HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-11-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 11, 1999, 2 PM
ATTENDING Clark Cowen, Chairperson
Phyllis Rand
Nancy Freed, Staff
Jacqueline Davison
Glenn Garber, Town of Lexington, Planning Dept.
Donald Graham
Dan Fenn
The committee met with Glenn Gather at Town Hall to discuss possible sites for a new facility
Clark Cowen explained to Mr Gather that the committee has completed visits to other Senior
Centers in the area and concluded that we need a new building, twice the size of the present
one.
The possibility of the site at the intersection of Laconia and Young Streets was discussed. Mr
Garber pointed out that access is one of the critical issues at this site. There are several rights
of way located on the map of the area, their status is uncertain. They are located on Webb
Street, Laconia Street, and the corner of Young Street and Rumford Road. Mr Garber
suggested the need for a two-phase site study to be done by professional consultants. This
would give the committee necessary information for a plan, which we could present to the
Board of Selectmen at the appropriate time.
This two-phase study would consist of: 1 a multiple site search analysis
2. a detailed site accommodation or feasibility study of
one or two desirable sites.
Mr Garber offered to help us write a contract for this and advise us on consultants. The cost of
such a study would probably be between $12,000 and $18,000. Nancy will look into possible
sources of funding. During the first phase of the study, skilled volunteers could be helpful to the
consultants. It was also suggested the Town assess the value of the current site at Muzzey and
consider its use for other purposes.
Dan Fenn stressed the importance of issuing a preliminary news release sometime in the near
future before rumors spread. It was suggested that at the next COA Board Meeting, September
8, the committee recommend the Board adopt a motion to go forward with a two-phase site
study and a detailed needs assessment study Following this would be an appropriate time for a
news release, which Dan volunteered to write.
We thanked Mr Garber for his time and advice and adjourned this meeting at 3:45 p.m.
The second meeting took place at 4 p.m. with Selectman Jeanne Krieger, who discussed with
us the status of the Metropolitan State Hospital facility Ms. Krieger discussed the tri-community (-
reuse plan. This plan specifies that Waltham's 55 acres would be used for a golf course;
Lexington's 35 acres would be sold to a developer to be used for affordable housing, assisted
living housing, and mental health housing as well as private homes; and the balance of the land
(in Belmont) transferred to the MDC. At this time the plan is at an impasse because of
accessibility problems, and all three pieces are required to go forward together to get the
State's approval. Therefore, it seems unlikely that any of this land will be available for a new
Senior Center any time in the near future.
The next item discussed was the Middlesex Hospital site. Ms. Krieger pointed out that most of
this land is rugged terrain and unsuitable for development. There is currently a bill in the State
legislature to transfer county land to municipalities; but this legislation is not going anywhere.
Therefore the committee should not consider this as a possible site.
Ms. Krieger also talked about the committee the Board of Selectmen will appoint to examine the
uses of current municipal buildings. This study is part of the Town's long range capital plan.
Some of these building sites might be available for a Senior Center if the current occupants are
placed in a different location. _ -- .__ —.
Ms. Krieger indicated that the Committee is proceeding in the right direction and that we should
continue with our plans. We thanked her, and the meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Rand, secretary
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