HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-31-CPC-rpt
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Committee
Betsey Weiss, Chair
Joel Adler
Norman Cohen
Marilyn Fenollosa
Wendy Manz
Leo McSweeney
Richard Pagett
Sandra Shaw
Richard Wolk
Judy Pearson, Administrative Assistant
Article 9: Community Preservation Committee
CPA Projects
Report to 2008 Annual Town Meeting
Released March 31, 2008
Community Preservation Committee
Annual Town Meeting 2008
The Community Preservation Committee is pleased to recommend fourteen projects to Town
Meeting for its consideration and approval, as described on the following pages. Each of these
projects was evaluated in light of the articulated criteria for acceptable CPA projects as attached
to this report and vetted at one of two public hearings held on December 7 and December 20,
2007, respectively. Of note, also, is the fact that all fourteen projects have been reviewed by
Town Counsel and determined to be CPA eligible.
In addition to these fourteen projects, the CPC recommends approval of an allocation for
administrative expenses. The CPC is allowed to use up to five percent of yearly receipts for
expenses, or a minimum of $215,282 for FY2009 and we are, at this time, requesting $50,000.
This amount will be spent on a part-time staff person, mailings, notice publication, legal fees,
and other miscellaneous expenses.
Following the description of the fourteen 2008 CPC recommended projects, an update on twelve
2007 and seven 2006 CPA funded projects has been included. For further information, visit the
CPC page of the Town’s website,
http://ci.lexington.ma.us/Committees/CommunityPreservationCommittee/CPAapp.htm
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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.
Category Specific Criteria
Open space
proposals that 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.
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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 that 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.
Demonstrate the ability to provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic
resource.
Affordable Housing
proposals that 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 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.
Give priority to local residents, Town employees, and employees of local businesses.
Recreation
proposals that 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.
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Maximize the utility of land already owned by Lexington.
Promote the creative use of railway and other corridors to create safe and healthful non-
motorized transportation opportunities.
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Project: Survey and Define Affordable Housing Assistance Program
CPA Category: Affordable Housing
Amount Requested: $25,000
Amount Recommended: $25,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
The Lexington Housing Partnership and LexHAB are requesting $25,000 to study and define an
affordable home ownership program for the Town of Lexington. This project will build on the
knowledge acquired by other Massachusetts towns that have implemented affordable housing
assistance programs using CPA funds, and define parameters for a program that suits
Lexington’s needs and concerns. Working jointly, LexHAB and the Housing Partnership will
consult other town entities such as the Lexington Housing Authority to determine program
needs.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Survey towns in Massachusetts (such as Chatham, Newton and Cambridge) that have
established affordable homebuyer assistance programs using CPA funds.
Develop a Statement of Objectives for a program suited for Lexington.
Summarize program parameters and implementing concepts.
Discuss results with community to inform and gain support.
Project Benefit:
This project will be an important step in achieving the Town’s affordable housing objectives.
TheLexington Consolidated Housing Strategy and Plan 2006-2010 clearly articulates the need
for affordable housing. Work force housing to support those providing critical services is needed
and it is a known fact that the population of residents in Lexington, ages 25 to 40 years, has
decreased by over one third over the last decade. Although the Town is a recognized leader in
affordable rental units, it lags in affordable home ownership. The gap between what is
affordable and what homes sell for is large and a significant barrier to potential home ownership.
If a practical program can be defined to bridge this gap, first-time or other income-qualified
homebuyers will have better opportunity to live in Lexington. The benefits of an affordable
homebuyer assistance program would:
Create a positive housing climate to support business expansion;
House service providers such as police, fire, health workers and teachers;
Enrich our community values through diversity – promoting our tradition of healthy
neighborhoods with a mixture of race, income level and age.
Funding Request:
The project requests $25,000 of CPA funds to survey and define an affordable housing assistance
program for Lexington. The work would be completed by November 2008.
Project: Belfry Hill Tree Restoration
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $9,850
Amount Recommended: $9,850
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
This project, proposed by the Lexington Tree Committee, will remove the Norway maple
infestation located on the north and northwest side of Belfry Hill and replant the area with native
tree species, indigenous to Belfry Hill. Norway maple, a native of Europe and western Asia, out
competes native trees. It grows rapidly, resisting drought, pests and pollution. It creates dense
shade and produces a great amount of seed, which disperses to form colonies of Norway maple
saplings. Consequently, as of January 1, 2006, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts banned the
importation of Norway maples in Massachusetts, imposed a ban on its propagation, and
restricted its sales to existing Norway maple nursery stocks, which entered the state prior to
January 1, 2006.
The Lexington Tree Committee first learned of the infestation of Norway maples on Belfry Hill
during its 2006 Tree Inventory and now seeks funding to curtail this problem and preserve native
growth on Belfry Hill.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Remove the invasive Norway maples that infest the north and northwestern sections of
Belfry Hill.
Replant the area with native tree species, which are indigenous to Belfry Hill.
Stabilize the slopes and prevent erosion with native shrubs and seeded ground cover.
Restore the view between the Bell Tower and the Town Green and Buckman Tavern.
Provide care to maximize the success of the plantings.
Project Benefit:
Belfry Hill is an integral part of the Town’s history, providing a repository for the restored Bell
Tower and Bell, which is rung annually in the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. The site is
an important attraction to tourists who come to town to understand this history. This project falls
under the Historic Preservation section of the Community Preservation Act and is congruent with
town goals for Belfry Hill.
