HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan:
A Needs Assessment
1775 \
LL X
�� nw
.o o ti
m O
f Z
\R
APRIL Ir
October, 2010
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Table of Contents
"Adjust these numbers as needed
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Overview
Introduction
In March of 2006, the residents of Lexington voted to adopt the Community Preservation Act
(CPA), �Ljlli ll se1,,,a % sw lluam e oau )r�rper1y fax bnJU y Iru n1`y aauufIla;p,,,,yE,ar, I['i1 "07, 1ll'lle saamCllllamjie
haaplla1 roIln ag)p�roxIlaria1ely 32.5 ar�nllIloau Gaollam�y, wllaIlcla way arla1cllaeGawa1lla state faaauGBIlrup; iroari 1lIle
�Massadll:aA`oftsCon-irla➢0ty�lII'i.'serya1➢or: �.➢"is �'0.Ilnd. 11 Lnfi➢gtoIIIl....�..t7➢ll1➢ll1:aIl➢: ty�Ire.`yerya1:Ilo➢:�➢.
CE
o22ille,E mla1. ms to
I,owaa io�G.eE1aau for,,,11, aa1:Ill,Ilra1aoru of 0 G'A. farmis S� lwe Y'( 7, as nm]1,,reveruue froaui fluE local
.. .... ..
arrcllIlar:re llaa�y y1eaG.Bn� naucrea�yeGa to wlae,re 11 auow y1anG8�y a1 aru e�y1nrna1eG8 33 1S3 000 avan�ab�e for
]I,3 .I I. S;aaaue, rruafC.1111uy�, fiuum.d w. li.owevcr, li.ave mot comuumued fay ruse, a f'aaaac1 oIlu of falllru lIlorne
sales aau Ma sadmseus over 1llac 1as1: yeveral..years. Ina1Ilally a1: a 100% auia1clu fill l y �07,1he
.... ..... .... .... ... ....
mrceaCa�E y wave, drou)E d L, aau E y1;nauia1e d 3„1 % for FY'l f I d y re darc1aoau Ils IlIlll g)art Gaue 10 aru
Ilncreaye Ilia 1lae aaaanJber of ,corrin- a idt e y WJ.da wave pJa`ysed flw C�,A, and flwrefore corrj )E 1e wIl1all
.. ... .
I e..X u tore for lIlanIl1eG8 laaaud,�. (Io G:8a1e firers are 103 coarianarruIl1ae�y wIlfla 0'pA. b haws. Iau lu c 1
� r4f o ar . �,,� "I , ° °' ^a.... 4w--4)�w44 w.41444V-e
1. � -, ie 4F-elIle4)
(4k-TM+4)k(^, yrs r Yw444a e ;- 4R)1+M 1 a,1> aalaGe 1', W+ 9°� f ars aaIl4:1
an 11 re vs rww ul-j )or1aIlb1 legaylafim before flue State lepa ]1a1ame tl�ua1,
y,.w➢ld eiIlsS we a r iar.d lory,,,,7 i1af alllafLlll for LOIl-jrrmaaa1IlEs, 11 Js t)flH w ddIl was ErIl1a1led SB 90
u
Ilru lh.e 2002 Q,� flue;
2,010 W Is
Cotrim Wtity F 4-200(; to RRd
o,....a4a-1,4) (C-11,4
The CPA ta1„ul1,e,_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 ncicl 1norua; p.v, 0'G' t f mis card be also used for recrea1 on l)roiec1�a_ or for flue
p,arrclluasEof lam] devoted to re crE afim.CPA funds that are not expended in one year may be
"banked” or carried over to subsequent years wfl]dib e aclu rriaaau c8e �.g:r.;rua1non.
fa re 1i aau a a:1 liar a ,pati of%c trap 14WY-+tt W-aa-11-uaartafia=ly llti 1u
The remaining 70 percent of CPA funds in each fiscal year Il afe—.-available to
be appropriated or banked, according to the Town's discretion 4).f.. fe--�44;3iif
g4HT)4, :-. , )e,44rc- , a5 wail --aa a cry °TM '. 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, real4wi-, historic resources,,.... aiH4
community housing -ff�➢,c8;„-EL.! Ijoii .
In reviewing new projects, the CPC:
• Will be a E- -ly "QmeV➢C wnIlb ;.l)ody for projects, not an mltlatorj, Commented [TE1]: I think we need to be careful talking
• Will be a funder, not a developer; about he CPC as a "catalyst". Facilitator perhaps.
■ 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 NNaI�� g 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.
CR'eaQ-➢ *E} i$B9t- r , , ')ik-f➢t:.wit-.
-The rehabilitation and restoration of open space, land for recreational use, and
community housing that is acquired or created using monies from the fund.
F ie acepui sn1noii, crea1noii, and g resemvafioii of tai d for recreafioiia� �tsel.
