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LEXINGTON COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
November 30, 2006
The meeting was called to order
by Betsey Weiss, Chair, at 5:00 P.M. Also present
were Joel Adler, Norm Cohen, Marilyn Fenollosa, Leo McSweeney, Richard Pagett, Sandy
Shaw, Wendy Manz and Dick Wolk. Charles Lamb, representing the Capital Expenditures
Committee was also present.
1. Ann Whitney and Steve KeanLexington
appeared to present the application of the
Housing Authority
for CPA funding for the replacement of 350 windows at Greeley
Village, a low income senior housing complex built in 1968 and managed by the LHA.
State funds maintain this complex but there has been no modernization by the state. The
windows have no tempered glass, are becoming inoperable, and result in substantial heat
loss. The application asks for $83,000 in 2007 and $145,404 in 2008, for a staged
replacement of the windows. The amount is based on the cost of a “pilot” window
already replaced, charging labor at prevailing rates.
In response to questions, Ms. Whitney stated that the complex was almost self- sustaining
from rental income, and that LHA had until recently supplemented its income by
managing a Concord housing complex. The state has not allocated monies for a
replacing the windows. The committee will check with counsel as to whether this project
is maintenance and thus not eligible for CPA funding. The statute provides for creation,
preservation and support of affordable housing, and rehabilitation and/or restoration only
Connie Rawson
2. , Jay Lucker, and Kathy Quinlan appeared to present the application of
Cary Memorial Library
for $15,000 in CPA funding for a study to make
recommendations on repairs and improvements necessary to preserve and maintain the
Stone Building (East Lexington Branch Library) for historical purposes and to make it
accessible. It is not presently handicapped accessible; it also has structural and
preservation issues. Members of the committee suggested that a thorough study might
cost more than $15,000, and Ms. Rawson agreed to consider issuing a Request for
Proposal to get an accurate estimate of the scope and cost of such a study. She indicated
that some of the analysis, such as that on access and air quality, might be available to the
library for free. In response to a question she stated that the original bequest of the
building to the Town did not require that the building be a library; it should serve
educational and cultural purposes. Charles Lamb noted that a study and improvements to
this building had been in the Capital Expenditures plan for a long time, and that it
deserved priority.
3. Sheila Watson and Joan ZahkaTown
appeared to present the application of the
Manager
for CPA funding for restoration and rehabilitation of Cary Memorial Hall to
update it as a performance venue. Also present with these applicants were Matt Moore
and Mike Maynard of Cavanagh Tocci Associates, an architectural firm consulted with
regard to the proposed improvements and their cost. The applicants presented a detailed
sequenced proposal totaling $710,130 over two years. The first phase of the proposal
included $70,000 for a conceptual and impact study, a comprehensive design plan with
construction documents, and an evaluation of secondary building upgrades. Proposed
improvements included updating the sound and lighting systems and the curtains and
staging systems to current standards for music and theatrical productions as well as
meetings and speakers.
The applicants presented quoted material from the original bequest of the building by the
Cary sisters and the subsequent debates over funding and use of the building to show that
it was originally intended as a performance and recreation venue, to include theatre,
music and dancing. The committee questioned whether, if the improvements were made,
the performers would come. The applicants presented letters and testimony that the
Lexington Symphony and choral groups would like to use the building more frequently if
it was properly equipped. They stated that the initial impact study, to be conducted by an
independent entity, would address this issue.
4. Dawn McKennaTourism Committee
, chair of the , appeared to present the application
for $21,500 in CPA funding for new signage, which would include directional, welcome,
site specific and storytelling signs. A complete sign inventory of the Center has been
completed, including signs to be removed. The signs have been designed, and have been
approved by the National Park Service, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Heritage
Museum, the Center Committee, Freedom’s Way, and the Historical Districts
Commission. Ms. McKenna suggested that they were eligible for CPA funding for
historical preservation because they contributed to the function of historical buildings by
allowing visitors to find them. The committee discussed whether this came within the
statute and the chair agreed to consult Kathy Roth, of the Community Preservation
Coalition regarding this question.
5. Rachel Dorr andBob DeSimone
, appeared to present the application for CPA funding
of Supportive Living, Inc. for the conversion of the printing company on Oakland Street
to an assisted living facility for brain damaged individuals. The presentation was a
follow up to previous presentations before the committee. The committee discussed the
fact that SLI is a private entity, but one providing a public good, primarily 15 affordable
housing units and also historic preservation of the building. The applicants indicated that
four of the rental units would be affordable, and that they would provide documentation
that all of the units would count for purposes of the Town’s affordable housing inventory
M.G.L. c.40B. The applicants stated that they continued to raise funds from various
sources, but that they needed a substantial contribution from the Town to be able to move
forward with their project.
6. next meeting would be December 7, 2006 from5:00 to 7:00
It was agreed that the
P.M
.
Upon a motion duly second, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy Manz