Funding Request:
This project requests $9,850 of CPA funds to hire a professional tree company to remove 21
large and 200 sapling Norway maples and to plant 30 native trees and additional erosion control
plants, according to a landscape design provided by the Lexington Tree Committee. Of this
amount, $7,850 will be used in fiscal year 2009 and the remaining $2,000 will be used in fiscal
year 2010 for removal of Norway maple sprouts and maintaining the newly planted trees and
bushes. All work performed will be under the management of the DPW.
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Project: Hancock-Clarke House Restoration
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $600,000
Amount Recommended: $600,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
The Lexington Historical Society is undertaking a complete restoration of the 1737 Hancock-
Clarke House, based on the findings of the 2007 CPA-funded historic structures report, existing
conditions assessment, and building usage study. This project requests funding for the actual
restoration of the building.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The restoration will have the following components:
Structural
– To address weaknesses in the structural supports for the house and repair
and stabilize deteriorated framing;
Building Envelope
– To replace inappropriate roofing on the gable section of the house,
restore nineteenth century gutters and downspouts, upgrade flashing and waterproofing
and refurbish the basement area where documents and artifacts are stored;
Accessibility
– To provide full wheelchair accessibility that is compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act;
Historic Fabric
– To repair or replace deteriorated exterior sheathing, clapboards and
trim and paint the exterior to match the oldest known color, restore interior shutters, and
install reproduction wallpaper in the Hancock/Adams guest chamber;
Systems
– To install integrated climate control and up to date, more effective and less
visible fire detection and suppression systems. Unsafe electrical circuits will be replaced
with code-compliant circuits, wiring and fixtures.
Total project costs are not expected to exceed $1.1 million.
Project Benefit:
The Hancock-Clarke House is a National Historic Landmark and the cornerstone of Lexington’s
Hancock-Clarke Historic District. It is nationally recognized for its significance in American
history and its architectural importance, and is open to visitors seven months a year. Restoration
of the building will ensure its continued structural integrity and provide access to all for study
and appreciation.
Funding Request:
The Society has applied for $600,000 from Community Preservation Act funds and is applying
for other grants to finance the balance of the project. The Society has set aside $200,000 for the
project from its endowment, has received a $50,000 grant from the state, and is launching a
capital campaign to raise the remaining funds needed. The Society will sign a deed restriction to
guarantee that the Hancock-Clarke House will be preserved in perpetuity.
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Project: Old Reservoir Management
CPA Category: Recreation
Amount Requested: $55,000
Amount Recommended: $55,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
This project is being proposed to reconstruct the gatehouse/outlet structures and dredge the
retention pond at the Old Reservoir (Old Res). Because the existing gatehouse is located within
the Old Res, it is often underwater and inaccessible for operation and maintenance during heavy
storm events, leading to extensive flooding and eroding of walking trails and the beach. The
gatehouse and outlet structures are important for maintaining the water level in the Old Res.
Proper operation of these structures helps to protect the earthen dam and keep suitable water
levels for recreation activities such as swimming and fishing. The outlet structure is not
functioning properly because of underground damage, causing a backup of water into the Old
Res which prevents controlling the rate of exiting water. Dredging the retention pond will help
to provide more water storage capacity so that during large storm events the Old Res will not
overflow and cause damage. This project is in line with the Recreation Department goals for the
Old Res.The Conservation Commission has approved an “order of conditions” for this project.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Construct a new gatehouse structure outside of the Old Res that will be accessible for
maintenance and allow for proper management of water levels.
Construct a new outlet structure to help regulate the flow of water from the Old Res into
the surrounding area to prevent erosion and flooding.
Dredge the pond area to increase the storage capacity during heavy storm events.
Project Benefit:
The Old Res is an important recreation facility providing both passive and active recreation
opportunities for the residents. The Old Res also provides water storage for drainage throughout
the area. The preservation work being proposed will help to restore and maintain the major
water control structures for the Old Res. Proper control of the water in the Old Res will help to
reduce potential flooding, erosion and property damage.
Funding Request:
The project requests $55,000 of CPA funding. The funds will be used to hire qualified
contractors for the gatehouse/outlet structure construction ($35,000) and for dredging the pond
($20,000). The Town’s Engineering Department will oversee the project.
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Project: Vynebrook Village Window Replacement
CPA Category: Affordable Housing
Amount Requested: $158,686
Amount Recommended: $158,686
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
The Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) is requesting $158,686 for replacement windows at
Vynebrook Village. Vynebrook Village is an elderly/handicapped low rent apartment complex
with 48 units that was first occupied in 1973. It is governed by the State Department of Housing
and Community Development and owned by the Lexington Housing Authority. Average gross
income of residents at Vynebrook is $13,536 per year and the average rent per unit is $299 per
month, including all utilities. Annual income for the LHA is $172,224 and annual utility costs –
electricity, heat and hot water are approximately $92,351. Utilities, on average, cost $160 per
month, per unit. This leaves the Housing Authority with approximately $79,873 or $139 per
month, per unit to run and maintain the development.
