference will be given to proposals that address as many of the following general
criteria as possible:
Are consistent with current planning documents that have received wide scrutiny
??
and input and have been adopted by the town;
Preserve the essential character of the town as described in the Comprehensive
??
Plan;
Save resources that would otherwise be threatened and/or serve a currently
??
under-served population;
Either serve more than one CPA purpose (especially in linking open space,
??
recreation and community housing) or demonstrate why serving multiple needs is
not feasible;
Demonstrate practicality and feasibility, and demonstrate that they can be
??
implemented expeditiously and within budget;
Produce an advantageous cost/benefit value;
??
Leverage additional public and/or private funds;
??
Preserve or utilize currently owned town assets; and
??
Receive endorsement by other municipal boards or departments.
??
The general guidelines stated above apply in combination with category-specific goals outlined
below in the next four sections of this plan.
Process
Town boards and departments, civic organizations, and residents may bring proposals for
funding to the CPC. In some instances, the CPC may be the catalyst for certain projects which
meet the goals of this plan. The CPC will give favorable consideration to those proposals that
best meet our guidelines and are consistent with Lexingtongoals in the areas of open space,
recreation, historic resources and/or community housing.
The CPC does not have the power to appropriate funds for particular projects, only to make
recommendations to Town Meeting. Under the law, the power to appropriate CPA funds is
reserved solely for Town Meeting but Town Meeting may act only upon the recommendations of
the CPC. For these reasons, we want to provide a strong and consistent rationale for our
recommendations.
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Within our Town, the CPC is unique in having a Town-wide and long-term perspective. It has as
its goal funding projects that will have a significant long term impact on the Town. We may
choose to recommend to Town Meeting that some or all of CPA funds be “banked” or reserved
for significant projects and opportunities in the future. We are seeking to create an efficient and
effective process through which organizations and citizens may gain access to the CPA funds for
projects that will enhance our Town.
Further Information
Copies of this document, as well as links to a wide range of community preservation
information, including the Application for Community Preservation Funding, are available on
the Town's Web site at http://ci.lexington.ma.us/boards.htm
This Community Preservation Plan is respectfully submitted to the residentsof Lexington in the
hope that it will provide a focus and catalyst for significant enhancement of community
preservation goals in Lexington
Adopted by the Community Preservation Committee on _____________
Richard Wolk - Conservation Commission
Marilyn Fenollosa - Historical Commission
Leo McSweeney - Housing Authority
Betsey Weiss - Housing Partnership
Wendy Manz-Planning Board
Sandra Shaw - Recreation Committee
Joel Adler - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
Norm Cohen - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
Richard Pagett - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Community Housing
________________________________________________
Background
The majority of Lexington’s population is in the middle-income category, earning over 80
percent of area median income. Eighteen percent of the Town’s population falls into the
moderate-, low-, or extremely low-income categories. Lexington is faced with a declining
population in the 18 to 44 age group. High housing costs make it difficult for young people to
afford a home in Lexington. At the same time, the population over 65 is on the increase.
Members of this group often live on fixed incomes. There is a clear need to create affordable
rental and ownership opportunities for young families and senior citizens that fall into the low-
income or moderate-income categories.
Lexington has three housing organizations that provide and advocate for low- and moderate-
income housing.
Lexington Housing Authority
The Lexington Housing Authority was established in 1968 pursuant to Chapter 121B of the
General Laws of Massachusetts. Its role is to provide decent, safe, sanitary and affordable
housing for low-income individuals and families, including veterans and the elderly. Though
state and federally funded, the Housing Authority is governed by a five member Board of
Commissioners, four of whom are elected by town voters and one of whom is appointed by the
Governor.
Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB)
In 1983 the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc. was established by an Act of the General
Court as requested by Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen. The immediate rationale for
LexHAB’s creation was the conversion of the former Muzzey High School to affordable
housing. The charge to LexHAB was broadly framed to enable it to look beyond the Muzzey
units in order to provide housing for young families and other residents who could not qualify for
housing provided by the Housing Authority, but who were nevertheless in need of housing
assistance. The Town charged LexHAB, subject to the direction of the Board of Selectmen, to
“investigate and implement” housing alternatives for low, moderate and middle income families.
