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Lexington Community Preservation Committee
December 7, 2006 – Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Chair Betsey Weiss at 5:05 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 Capital Expenditures,
was also present.
Keith Ohmart appeared to present the application of the Lexington
1.
Conservation Stewards and the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee for
CPA funding of $125,000 to develop a Master Plan and construction
documentation
for connecting all of Lexington’s conservation lands west of Rte.
128 with a trail system – the so-called “West Lexington Greenway Corridor.”
The trail would be nearly five miles in length and would also connect the existing
Minuteman Bikeway and the Battle Road trail. Also present from the supporting
groups were Stew Kennedy, Mike Tabaczynski, Paul Knight and Duke Bitsko.
Also present were the official submitters who will oversee the project on behalf of
the Town - Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator for Lexington, and Karen
Simmons, Lexington Recreation Director.
Mr. Ohmart explained that the idea to connect the two trails was conceived 10 years
ago and was mentioned in the Conservation and Recreation Open Space Plan in 1997
as a planned initiative of both Conservation and Recreation. The trail would provide
a continuous route from Alewife to Concord Center and could serve citizens of all
ages by creating access to several conservation parcels and various historical sites.
Ms. Mullins said CPA allows spending for “converting existing (conservation) areas
to a recreational use, such as walking, biking….”
There were questions from the Committee regarding easements over private
property that would be necessary for the project. Mr. Ohmart said that the Master
Plan would provide that information and would help determine the best routing of
the trail. CPC members also had concerns regarding the proposed cost for the
project, and some suggested phasing both the work and the funding. The
presenters will attempt to clarify their request to the CPC.
Tom Battin, Chair of the Muzzey High Condominium Association presented a
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request for $59,500 for a study to evaluate the existing building conditions at the
Muzzey High Condos.
Mary Keady, another author of the proposal, was unable to
attend. Also attending on behalf of the proposal were: Diana Ayers, Trustee, residents
Grace Ayers and Hans Maas, and Russell Feldman and Robert Jeffries of TBA
Architects, consultant for the project.
Mr. Battin outlined the problems which have existed for condo owners since the former
school was converted into 71 units in 1981 and sold with deed restrictions to provide
affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals and families. Some of the
issues to be dealt with in the study include: masonry walls, windows and trim, roof,
walkways, mechanical and electrical systems, and handicap accessibility. Mr. Battin
feels that the deed restrictions have made it difficult for the Condo Association to raise
enough funds privately to do the necessary work. He also mentioned that the historic
importance of the building, which is in the Commonwealth’s historic register, would fit
with the CPA criteria for historic preservation.
There were some concerns voiced by CPC members about Muzzey’s relationship with
Lexhab and the Senior Center. Lexhab, which owns 12 of the 71 units and rents them to
qualified renters, has in the past been interested in purchasing additional units when
available, but has run into strong resistance from the Condo Association. Lexhab
supports this request. The Senior Center parking needs have always caused concern
among the owners who fear losing access to their own parking. Mr. Battin stated the
Trustees’ interest in keeping lines of communication open with their neighbors. These
issues were raised because some CPC members felt that Town Meeting might have
some trouble supporting this request because of the private nature of the group and past
problems on various Town issues related to Muzzey.
The remaining schedule of meetings was reviewed by Chair Betsey Weiss:
Wednesday December 13 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 Final three proposals will present.
Thursday December 14 7:00 p.m. - ?? Public Hearing – Cary Hall
Monday December 18 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 CPC Discussion
Wednesday January 10 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 “
Thursday January 18 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 “
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Sandra Shaw