With this $139 portion of the monthly rent, the LHA pays all administrative expenses and
provides all routine maintenance for Vynebrook Village. For instance, with this limited income,
the LHA makes all general repairs to plumbing, electric, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and
floors. They also provide for pest control and do all their own painting, snow removal, grass
cutting and landscaping. To be as economical as possible, the LHA staff does the majority of
needed repairs and maintenance work, leaving little remaining for larger capital costs.
Project Goals and Objectives:
New windows will eliminate the difficulty residents have opening and closing aging
windows, which results in a huge energy loss.The development is heated with baseboard
electric heat, which does not provide the kind of heat that hot water or steam with oil or
gas does, making the units more difficult to heat and keep warm.
Replacement of these windows will reduce energy loss and cut utility costs by 10-30%.
Project Benefit:
This development is a valuable asset to the Town for seniors and handicapped residents who
need affordable housing.
Funding Request:
The project is estimated to cost $173,686, of which LHA will pay $15,000. The $158,686
requested of CPA funds will allow Vynebrook Village to successfully replace all original
windows and reduce escalating utility costs. It should also be noted that the LHA had previously
requested funding from the State Department of Housing and Community Development when
allowed in 2002 but did not receive grant money due to the fact that budgeting at DHCH allows
for only those developments that are in dire need of repair or uninhabitable to receive funding.
11
Project: Archive Record Management & Conservation
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $150,000
Amount Recommended: $150,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
Lexington’s Municipal Archives contain the records and information of the municipal operations
of the Town of Lexington from its earliest dates. To protect the Town’s original volumes,
documents and materials, and ultimately provide for public access to information on this history
of Lexington, the Town Clerk’s office recently contracted with Northeast Document
Conservation Center (NEDCC), a renowned local non-profit center with specialized expertise in
the conservation and preservation of historic paper-based documents. NEDCC evaluated and
assessed the condition of the documents and materials and the cost of their preservation and
conservation. Once the final report of the survey is received, actual preservation and
conservation may begin. This application requests funding for this next phase of the project.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The NEDCC survey identifies the general state of the collections, needed improvements, and
long-term preservation needs. The survey also identifies specific preservation needs,
recommends actions to meet those needs, and prioritizes the recommended actions. The
preservation and conservation of the collections, for which CPC funding is being requested, will
concentrate on pre-1900 materials, and will entail:
Item treatment, repair, cleaning, deacidification
Item microfilming & digitization
Maintenance of collections in secure, environmentally favorable space
Item reformatting, rebinding, rehousing for preservation of original materials while
providing public access to content
Total costs to properly preserve and conserve the archival materials have conservatively been
estimated at a cost of $500,000. Additional costs for the microfilming and reformatting of these
materials are anticipated to reach $250,000.
Project Benefit:
The Municipal Archives are a key resource for understanding the early organization and
management of the Town; but because of their condition and rarity, general public access to
these documents cannot now be permitted. Completion of this project will ensure that the
documents are protected against loss and further deterioration and will restore public access in a
th
manageable timeframe culminating with the 300 anniversary of the incorporation of Lexington
as a town in 2013.
Funding Request:
This project requests $150,000 of CPA funding, as year one of a projected five-year process.
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Project: Parker Manor Condo Purchases
CPA Category: Affordable Housing
Amount Requested: $652,800
Amount Recommended: $652,800
CPC Vote: Approval (8-0-1)
Project Description:
LexHAB is requesting $652,800 of CPA funds to complete the funding of the purchase of three
2-bedroom condominiums in the Parker School Condominiums for rental to low and moderate
income individuals and families. LexHAB has provided the down payment of $163,200 and will
cover the mortgage until Community Preservation Funds are made available to complete the
purchase. The amount requested is the principal balance of the mortgage, which is 80% of the
purchase price of $816,000 for the three units. LexHAB has also spent $13,155 in closing costs
and $2,905 in inspection costs. As of July 2008, LexHAB will have spent $51,060 in monthly
payments and will have spent/contributed a total of $230,320 toward the purchase of these units.
In addition, LexHAB pays the monthly condo fees for the units, which is slightly more than $600
monthly. LexHAB has applied for reimbursement of $59,150 from the HOME program. The
decision whether these units will qualify for Lexington Subsidized Housing Inventory, which
counts towards the Town’s Chapter 40B 10% affordable housing requirement, is pending with
the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Project Goals and Objectives:
Increase the Town’s affordable rental inventory;
Allow LexHAB to replenish reserve funds for the future purchase of 26 low and
moderate subsidized units at Katahdin Woods for which the Town has the right of first
refusal within a short period of their becoming available;
Reduce rental rates as much as possible to keep units affordable.
Project Benefit:
LexHAB, the first local municipal organization in Massachusetts to provide rental units to low
and moderate-income individuals/families, was established by a vote of Town Meeting in 1983
as a supplement to the Lexington Housing Authority. By Town Meeting requirement, LexHAB,
a volunteer seven-member board appointed by the Board of Selectmen, must take into
consideration whether a prospective tenant has a Lexington connection, if all other
considerations are equal. As of October 2007, LexHAB provided housing for 137 persons in its
53 housing units. More than 65% of LexHAB’s households had a previous Lexington
connection when they moved into LexHAB housing.
Funding Request:
The purpose of this request is to increase the number of affordable rental units and increase the
number of qualifying Chapter 40B units within Town, both now and as a part of an overall plan
for future acquisition, including units at Katahdin Woods.