Since LexHAB is locally sponsored, it is able to give a preference to applicants who have a
Lexington connection through residence, work, or school. LexHAB is governed by a seven-
member board appointed by the Selectmen.
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Lexington Housing Partnership Board
In 2003 the Lexington Housing Partnership Board was formed to promote and support affordable
housing activities and to recommend appropriate actions to the Board of Selectmen and the
Planning Board to further these goals. The Board consists of 21 voting members and six liaisons
representing the many committees, groups and dedicated individuals who share a goal of
providing affordable housing in Lexington.
Resources
The Lexington Housing Authority owns 252 units of low/moderate income housing. In addition,
the authority owns a two-family house and seven condominium units. The majority of the units
are state subsidized (153 units) while most of the remainder are subsidized by HUD (77 units).
The units are mostly occupied by seniors, disabled and handicapped individuals and families.
The Housing Authority also administers Section 8 vouchers and project based Massachusetts
rental vouchers. In 2005 the Housing Authority administered 340 units of affordable and low
income housing for elderly, family, handicapped, Section 8 choice vouchers, and MRVP project-
based vouchers.
LexHAB currently owns 50 units. There is no line item in the town budget supporting LexHAB.
It does not receive state or federal funds. The seed money that got LexHAB started was
provided by the developers of Potter Pond and Brookhaven, who donated funds for affordable
housing in order to comply with the Planning Board’s inclusionary housing policy. LexHAB
purchased units at Muzzey and Emerson Gardens. A number of units have been donated to
LexHAB as a result of rezoning plans approved by town meeting. Two homes were donated to
LexHAB by their owners and were subsequently moved to town-owned lots. LexHAB has built
11 single and two-family homes on scattered sites throughout the Town with the help of
Minuteman Tech students and the Rotary Club.
Needs and Goals
The Town of Lexington presently is one of the few municipalities in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts that has met the requirements of state laws that mandate a minimum of ten
percent of housing stock be in the affordable category in order to avoid the imposition of housing
developments that do not conform to the Town’s zoning bylaws. Nevertheless, as more market
rate housing is constructed, and as more currently affordable housing units are freed from price
restrictions, the Town could easily find itself slipping below the ten percent threshold.
There is an ongoing need to rehabilitate existing units owned by the Housing Authority and
LexHAB, including upgrades of the heating system at Vynebrook Village and Greeley Village.
The Housing Authority would like to build four – eight elderly/barrier free additional units on its
Greeley Village site., as well as two two-bedroom houses on scattered sites. LexHab would like
to build 1-1/2 new homes per year.
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LexHAB must be prepared to acquire housing units in existing multi-family projects that are
soon to be released from affordability restrictions.
First-time homebuyer programs, including the Soft Second Loan Program, must be explored if
the Town is to maintain its range of diversity in age and income.
Affordable housing can be preserved through the purchase of deed restrictions, and programs
using the UMass ECHO Model should be investigated.
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Historic Preservation
________________________________________________
Background
The Town of Lexington is rich in cultural resources. Its role in the Revolutionary War has
created a stewardship responsibility of its historical sites that extends to the nation at large; its
later role in commercial expansion due to the arrival of the railroad created a building boom of
thth
late 19 and early 20 century housing stock that continues to distinguish the Town. Structures
of the recent past – Moon Hill, Five Fields and the Peacock Farm enclaves throughout Town,
among others – enhance Lexington’s diverse architectural heritage.
Lexington has received national and state recognition of its historic resources: four properties or
areas, the Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House, and the Minuteman
National Historical Park, have been designated as National Historic Landmarks by the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior. Eleven additional properties are individually listed on the National and
State Registers of Historic Places, in addition to the Town’s listed National Register Historic
Districts (The Lexington Green Historic District, the Buckman Tavern Historic District, and the
Sanderson House - Munroe Tavern Historic District) and their contributing properties. The
Metropolitan State Hospital Multiple Property National Register listing, shared with the towns of
Belmont and Waltham, also contains a number of significant buildings. In total, approximately
600 properties are protected through inclusion within one or another of the Town-established
local historic districts (Battle Green, East Village, Hancock-Clarke, Munroe Tavern).
