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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan: A Needs Assessment October, 2007 Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Table of Contents Tableof Contents.............................................................................................................................2 Overview..........................................................................................................................................3 CommunityHousing........................................................................................................................7 HistoricPreservation......................................................................................................................10 OpenSpace....................................................................................................................................13 Recreation......................................................................................................................................15 Appendix I — Plans, Documents and Studies.................................................................................17 AppendixII -- Glossary..................................................................................................................10 2 Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Overview Introduction The residents of Lexington voted 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 approximately $2,500,000 raised through a 3% surcharge on the local property tax bills, available for eligible CPA proj ects. In October, 2007 a state 100% match will add another $2,500,000. At this writing (October 2007), 127 Massachusetts communities have adopted the CPA, increasing the demand on state matching funds. In subsequent fiscal years, unless the CPA is amended by the State Legislature, we can expect somewhat lower levels of state matching funds. The Lexington Community Preservation Committee (CPC) was formed in March, 2006 to 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 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, up to 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. In reviewing new projects, the CPC: ■ Will be a catalyst for projects, not an initiator; N Will be a funder, not a developer; N Will utilize community goals previously set forth in other public documents that have received wide scrutiny and public input; ■ Will attempt to meet multiple community preservation goals in each project; and • Will communicate its mission and goals to the general public 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 the CPA. We have reviewed Lexington's current resources and have 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 begin our second year of implementation. The purposes of this Plan are To provide a clear statement of both broad and specific goals that lie behind the CPC's recommendations. To lay out the specific framework CPC will use in formulating its recommendations, both for the guidance of applicants and the understanding of Town Meeting. Goals Lexington has a long-standing history of carefully assessing our Town's needs and goals in light of our shared values. The Lexington Comprehensive Plan, the Open Space and Recreational Plan, and the Town's Consolidated Housing Strategy and Plan were created in this spirit. (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 categories under which they fall. The CPC will use these guidelines in its review and decision- making process. They are intended to provide additional guidance to those preparing applications for funding. 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 terms of the CPA legislation; specifically, proposals for: • 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 which meet 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; • Benefit 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 The Town Manager, 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 projects which meet the goals of this plan. The CPC will give favorable consideration to those proposals which best meet our guidelines and are consistent with Lexington goals 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, acting only upon the recommendations of the CPC. For these reasons, we want to provide a strong and consistent rationale for our recommendations. The CPC seeks a Town -wide and long-term perspective. It expects to recommend 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 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 hqp://ci.lexington.ma.us/boards.htm This Community Preservation Plan is respectfully submitted to the residents of 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 October 1, 2007. 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 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 who 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. LexHab provides rental housing to eligible persons and families. Since it 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. 7 LexinLyton 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, appointed by the Selectmen, 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 Current 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 the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (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's 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. Utilizing rental income from its housing units, LexHAB has built 1 I 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 (M.G.L. c.40B) 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 some currently affordable housing units are freed from price restrictions, the Town could easily find itself slipping below the ten percent threshold. In March, 2007, Town Meeting rejected a Planning Board proposal for an inclusionary zoning bylaw, which would have required new residential developments of five units or more to include some affordable housing. The Town must therefore look to other strategies for maintaining ten percent of its housing in the affordable range. There is an ongoing need to rehabilitate existing units owned by the Housing Authority and LexHAB, including upgrades of the heating system at Vinebrook Village and Greeley Village. The Housing Authority would like to build four to 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 one to two new homes per year. LexHAB also 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, should 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. 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 late 191h and early 20'h 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. They include oversight by the Lexington Historic Districts Commission, the Lexington Historical Commission, the Design Advisory Committee and, for those resources located in the Town Center, the Lexington Center Committee.. The Masonic National Heritage Museum is located in Lexington. Finally, the National Park Service owns and manages the Minuteman National Historical Park, part of which lies within Lexington's boundaries. 10 The Historic Districts Commission 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. The eight members of the HDC are appointed by the Selectmen, at large, and from candidates proposed by the Historical Society, the Arts and Crafts Society, and the Cary Library Trustees. Similarly, the Lexington Historical Commission 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 documents over 1400 structures. The LHC administers the Town's Demolition Delay Bylaw 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. The five members of the LHC are appointed by the Town Manager. On a private level, the Lexington Historical Society 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 programs and the maintenance of an important archive. The National Heritage Museum founded and supported by the Scottish Rite Freemasons , also provides resources and programs on American history and culture that complement the cultural management efforts of the Town. Goals The goals for historic preservation in Lexington are embodied in the 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; • Affect a site 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 specific public benefit; or • Provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic resource. 