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Project: Harrington Preschool Playground
CPA Category: Recreation
Amount Requested: $75,000
Amount Recommended: $75,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
Lexington Children’s Place (LCP), a public preschool program that has served Lexington
children, with and without special needs, at various sites for 16 years, is proposing to construct
an accessible playground at the new Harrington School. LCP provides preschool programming
for 75 children and special education services for 40 children. Many children attending LCP
have physical challenges that do not allow them to enjoy typical playground equipment. These
children often require ramps and transfer platforms, specialized swings and sandboxes with
supports for sitting, in order to participate fully in the gross motor curriculum that is intrinsic to
their learning. Additionally, neighborhood preschoolers, as well as Harrington kindergarten and
first grade students, with and without special needs, could utilize this fully accessible playground
structure.
Project Goals and Objectives:
An appropriate-sized, wheelchair ramped playground will be constructed, separate from
the existing Harrington playground, in an area not previously used for play structures.
The play equipment will include transfer platforms, specialized swings, and sandboxes
with supports for sitting, to facilitate gross motor development.
Specialized playground will encourage daily outdoor play, which is viewed by the Mass.
Department of Education as an important preschool opportunity for learning.
Project Benefit:
The Lexington Children’s Place has recently located at the new Harrington School, which has no
appropriate playground for small children with physical challenges. This project would address
the need for new play equipment designed to encourage learning and physical development of
preschoolers who attend the LCP program. Neighborhood children, as well as kindergartners
attending Harrington who may be physically challenged, will also be able to use this specialized
playground.
Funding Request:
The project is estimated to cost $95,000, of which $20,000 has already been raised by parent
fundraising efforts. The $75,000 requested from CPA funds will pay for furnishing and
installing playground structures, including: a ramped structure with two slides, monkey bars, two
covered play spaces, wiggle bridge, two teeter totters, four accessible swings and a covered
sandbox. Site preparation ($20,000) will include layout and excavation of play area, installation
of geo-fabric and wood-fiber surface, three rubber wear areas, as well as clearance of several
large trees, leveling of the lot and erecting four foot-high fencing with double gates.
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Project: School Administration Building/Old Harrington
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $350,000
Amount Recommended: $330,000
CPC Vote: Approval (7-2)
Project Description:
The Lexington Public Schools Central Administration is requesting $330,000 to support the
CPA-eligible expenses associated with the adaptive reuse of the original Harrington School at
146 Maple Street. The building will require improvements in layout, air conditioning, electrical
distribution, and fire protection to be utilized year round as the LPS Central Administration
Building.
During the summer of 2007, the Central Administration moved into the vacated building with
minimal modifications. Occupation of the building has highlighted the need for some
improvements to the building to accommodate year-round use as an office building. To make
the building fully functional for its intended interim use, the building needs central air
conditioning, reconfigured office space, and expansion of the electrical and fire alarm systems.
Occupancy during the summer months with window air conditioners resulted in unacceptable
conditions due to temperature and noise. In addition, office equipment cannot be arranged
efficiently because of insufficient power availability. Office walls have not been constructed to
utilize space efficiently due to lack of smoke detectors. The smoke detectors are required not
only to alert occupants of a fire, but also to communicate to the Fire Department for rapid
response.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Make improvements to accommodate for year-round use as an office building;
Utilize space more efficiently;
Expand electrical and fire alarm systems.
Project Benefit:
A 2007 LPS K-5 Master Plan identified the potential need for the former school to be utilized as
swing space during the future construction or renovation of an elementary school. It is
anticipated that this need will not be known for three to five years. During this period, the use of
the building as offices for LPS Central Administration will protect and preserve the building for
future use by the community. In addition, centralizing Administration functions to 146 Maple
Street has relieved some overcrowded conditions at the High School, Diamond Middle School,
and Bowman School.
Funding Request:
The project requests $330,000 of CPA funds as follows: $225,000 for air conditioning of the
Main Floor; $50,000 to distribute electrical power for office equipment; $50,000 to reallocate
interior space; and $5,000 for additional smoke detectors and fire protection.
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Project: Town Office Complex Building Envelope
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $95,000
Amount Recommended: $95,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
This project will repair/replace the existing copper gutters, copper ridge vents and copper
downspouts ($75,000) on the Town Office Building, Cary Hall and Police Station. Copper
repair/replacement is necessary to maintain adequate attic space ventilation and directed roof
drainage. In addition, new storm windows ($20,000) are proposed for Cary Hall. The Building
Finance Advisory Committee recommends all of this work. The storm windows will be the same
type installed on the Town Office Building and Police Station two years ago, and are acceptable
to the Historic Districts Commission. In conjunction with the storm window work, there is a
request in the Capital Budget to re-paint the exterior trim of all three buildings. On Cary Hall,
this re-painting will include rehabilitation/re-glazing of the existing double hung windows, which
along with the new storm windows will effectively create a new, energy efficient window system
for the building.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Repair/replace existing copper gutters, copper ridge vents and copper downspouts on the
Town Office Building, Cary Hall and Police Station;
Install new storm windows in Cary Hall.
Project Benefit:
This project will continue the ongoing effort under the successful Building Envelope Program to
preserve building systems as necessary to minimize future impacts on operating and capital
costs, and to ensure that the buildings remain fully functional for their intended use.