The Town has recognized this wealth: in its “Vision Statement: Fostering a Sense of
Community” prepared by the Vision 2020 group, the first vision listed is that of appreciation of
the Town’s history, through the “preservation and celebration of historic Town assets, including
local events and interest points as well as Lexington’s national attractions.” And in the Planning
Board’s 2002 Comprehensive Plan, “The Lexington we Want,” the authors recognize that our
stewardship responsibility to our Revolutionary War Heritage has been executed “with effective
care” but at the same time urge the adoption of a preservation plan that would rationalize
preservation efforts throughout the town. Our history enhances our sense of place, attracting
people to come and live here – and stay. The impact of our historic resources also extends
beyond the boundaries of the Town, providing educational opportunities for the nation’s youth
and for historical scholars and bringing important tourist dollars to nourish the local economy.
Resources
To manage these cultural resources, the Town employs a powerful array of tools. These tools
including oversight by the Lexington Historic Districts Commission, the Lexington Historical
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Commission, the Design Advisory Commission and the Lexington Center Committee for those
resources located in the center of Town. The National Park Service owns and manages the
Minuteman National Historical Park, part of which lies within Lexington boundaries.
Historic Districts Commission
The of Lexington was established in 1958 to “promote the
educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and
protection of historic buildings, places and districts through the development of appropriate
settings for said buildings, places and districts and through the maintenance of said buildings,
places and districts as landmarks of historic interest.” The HDC ensures that development or
demolition of properties within the four historic districts may proceed only following a
determination of appropriateness.
Lexington Historical Commission
Similarly, the was created “for the preservation, protection
and development of the historical or archeological resources” of the Town. The LHC has
prepared a nine-volume inventory of historical structures located throughout the Town that
Demolition Delay Bylaw
documents over 1400 structures. The LHC administers the Town’s to
ensure that these historically and architecturally significant structures are preserved. The LHC
also endeavors to educate citizens of the breadth and importance of Lexington’s cultural heritage.
Lexington Historical Society
On a private level, the plays a number of key roles, including the
ownership of the Hancock-Clarke House, Munroe Tavern and management of Buckman Tavern
under lease from the Town, as well as through publications, the presentation of educational
National Heritage Museum
programs and the maintenance of an important archive. The also
provides resources and programs that complement the cultural management efforts of the Town.
Goals
The goals for historic preservation in Lexington are embodied in the priority criteria for
evaluation of potential CPA projects. The CPC seeks projects that
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate historic, cultural, architectural or
??
archaeological resources of significance, especially those that are threatened;
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate town-owned properties, features or
??
resources of historical significance;
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate the historical function of a property
??
or site;
Support the adaptive reuse of historic properties;
??
Are within a Lexington Historic District, on a State or National Historic Register, or
??
eligible for placement on such registers, or on the Lexington Historical Commission’s
Cultural Resources Inventory;
Demonstrate a public benefit; or
??
Demonstrate the ability to provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic
??
resource.
Recommendations
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These goals can be met, first, through the comprehensive identification of the historic resources
that are at risk in Lexington due to lack of funding or vision, insensitive alterations or deferred
maintenance, or inappropriate or unenlightened governmental policies and procedures. Second,
the Town needs to provide the incentives to promote successful and sensitive
rehabilitation/restoration projects, especially those that incorporate the Standards published by
the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings that have outlived
their original purposes. Third, Lexington must avail itself of the full complement of preservation
techniques, including the creation of conservation overlay districts to protect areas where the
substantial oversight and control of a historic district is not warranted or feasible, and the
purchase of preservation easements from owners of historic houses that would equalize their
economic value so that they could be sold as houses and not teardown opportunities.
Specific projects might include the following:
Acquisition of historic properties
– buildings, landscapes, sites, structures or
??
preservation easements. CPA funds could help bridge the economic gap to make
possible the acquisition and adaptation of older, historic homes for affordable
housing or assisted living as an alternative to teardown and redevelopment.
Bricks and mortar repairs
, including preparation of plans and specifications for
??
construction, architectural/engineering assessments, and modifications for
accessibility, and HVAC updates, to historic resources, including modifications
for the purpose of making such historic resources functional for their intended
use.
Documentation, survey, conservation and restoration of historic landscapes
,
??
including historic burying grounds and monuments. The Town-owned historic
burying grounds are especially in need of restoration.