11 Recommendations These goals can be addressed, first, through the comprehensive identification of the historic resources that are at risk in Lexington due to lack of funding, insensitive alterations or deferred maintenance, or other lack of stewardship. 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. Special attention should be paid to threatened classes of resources, such as modernist homes, post -World War II buildings and historic schools. 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. Examples could include restoration and rehabilitation of the "White House" and the Stone Building (East Lexington Library). 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 updating existing inventories and National Register nominations. Educational projects such as the implementation of historic signs or printed brochures. The Tercentenary signs at key intersections are especially in need of restoration and repair. Other suggestions could include the preparation of a guide to the architectural styles of houses in Lexington and a manual for homeowners of historic properties providing resources for maintenance and upkeep. Preservation of historic documents and archival materials. 12 Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan ®pen 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. The Town Conservation Commission is entrusted with promoting and developing the Town's natural resources, enforcing the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131 §40) and acquiring and managing open space. The seven—member Commission is appointed for staggered terms by the Town Manager with the approval of the Selectmen. Out of approximately 10,650 acres, Lexington currently has more than 1,30Q acres of conservation land, and approximately 400 acres reserved for recreation, including parkland. Town fiscal demands and restraints associated with Proposition 2 r/z have been accompanied by the constant pressure of development resulting in an absence of land acquisition by the town during the past twenty years. (For a list of specific parcels that have been identified as priorities for town acquisition, see the Land Acquisition Planning Report attached as Appendix C to the 1997 Lexington Open Space and Recreation Plan, which can be viewed in the office of the Conservation Commission.) 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, of 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 of those areas designated as scenic ➢ Open fields and meadows visible from the road 13 B. Protection through acquisition or conservation easements, of 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 C. Enhancement of recreational opportunities of open space through acquisition of appropriate parcels. Enhancement purposes for which CPA funds may be used include but are not limited to the following: ➢ Trail connections or access to conservation land; and ➢ Open spaces accessible to people of all ages and abilities. 14 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 are provided at the Town Pool Complex and the Old Reservoir. Other resources include public playgrounds and recreational facilities such as the skate park and basketball and tennis courts. 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. A five member Recreation Committee is appointed by the Town Manager. It meets monthly with the Town Recreation Department and the Superintendent of Public Grounds to review and plan for both short- and long-term solutions in response to these needs. Recreation Goals ❑ Preserve or add new recreational uses of and access to Lexington's natural and recreational resources. ❑ Preserve and protect existing playing fields, especially where new Town building projects may affect adjacent playing fields. ❑ Provide integration of recreational activities, such as the West Lexington Greenway, with other Town Departments. ❑ Provide a balance of recreational activities (active, passive, structured and unstructured). 15 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). o Create new resources for hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling and fishing. ❑ Extend life and use of all recreational facilities through preservation of existing facilities and resources. ❑ Develop new active recreational resources including playing fields and playgrounds; with special attention to handicapped accessibility, and adult/senior and toddler recreational needs. 16 Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Appendix I Plans, Documents and Studies PLANS, DOCUMENTS AND STUDIES BOARD OF SELECTMEN Selectmen's Goal Setting (annual documents 1997-2005) PLANNING BOARD • Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts, Volume L Public Improvements (1990) and Volume II: Private Sector Improvements (David Dixon & Associates; The Halvorson Company, 1990) • Report on Housing Characteristics in Lexington: Promises and Performance August 1990. • Land Use Change In the Eighties Lexington, MA April 1993 • New Large Houses in Existing Neighborhoods (Robert A. Boyer, 1994) • Socio -Economic Characteristics of Lexington, MA Vol. 1: Population April 1994 • Commercial Development in the CRO, CM and CD Zoning Districts April 1997 • New Larger Houses in Existing Neighborhoods July 1997 • Lexington Center Parking Study (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 2001) • Lexington Comprehensive Plan: Land Use (1/ 2002) Natural and Cultural Resources (1/ 2002) Housing, Selectmen's Goal Setting (2005) Economic Development (1/ 2002) Transportation (6/2003) • Lexington Center Analysis (Taintor Associates, Inc., 2004) 17 2020 VISIONING COMMITTEE • Visioning Reports, 2000 —2007 COMMUNITY HOUSING • Lexington Consolidated Housing Strategy (2006-2010) HISTORIC PRESERVATION • Lexington Cultural and Historic Inventory (2005) o Draft Heritage Landscape Inventory (612006) OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION ® Open Space and Recreation Plan (1997, in process of being updated) ® Priority Habitat and Estimated Habitat Map for Rare Species • BioMap and Living Waters Plans and Map O Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools 0 Priority Resource Map • Western Greenway Map DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS • Town Maps 18 Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Appendix H Glossary Affordable Hovsin2 "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 -wide median income is determined annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for specific regions, including the Boston Metropolian Area. "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 is determined annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for specific regions, including the Boston Metropolitan Area.. "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 percent. Community Preservation Committee WPQ A nine -person committee with individual members 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. 19 Community Preservation Fund (CPF) 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 allocation of 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. Communitv 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. 20 Lexin ,ton 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" shall Mean protection of personal or real property from injury, harm or destruction, but not including maintenance. Recreational Use "Recreational use"shall meanactive 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" shall mean 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. 21