Funding Request:
This project requests $95,000 of CPA funds.
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Project: East Lexington Fire Station
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $47,500
Amount Recommended: $47,500
CPC Vote: Storm Windows – Approval (9-0)
Air Conditioning –Approval(5-4)
Project Description:
This project is proposed to replace existing storm windows and to install a central air
conditioning system at the East Lexington Fire Station.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Install new storm windows acceptable to the Historic Districts Commission (the same
type installed on the Town Office Building and Police Station two years ago).
Create a new, energy efficient window system for the building.
Install an air conditioning system that will serve the living areas within the station.
Project Benefit:
New windows and an air conditioning system in the East Lexington Fire Station will continue
the Town’s ongoing effort under the successful Building Envelope Program to preserve and
update building systems and to ensure that the buildings remain fully functional for their
intended uses.
Funding Request:
The project requests $47,500 of CPA funding to replace existing storm windows ($18,000) and
to install a central air conditioning system ($29,500) at the East Lexington Fire Station.
17
Project: ADA Accessible Bathrooms and Appropriate Signage for TOB
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $70,000
Amount Recommended: $70,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Project Description:
This project is being undertaken to achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Architectural
Access Board (AAB) Accessibility standards for the ground floor restrooms in the Town Office
Building ($60,000). This project is a priority of the Commission on Disability. Fisher
Associates, an architectural firm that has worked in town on several ADA projects, has reviewed
the existing situation with the Building Commissioner and discussed options within the requested
$60,000 budget.
Also included in this project is new TOB Signage to make it easier for customers and visitors to
find their way around the building. All signs will comply with the ADA/AAB accessibility
standards.
Project Goals and Objectives:
To achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Architectural Access Board (AAB)
accessibility standards for the ground floor restrooms and signage in the Town Office
Building.
Improve customer service and building accessibility for all patrons and guests.
Project Benefit:
This project is an important step in the ongoing effort under the successful Building Envelope
Program to achieve accessibility for everyone to Town buildings and facilities. Additionally, the
new signage will improve customer service and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA)/Architectural Access Board (AAB) accessibility standards. Poor signage has been
identified as a customer service issue.
Funding Request:
This project requests $70,000 of CPA funds – $60,000 to achieve accessibility standards for
ground floor restrooms in the TOB and $10,000 for appropriate signage, also in the TOB.
18
Project: Town Office Building Use Study & Renovation Design
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $100,000
Amount Recommended: $80,000
CPC Vote: Approval (7-2)
Project Description:
The Town Office Building (TOB), constructed in 1927, has undergone one significant renovation
in the last 80 years. The addition of the rear wing in 1971 enhanced the building footprint and
available office space. The pending relocation of the Department of Public Works/Engineering
Division from its current location on the second floor of the TOB to the new DPW facility at 201
Bedford Street represents the most significant shift of offices in the Town Office Building in
over 35 years. Because of the extreme shortage of office and meeting space in the TOB, the
Town Manager is recommending that an evaluation of the building be undertaken to determine
how it should be structured and laid out for maximum efficiency and effectiveness for serving
customers and staff. It should be noted, however, that the newly renovated Town Manager’s
Office, the Board of Selectmen’s Office and, the Board of Selectmen Meeting Room will not be
included in this project and evaluation.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Work with Fisher Associates in project phases: Programming phase, Design
Development phase, and Construction Document phase.
The goal of this project is to complete the first three project phases, which will include
surveys of the TOB to identify building code/ADA deficiencies, and to recommend
building code/energy efficiency upgrades.
Conduct department interviews to determine needs and recommended plans and
schematic designs.
Create stamped construction drawings and specifications for permitting and bidding
purposes.
Prepare construction cost estimates.
Project Benefit:
A professional evaluation will determine how the TOB should be structured and laid out in order
to provide maximum efficiency and effectiveness in serving customers and staff, thus ensuring
that the building remains fully functional for its intended uses. Construction cost estimates and
construction drawings will also be prepared.
Funding Request:
The project requested $100,000 of CPA funding, however, upon preparation of a proposal to the
Town by Fisher Associates, it was determined that no more than $80,000 will be needed to
successfully accomplish programming, design development, and construction document phases
of the project. The Community Preservation Committee therefore recommends $80,000 to fund
these first three phases.
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Project: Munroe School Fire Prevention System Replacement
CPA Category: Historic Preservation
Amount Requested: $579,550
Amount Recommended: Up to $579,550
CPC Vote: Approval (5-4)
Project Description:
This project is proposed to install a new fire detection and protection system to provide
necessary safety and security to the former Munroe School building so that the building can
continue to be used for a variety of arts purposes. The Board of Selectmen has voted
unanimously to recommend that an RFP be prepared to use the site as a center for arts education.
Although the RFP process will likely not be completed by the time Town Meeting will be voting
on CPA projects, nevertheless, the BOS has recognized that for the Munroe School to continue
to be used as an educational institution, the installation of a fire suppression system is
mandatory.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Removal of asbestos and lead paint
Installation of new sprinkler and fire alarm systems
Project Benefit:
Munroe School was constructed in 1904 by Willard D. Brown, one of Lexington’s most
important architects (Cary Library, Town Office Building Complex, various residences
throughout town). The building was closed as a school in 1979 and has been occupied since
1984 by arts groups and arts-related businesses. The current Munroe Center for the Arts was
organized in 1994 to serve as the non-profit umbrella organization for these groups. The
building currently houses five arts schools (two dance companies, a children’s arts program, a
music school, and a martial arts school), a theater company, a non-profit charity organization,
studio artists and gallery space, which to date have occupied the building free of any rental
payment to the Town, although they have made and paid for some small capital improvements
over the years. The Selectmen have requested that the organization submit a business plan with
regard to purchase of the building or payment of rent.