Survey and planning grants
for additional inventory and National Register
??
nominations.
Educational programs
such as an historic house plaque program or walking
??
tours. Other suggestions include a guide to the architectural styles of houses in
Lexington and a manual for historic homeowners providing resources for
maintenance and upkeep.
historic documents archival materials.
Preservation ofand
??
Implementation of signage at town borders to direct visitors to Lexington’s
??
historic resources.
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Open Space
________________________________________________
Background
:
Open space is one of the defining characteristics of Lexington, which is now a mature suburb. It
enhances the historical aura of the town, affords opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and
offers a measure of population control.
Lexington currently has 2236 acres of conservation land, and approximately 400 acres reserved
for recreation including parkland.
Town fiscal demands and restraints associated with prop 2 ½ have been accompanied by
constant pressure of development resulting in an absence of land acquisition by the town during
the past twenty years. The CPA encourages the acquisition and protection of open space by
providing funds for the outright purchase of land or for its protection through the purchase of
permanent conservation or agricultural easements or restrictions.
Goals
:
The goals for open space include, but are not limited to the following:
A. Protection through acquisition or conservation easements parcels of highest scenic
and historic character. Parcels are considered significant if they preserve one or more
of the following:
??Historic landscapes and the visual relationships between historic buildings and
their setting
??The visual character of the town, particularly those designated as scenic
??Open fields and meadows visible from the road
B. Protection through acquisition or conservation easements parcels of highest
environmental value. Parcels are considered significant if they preserve one or more
of the following:
??Wetlands and water resources
??Agricultural land
??Greenway connections and wildlife corridors
??Wildlife habitat
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C. Enhance recreational opportunities of open space through acquisition of appropriate
parcels. Resources for which CPA funds for enhancement purposes may be used
include but are not limited to the following:
??Trail connections or access to conservation land
??Open spaces accessible to people of all ages
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Recreation
________________________________________________
Recreation Resources and Needs
The Town’s permanently protected open space includes a network of trails that provide opportunities for
passive recreation, such as hiking, cross-country skiiing, and access to ponds, as well as bicycling. Public
swimming facilities include the Town Pool Complex and the Old Reservoir. Fishing can also be enjoyed
at the Old Reservoir. The Lexington Skateboard Park is also a popular venue for skate boarders.
A most important recreational resource for Lexington is the Pine Meadows Municipal Golf Course which
is the main revenue source for funding capital improvements through the Recreation Enterprise Fund.
Regular course improvements and upgrades to the facility have made Pine Meadows a popular destination
for local golfers, thus helping to ensure the financial strength of the Enterprise Fund and its role in
supporting Lexington Recreation Programs.
The need for additional recreation facilities has increased as activities have grown to include younger
participants and senior adults, gender equity issues, longer or multiple seasons, and a greater number and
variety of new sports and activities. The Recreation Department and the Recreation Committee meet
monthly to review and plan for both short- and long-term solutions in response to these needs.
Recreation Goals
?
Preserve, increase and enhance recreational uses of and access to Lexington’s natural and
recreational resources.
?
Work to preserve, protect and improve existing playing fields, especially where new Town
building projects may affect adjacent playing fields.
?
Maximize and promote the use of Lexington’s recreational facilities through regular
upgrades of Town fields and playgrounds.
?
Provide integreation of recreational activities and programs with other Town Departments,
such as the Conservation Commission, Schools, Libraries, Police, and Council on Aging.
?
Work in partnership with various private groups in Lexington to better serve the recreational
needs of all our citizens, such as Youth Leagues, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts, and many
neighborhood groups.
?
Provide a balance of recreational activities (active, passive, structured and unstructured).
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Recreation Factors for Consideration
Evaluation of projects submitted by Recreation will include consideration of several factors,
including but not limited to the following:
?
Provide additional athletic fields to meet the needs of the Town’s growing demand, possibly
through land acquisition.
?
Encourage and develop more recreational access/use of open spaces and natural resources
(where appropriate).
?
Enhance resources for hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling and fishing.
?
Extend life and use of all recreational facilities through better preservation of existing
facilities and resources.
?
Develop active recreational resources including playing fields, improved/new playgrounds;
with special attention to handicapped accessibility, and adult/senior and toddler recreational
needs.