Inspections of the building have indicated significant deficiencies in the current fire-protection
system, and steps are now being taken to reduce the fire-related hazards within the building.
While there is not an immediate threat to continued occupancy, there are threats that are
aggravated by existing uses of the building that must be addressed. Although the Board of
Selectmen has indicated their intention to explore disposing of the building, until such
disposition occurs, the Town is responsible for the building.
The complicated issues this request raises are reflected in the five to four vote to recommend that
it be forwarded to Town Meeting for consideration. While recognizing the primary issues of
safety and fiduciary responsibility for wise stewardship of town resources, Town Meeting must
decide whether to fund this request before it has considered and approved an arrangement to sell
the building or a lease has been executed by the Selectmen.
Funding Request:
The project requests up to $579,550 of CPA funding to remove asbestos and lead paint and
install new sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
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Request: Administrative Expenses
CPA Category: Administrative
Amount Requested: $50,000
Amount Recommended: $50,000
CPC Vote: Approval (9-0)
Background:
According to the Community Preservation Act, up to 5% of annual CPA funds may be spent on
the operation and administration costs of the Community Preservation Committee. The
Committee is allowed to use this money to pay for staff help, mailings, public notices, overhead,
legal fees, membership dues, and other miscellaneous expenses. At 5%, a minimum of
$215,282 of annual receipts in FY2009 could be authorized for this purpose. At this time,
however, the CPC is requesting an appropriation of $50,000, for FY2009, for administrative
costs. This money will be used to fund a part-time administrative assistant, to pay membership
dues to the non-profit Community Preservation Coalition, and to cover legal and miscellaneous
expenses related to CPA sponsored projects.
The CPC’s administrative assistant (hired in December 2007) will track and monitor all Town
Meeting approved and CPA sponsored projects; monitor draw-downs and financial transactions
in conjunction with the Finance Office; craft agreements; draft and update CPA reports and
correspondence; oversee the annual CPA project application process; post meetings and schedule
public forums; take minutes; work with the Assessor’s Office to obtain surcharge abatement data
needed for State reporting purposes; communicate with project applicants; and assist the CPC
and others, as needed, with all CPA related activities and agreements.
Membership dues, which will be paid from the requested $50,000 administrative fee allocation,
are paid to the Community Preservation Coalition. The Community Preservation Coalition, a
non-profit statewide organization, responds to questions and provides CPA news and information
to participating communities, as well as engages in legislative advocacy and lobbying work to
improve the effectiveness of the Act. The Coalition also fends off raids on the CPA Trust Fund
and works to defeat bills that propose harmful CPA amendments. Their web site is
www.communitypreservation.org.
Lastly, it should be noted that according to the Department of Revenue, funds appropriated for
administrative expenses but not spent in a given fiscal year revert back to the general CPA fund
balance on June 30. Those funds then can be appropriated from the fund balance in the future
for any of the three main CPA purposes.
Funding Request:
The Community Preservation Committee respectfully requests $50,000 for administrative
expenses.
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Status Report on 2007 CPA Projects
Center Playfields Drainage Engineering Study
Annual Town Meeting voted $40,000 in CPA funds to hire an engineering firm to assess the
Center Playfields, between Worthen Road and Park Drive, and to make recommendations for
drainage improvements. Tutela Engineering Associates has been hired to perform the drainage
study and will begin work in the spring of 2008.The contract with Tutela is for $36,000 with a
$4,000 contingency.
Historic Cemetery Preservation at Ye Old Burial Ground (Colonial Cemetery) and
Munroe Cemetery
Annual Town Meeting voted $367,000 in CPA funds to hire a qualified stone conservator and a
qualified stone preservation contractor to preserve and repair the grave markers at both
cemeteries. Building and Monument Conservation was hired to perform table top marker repairs
at Ye Olde Burial Ground. This portion of the project is two-thirds complete with a total
expenditure of $15,332 from the appropriated amount of $23,000. Building and Monument
Conservation will then be hired at a cost of $10,000 to develop bid specifications and oversee the
remaining restoration work at Ye Olde Burial Ground and Munroe Cemetery. This work will be
bid out some time in April 2008. The bulk of the remaining $334,000 will be used for the
remaining restoration work.
Improved Fire Monitoring at Lexington’s Historic Houses
Annual Town Meeting voted $18,120 in CPA funds for the purchase of radio boxes and their
installation at Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern. Because the
Town has a project underway to install radio boxes for improved fire monitoring in all town
buildings, the Fire Department offered to sweep these Historical Society properties into this
larger effort, with CPA funding the Society’s portion of the project. Assistant Fire Chief, Wayne
Delaney is managing this project and anticipates that the radio boxes will be installed this spring.
New Boiler and Oil Tank for Buckman Tavern
Annual Town Meeting voted $10,685 in CPA funds for a new boiler and oil tank for Buckman
Tavern. The new boiler and oil tank were installed in the fall of 2007. Total project cost was
$9,900, slightly under budget. This project is complete.
Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey of Lexington
Annual Town Meeting voted $90,000 in CPA funds to update and correct the Town’s inventory
of historic properties and neighborhoods in Lexington. The Town signed a contract with Lisa
Mausolf, Preservation Consultant, in late November 2007 and she immediately began working.
She will review, update and complete new research on approximately 2,000 properties in
Lexington. An easily accessible reference guide will be produced as a byproduct of her work.
22
Greeley Village Window Replacement
Annual Town Meeting voted $228,404 in CPA funds to replace windows at Greeley Village.
The architect firm, Mostue & Associates Architects, Inc. was hired to develop accurate window
specifications. Sample windows were installed in February 2008 to create these specs and
following that, the project will be put out to bid. Work is expected to commence in spring, 2008.
East Lexington Branch Library (Stone Building) – Historic Building Evaluation
Report
Annual Town Meeting voted $43,000 in CPA funds to fund the cost of a comprehensive study
that would make recommendations on the repairs and improvements necessary to preserve and
maintain the Stone Building. A Request for Qualifications was issued in November 2007. The
RFQ process included a briefing session and a visit to the Stone Building. Ten firms submitted
their qualifications for the project and three finalists were invited to an interview session in
January. HKT Architects, Inc. of Somerville was selected to perform the work. A kickoff
th
meeting was held on February 12 with the Permanent Building Committee and library
representatives. At the time of this writing, no firm dates have been established for the delivery
of HKT’s reports; however, the preferred deadline for preliminary results on all studies is March
30, 2008.
Cary Hall Restoration & Rehabilitation
Annual Town Meeting voted $147,130 in CPA funds for Cary Hall Restoration & Rehabilitation.
Funds were approved for three distinct purposes: (1) $80,000 to fund three separate studies to
examine the feasibility, impact, scope, nature, and cost of restoring Cary Hall’s performance
st
capabilities to 21 century standards; (2) $8,000 to purchase and install black out curtains and;
(3) $59,130 to implement stage extensions with lighting and dimming over the extensions.
Of the $80,000, $10,000 was funded for a Feasibility Assessment, the first of three studies
approved, for Cary Hall. Martin Vinik, Principal of Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts LLC was
hired to complete this assessment. Total cost for this report, completed January 2008 was $6,500
plus expenses. Review of this Feasibility Assessment caused the Town to cancel the two
remaining studies, as it was determined that it would not be financially feasible to complete the
project under current budgetary constraints and the amount of anticipated revenues from an
upgraded facility.
Plans for stage extensions and lighting are well underway. DMH Electrical Contractors and
Major Theatre Company have signed contracts. Work will begin in May, following the
conclusion of Town Meeting. Once work begins, the project will be completed within 2-3
weeks. With respect to the black out curtains, project managers are exploring various
alternatives (curtains, shutters, Venetian blinds) to determine which solution is most appropriate
and cost effective.
Tourism Signs
Annual Town Meeting voted $18,360 in CPA funds for (1) directional signs - $11,860 to direct
drivers from the highways to the Town’s historic sites and, (2) a storytelling sign - $6,500 on the
Battle Green (to interpret the events that took place there).
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The directional signs have been finalized. The fabricator, Lexington Signs & Grafix, is in the
process of making them. They should be completed by the end of March and likely to be in
place by Patriot’s Day.
The storytelling sign is in the design phase. Now that the directional signs are nearly complete,
the Tourism Committee will concentrate on finishing the Battle Green sign.
Rehabilitation of 7 Oakland Street
Supportive Living, Inc.
Affordable Housing – 15 units for Brain-Injured Persons
Annual Town Meeting voted $300,000 in CPA funds to aid in the construction of affordable
housing – 15 units of Chapter 40B qualified housing for brain-injured persons. Supportive
Living, Inc. (SLI) began construction for the Douglas House in late August 2007 and CPA funds
were applied to the project in January 2008. As of February, construction is over 50% complete,
with a target completion date of May 2008. Initial occupancy is scheduled for August, with full
occupancy planned by late fall. Douglas House has fifteen studio style apartments with common
areas and facilities for supportive services for brain injury survivors. SLI continues its
fundraising in hopes of raising monies to complete the additional community space in the
basement level. Site tours can be arranged with Peter Noonan, Executive Director of SLI.
West Lexington Greenway Corridor
Annual Town Meeting voted $125,000 in CPA funds to hire an engineering firm to create a
Master Plan for the entire West Lexington Greenway Corridor. The planning and engineering
firm, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. was hired and to date have completed an inventory and
analysis of the West Lexington Greenway Corridor, including mapping of various elements of
the Greenway Corridor. Public meetings were held in January and February. A third and final
th
public meeting will be held May 13 at Cary Memorial Library at 6:30 p.m. for a map viewing
and 7:00 p.m. for a presentation. The Master Plan will be completed by August 2008.
Muzzey High Condominium Association
Annual Town Meeting voted $53,500 in CPA funds to hire TBA Architects of Waltham to
conduct a comprehensive building evaluation, systems analysis, and handicapped accessibility
study of Muzzey High Condominiums. A draft report prepared by TBA Architects was
presented to the Muzzey Trustees and several unit owners on 1/8/08. TBA is still conducting
their assessment of the building’s existing conditions and will finalize their report in the next
several months.