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Appendix I
Application for Funding
________________________________________________
[See next page]
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Guidelines for Project Submission
1) Each project request must be submitted to the Community Preservation Committee
using the Project Application Summary Form as a cover sheet.
2) Applications should be submitted in eleven (11) multiple copies.
3) Requests must include a narrative covering all applicable subjects outlined in the
Project Information sheet and conform to both the General and Category Specific
Criteria developed by the CPC.
August 1
4) Requests must be received by to be considered for recommendation to any
Fall Special Town Meeting. For the regular Spring Town Meeting, requests for
November 1.
consideration must be received by
5) Applicants may be asked to attend a CPC meeting to answer questions if necessary,
and should also be prepared to attend the Public Hearing.
Please keep in mind that there are legal limitations on the use of CPA funds. Additional
information on the CPA and the Community Preservation Committee can be found on the
Committees and Commissions
town’s website at http://ci.lexington.ma.us. Click on under
Quick LinksCPC@ci.lexington.ma.us
. The committee can be reached by email at . If you
are in doubt about your project’s eligibility after consulting these sources, you are
encouraged to submit an application so that the Committee can determine eligibility.
Please submit the Project Application Summary Form and accompanying documentation to:
Community Preservation Committee
c/o Selectmen’s Office
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
General Criteria
The Lexington Community Preservation Committee will only consider proposals that are
eligible for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding according to the requirements
described in the CPA legislation; specifically,
??The acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space.
??The acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic
resources.
??The acquisition, creation, and preservation of land for recreational use.
??The creation, preservation, and support of community housing (including
items such as annual payments to the housing authority to preserve or expand
the affordable housing supply).
??The rehabilitation and restoration of open space, land for recreational use, and
community housing that is acquired or created using monies from the fund.
Preference will be given to proposals that address as many of the following general
criteria as possible:
Are consistent with current planning documents that have received wide scrutiny
??
and input and have been adopted by the town;
Preserve the essential character of the town as described in the Comprehensive
??
Plan;
Save resources that would otherwise be threatened and/or serve a currently
??
under-served population;
Either serve more than one CPA purpose (especially in linking open space,
??
recreation and community housing) or demonstrate why serving multiple needs is
not feasible;
Demonstrate practicality and feasibility, and demonstrate that they can be
??
implemented expeditiously and within budget;
Produce an advantageous cost/benefit value;
??
Leverage additional public and/or private funds;
??
Preserve or utilize currently owned town assets; and
??
Receive endorsement by other municipal boards or departments.
??
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Category Specific Criteria
Open space
proposals which address as many of the following specific criteria as possible will
receive preference:
Permanently protect important wildlife habitat, including areas that
??
- are of local significance for biodiversity;
- contain a variety of habitats, with a diversity of geologic features and types
of vegetation;
- contain a habitat type that is in danger of vanishing from Lexington; or
- preserve habitat for threatened or endangered species of plants or animals.
Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education.
??
Preserve and/or restore threatened or deteriorating public lands.
??
Protect or enhance wildlife corridors, promote connectivity of habitat or prevent
??
fragmentation of habitats.
Provide connections with existing trails or potential trail linkages.
??
Preserve scenic views.
??
Border a scenic road.
??
Provide flood control/storage.
??
Preserve important surface water bodies, including wetlands, vernal pools or riparian
??
zones.
Preserve a primary or secondary priority parcel in the Open Space Plan.
??
Historical
proposals which address as many of the following criteria as possible will receive
preference:
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate historic, cultural, architectural or
??
archaeological resources of significance, especially those that are threatened;
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate town-owned properties, features or
??
resources of historical significance;
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate the historical function of a property
??
or site;
Support the adaptive reuse of historic properties;
??
Are within a Lexington Historic District, on a State or National Historic Register, or
??
eligible for placement on such registers, or on the Lexington Historical Commission’s
Cultural Resources Inventory;
Demonstrate a public benefit; or
??
Demonstrate the ability to provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic
??
resource.
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Category Specific Criteria (continued)
Affordable Housing
proposals which address as many of the following criteria as possible will
receive preference:
Contribute to the goal of maintaining at least 10% affordable housing;
??
Promote a socioeconomic environment that encourages a diversity;
??
Provide housing that is harmonious in design, scale, setting and materials with the
??
surrounding community;
Intermingle affordable and market rate housing at levels that exceed state requirements
??
for percentage of affordable units;
Ensure long-term affordability;
??
Promote use of existing buildings or construction on previously-developed or Town-
??
owned sites;
Convert market rate to affordable units; or
??
Give priority to local residents, Town employees, and employees of local businesses.
??
Recreation
proposals which address as many of the following criteria as possible will receive
preference:
Support multiple active and passive recreation uses;
??
Serve a significant number of residents;
??
Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Lexington residents of all
??
ages;
Jointly benefit Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee initiatives by
??
promoting a variety of recreational activities;
Maximize the utility of land already owned by Lexington; or
??
Promote the creative use of railway and other corridors to create safe and healthful non-
??
motorized transportation opportunities.
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title
:__________________________________
Please attach a narrative on all applicable subjects.
________ 1. Scope or concept of project:
________ 2. Project goal and objectives: (Indicate how the Category Specific Criteria for the
CPA are met.)
________ 3. Projected action plan and timeline: (List steps needed to complete project.
These steps will be critical to completing Project Status Reports that will be due
in time to report back to Town Meeting each year until the project is complete.)
________ 4. Anticipated project cost: (Provide a budget, with line itemization.)
________ 5. Other funding sources, including private/public/in-kind:
________ 6. CPA funding request:
________ 7. Budget justification: (Provide an explanation for why each type of expense is
needed.)
________ 8. List and describe any comparable projects by applicant:
________ 9. Relevance to community: (Indicate how project is relevant to the current and/or
future needs of Lexington.)
_______ 10. Supporting documents: (Provide supporting letters, references, studies, maps, and
statistics.)
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
PROJECT APPLICATION SUMMARY FORM
Project Title: ___________________________________________
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Submitter: Title or Position:________________
Group or Committee Affiliation (if any):_____________________________________________
Submitter's address, contact phone number, and email:__________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
PROJECT INFORMATION
Purpose (please check all that apply)
Project Site Address:___________________ _______ Open Space
____________________________________ _______ Recreation
Project Site Assessors Map/Parcel:________ _______ Historic
Project Site Deed Book/Page:____________ _______ Housing
Current Owner:_______________________
Brief Project Description:_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
COSTS
Fiscal Year Total Project Cost CPC Funds Requested Other Funding Sources (amount and source)
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Total
Signature of Applicant:______________________________Date:________________________
For Community Preservation Committee Use:
Form Received on: Project Presented to CPC on: ___________________
Reviewed by: Determination:_______________________________
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Appendix II
Plans, Documents and Studies
________________________________________________
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Appendix III
Glossary
________________________________________________
Affordable Housing
“Low income housing”, housing for those persons and families whose annual income is
less than 80 per cent of the area wide median income. The area wise median income
shall be the area wide median income as determined by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development.
“Moderate income housing”, housing for those persons and families whose annual
income is less than 100 per cent of the area wide median income. The area wide median
income shall be the area wide median income as determined by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Low or moderate income senior housing”, housing for those persons having reached the
age of 60 or over who would qualify for low or moderate income housing.
Community Preservation Act (CPA)
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) (MGL C. 44B) is legislation designed to help
communities plan ahead for sustainable growth and raise funds to achieve their goals.
CPA allows towns to levy a community-wide property tax surcharge of up to 3 per cent
for the purpose of creating a local Community Preservation Fund (CPF) and qualifying
for state matching funds. The Fund must be used to acquire and protect open space,
preserve historic buildings and landscapes, and create and maintain affordable housing.
The state will provide matching funds to communities approving CPA. Lexington
accepted the CPA at 3 per cent.
Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
A nine person committee consisting of one each appointed by the Conservation
Commission, Historical Commission, Housing Authority, Housing Partnership, Planning
Board, Recreation Committee, and three at-large members appointed by the Board of
Selectmen. The Committee reviews funding applications and makes recommendations to
Town Meeting for the appropriation of CPF monies to support approved projects. It
consults broadly with town organizations, boards and committees.