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Status Report on 2006 CPA Projects
Open Space and Recreation Plan
The Town of Lexington hired Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to update the Town’s Open Space
and Recreation Plan. A kickoff meeting was held in January 2008 and the intent is to submit a
plan to the State in May 2008 with the final plan submitted in June 2008. The cost is $20,000
with the required maps.
Police Station – Interior Renovations
Annual Town Meeting voted $100,000 in funding for interior renovations for the Police Station
Dispatch Room, the front desk, and Commanding Officer’s Room. A modern digital dispatch
room and commanding officer room was constructed as well as a newly configured space for the
front entrance desk. The Police Department had an open house in June 2007. This project is
complete.
The Main Fire Station on Bedford Street – Renovations
Annual Town Meeting voted $100,000 for the floor, roof and drainage improvements at the Fire
Station on Bedford Street. Of the $52,200 appropriated for the floor, $16,200 was spent on a
Condition Survey/Existing Conditions Report and Conceptual Plans completed by CBI
Consulting, Inc. of Boston. The remaining funds, or $36,000, have not been spent at this time
given that the projected cost for a floor replacement at the Fire Station HQ is in excess of
$700,000. Until a master study of the building to make recommendations on how to better
utilize the existing space and/or how to maximize benefits of an addition to the current structure
is completed, these funds are on hold. As for the $47,800 appropriated for roof and drainage
work, project bids were received at the end of February 2008 and will soon be evaluated. While
a bid has not yet been awarded, the roof work for Fire Station HQ is on target to be financed
through appropriated CPA funds.
Cary Memorial Building – Vault Climate Control
Annual Town Meeting voted $60,000 for the rehabilitation and restoration of the records vault in
Cary Memorial Hall. Fisher Associates was retained to conduct an evaluation of the necessary
work for bid specifications. The bidding process for this project will begin in May and work will
be completed in June 2008. To date, $7,500 has been paid to Fisher leaving a remainder of
$52,500 plus an additional $16,000 funding surplus from the Cary Vault Shelving project, which
Special Town Meeting authorized to transfer to this project.Donna Hooper, project manager is
optimistic that the appropriated funding will cover the complete cost.
Cary Vault Shelving
Special Town Meeting held in the fall of 2006 voted $60,000 for shelving for the main vault of
the Cary Memorial Building. Donnegan Systems, Inc. was contracted for the installation of a
new Kardex Shelving System in the vault. The shelving was installed and the project was
completed for a cost of $44,000 in summer 2007. Special Town Meeting also authorized the
funding surplus from this project to transfer to the Cary Memorial Building – Vault Climate
Control project to help meet anticipated costs of that pending project.
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Hancock-Clarke House – Pre-Restoration Project
Special Town Meeting held in the fall of 2006 voted $25,000 in CPA funds to match a state grant
of equal amount to fund pre-restoration work for the Hancock-Clarke House. A historic
structures and existing conditions report was produced which provided the framework for the
2008 Hancock-Clarke House Restoration project (currently before Town Meeting for approval).
The pre-restoration project is complete.
Lexington Depot – Elevator Project
Special Town Meeting held in the fall of 2006 voted $44,000 in CPA funds for the installation of
an elevator in the Lexington Depot building to access the second floor for needed storage. The
elevator was installed and this project is complete.
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CPC RECOMMENDATIONS TO 2008 TOWN MEETING
APPROPRIATED TO DATE
(by category as of 30 June 2007)
Affordable Housing $ 555,154
Historic Preservation 1,110,045
Open Space 82,500
Recreation 102,500
TOTAL $1,850,199
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION
@ Spring Town Meeting
UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCES as of 1July 2007
Affordable Housing Reserve $ 198,193
Historic Preservation Reserve -0-
Open Space Reserve 690,847
Undesignated Reserve 4,759,231
Total Reserves Available $5,648,271
ESTIMATED REVENUE, FY09
Property Surcharge $2,754,960
State Match (conservatively estimated) 1,550,682
Investment Income (estimated) 40,000
Total FY09 Estimated Revenue $4,345,642
TOTAL $9,993,913
RECOMMENDATIONS
(placeholders are pending CPC action)
Requested Recommended
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Parker Manor Condo Purchase $ 652,800 $ 652,800
Survey/Design AH Assistance 25,000 25,000
Vynebrook Village Windows 158,686 158,686
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ADA Accessible Restrooms -TOB 70,000 70,000
Archive Record Conservation 150,000 150,000
Belfry Hill Tree Restoration 9,850 9,850
East Lexington Fire Station 47,500 47,500
Hancock-Clarke House 600,000 600,000
Munroe Fire Suppression 579,550 579,550
School Admin Bldg. (Harrington) 350,000 330,000
Senior Center Design Study Placeholder Placeholder
Stone Building Renovation Placeholder Placeholder
TOB Use Study & Renovation 100,000 80,000
TO Complex Building Envelope 95,000 95,000
OPEN SPACE (four possible sites) Placeholder Placeholder
RECREATION
Pre-School Playground 75,000 75,000
Old Reservoir Management 55,000 55,000
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 50,000 50,000
TOTAL $3,018,386 $2,978,386
3/10/2008
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