Community Preservation Fund (CPF)
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A separate town account for the deposit of all surcharges collected and state matching
funds. Sub Accounts of CPF (sometimes referred to as “buckets”) have been established
to ensure that required shares of the CPF are either spent each year or allocated to the
appropriate reserve fund. These are:
? Open Space Reserve Fund (minimum of 10% annually)
? Historical Preservation Reserve Fund (minimum of 10% annually)
? Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (minimum of 10% annually)
? Annual Reserve Fund (remaining 70% of funds, less administrative costs)
? Administrative /Operating Fund (up to 5%)
The CPC is permitted to appropriate up to 5% of the funds for administration and
operational expenses of the Committee. For example, these funds can be used to hire
support staff, purchase office supplies, do mailings and cover the cost of professional
services as needed. Any administrative monies not used in a given fiscal year are
returned to the CPF annual reserve fund.
Recreation projects are eligible for CPA funding but there is no minimum amount
specified by the act,
Beyond these required disbursements, Town Meeting acting upon the recommendations
of the CPC will decide the remaining 70 per cent of annual CPA revenues. For example,
the CPC could recommend and Town Meeting could allocate the remaining 70 per cent
of annual revenue to one purpose, spread it unevenly among all three, or set the funds
aside for future spending. These allocations can be changed each year.
Community Preservation Surcharge
The locally raised share of CPA revenue comes from a surcharge (additional amount of
tax) on real estate tax bills. Lexington voted a 3 per cent surcharge which is separately
stated on each tax bill.
Community Preservation Surcharge Exemptions
Taxpayers currently exempt from real property taxes under Chapter 59 of Massachusetts
General Laws are exempt from the CPA surcharge. In addition, Town Meeting approved
exemption of the first $100,000 of taxable value of residential real estate. Exemptions, as
well as the surcharge percentage, can be changed at any time with the approval of Town
Meeting and subsequent voter referendum.
Historic Resources
“Historic resources”, a building, structure, vessel, real property,document or artifact that
is listed or eligible for listing on the state register of historic places or has been
determined by the local historical commission to be significant in the history, archeology,
architecture or culture of a city or town.
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Lexington Community Preservation By-Law
A copy of the by-law can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office.
Open Space
Open space shall include, but not be limited to, land to protect existing and future well
fields, aquifers and recharge areas, watershed land, agricultural land, grasslands, fields,
forest land, fresh and salt water marshes and other wetlands, ocean river, stream, lake and
pond frontage, beaches, dunes and other coastal lands, lands to protect scenic vistas, land
for wildlife or nature preserve and land for recreational use.
For calculation of the 10 per cent minimum allocation for open space, land for
recreational use is not counted, pursuant to Section 6 of the CPA.
Preservation
“Preservation”, protection of personal or real property from injury, harm or destruction,
but not including maintenance.
Recreational Use
“Recreational use”, active or passive recreational use including, but not limited to, the use
of land for community gardens, trails, and noncommercial youth and adult sports, and the
use of land as a park, playground or athletic field. “Recreational use” shall not include
horse or dog racing or the use of land for a stadium, gymnasium or similar structure.
Rehabilitation
“Rehabilitation”, the remodeling, reconstruction and making of extraordinary repairs to
historic resources, open spaces, lands for recreational use and community housing for the
purpose of making such historic resources, open spaces, land for recreational use and
community housing functional for their intended use, including but not limited to
improvements to comply with the American with Disabilities Act and other federal, state
or local building or access codes. With respect to historic resources, rehabilitation shall
have the additional meaning of work to comply with the Standard for Rehabilitation
stated in the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties codified in 36 C.F.R. Part 68.
________________________________________________________________
We gratefully acknowledge the work of the Needham Community Preservation Committee in providing the format for this glossary as
.
well as significant parts of the text
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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Appendix IV
Community Preservation Committee
________________________________________________
Richard Wolk - Conservation Commission
Marilyn Fenollosa - Historical Commission
Leo McSweeney - Housing Authority
Betsey Weiss - Housing Partnership
Wendy Manz-Planning Board
Sandra Shaw - Recreation Committee
Joel Adler - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
Norm Cohen - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
Richard Pagett - at large, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
Betsey Weiss has been appointed as Chair of the CPC and Marilyn Fenollosa as its
Secretary.
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