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 1.'TOWn;
• Preserve the essential character of the Mown 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.
Commented [TE2]: I think we should always keep
recreatiion as a 4" tterm, since it does not have the same
status as the other buckets.
Process
The Town Manager, Town boards and departments, civic organizations, and residents may bring
proposals for funding tot e CPC. In some instances, the CPC nw�y-- e- n a4,4y4s tllne
........................
mev,,,,j,e.E.J.D.g hod .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; real4on-, historic resources,., ar ff-community
housing .-t➢➢, :...iL.!�aljoi➢ .
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 htti2://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... 4 1e ,wr 1-,-204 -7.0c1. cr.t)er_201(➢.
,y€yWnyy,�hanr a ofl�p
;Ioe� Ad]er a1: damp; , agrlxrfifled irY...tjU V3o ffmGB of 5 ac1nlljerq:
orlllllanr C'ollll€nr aj carpe agog Lon fl.eG8 t 1 w Board of SeJectrnen
iU a�,�,GBvI�a�� : - Pla��u�nu� V pard
Tea��u�� I �jeg. r, aj;�arpe aµng)onntrinen�1 by flw Board o1 ` eJectmen�d
Leo McSweeney - Housing Authority
A+e I A+.Ik-r —4,"aftie-,--d ff+4ff1:e0 1-� kff-E�-O k-&4HIffi
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 Iprovidc sk=, gat, safe, sanitary and affordable Commented ITE31: Decent is a word with too much social
housing for low-income individuals and families, including veterans and the elderly. Though iudgement
state and federally funded, the Housing Authority is governed by a five member Board of
Commissioners, four of whom are elected by .Flown 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.
Lexington 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 Ouchersi.
[:::�:::,ouh Tis sentence is confusing, how canvchers if there are only 252+ units?
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 I 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 IGO
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.
Commented [TES]: This section should be bulleted like the
historical section. All the sections should be consistent. Will
leave it up to you, Betsey to do.
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.
10
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 19'h and early 20'' 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. Flevenl additional properties are individually listed on the National and Commented [TE6]: Have any additional properties been
State Registers of Historic Places, in addition to the Town's listed National Register Historic added. f
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
�001 properties are protected through inclusion within one or another of the Town -established Commented [TE7]: Update?
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.:. lwo nba1nonbally,llup y1omllc meyou]mce s,..dme loca;1e,yfl,
yjfll fexn .11, r,.j e Masonic National Heritage Museum iar 4�e ��it.4-o-. ,_
Im
ll— r� 14 ca 5 es 44L-10] e. Minuteman National Historical
Park, wbnch JS part of 1b�e Na1noiflaff ..:�Iar 5 yy1
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; ( Commented [TES]: Consistent types of bullets here and in
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate town -owned properties, features or l all sections
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.
12
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.
13
14
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Open Space
Background:
Open space is one of the defining characteristics of Lexington, which is now a mature suburb. It
enhances the historical dll ara,c1 er.a�a� -of the town, affords opportunities for recreation and
relaxation, and offers a measure of population control.
The Town Conservation Commission is entrusted with promoting andnll;,�ffD,i:rLnL.4 4:�; 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 1,300 acres of
conservation land, and approximately 400 acres reserved for recreation, including parkland.
Town fiscal demands and restraints associated with Proposition 2 '/z have been accompanied by
the constant pressure of development resulting in an absence of land acquisition by the 1;town
during the past twenty years. (For a list of specific parcels that have been identified as priorities
for Mown 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,,,,_amJ/or
➢ Open fields and meadows visible from the road,..
15
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._attd./or
➢ 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.
16
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).
17
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).
❑ 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.
18
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 1997-040520(9 Commented [TE9]: BW Is this correct?
PLANNING BOARD
• Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts, Volume L Public Improvements (1990) and
Volume IL 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)
19
• Marrett Road/Spring Street/Bridge Street Intersection Study Phase I (7/2005) and Phase
11 (5/2006)
• Revised Zoning Map of Lexington (:(-2(44442Q.g21
2020 VISIONING COMMITTEE
• Visioning Reports, 20002007 Commented [TElo]: COMhers?
COMMUNITY HOUSING
• Lexington Consolidated Housing Strategy (2006-2010)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
• Lexington Cultural and Historic Inventory (2005)
• Draft Heritage Landscape Inventory (6/2006)
OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION
• Open Space and Recreation Plan jpulated 2009)
• Priority Habitat and Estimated Habitat Map for Rare Species
• BioMap and Living Waters Plans and Map
• Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools
• Priority Resource Map
• Western Greenway Map
,Lr irrb�ton P"ec ymnai anc k' M!, dna,)rr th Ma ���.�liuuwett�.,VV� nu°��e V,abm.d cabxse lnventory
... .. ...
'L1r 2006
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
• Town Maps
20
Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Commented [TE11]: This was the report used for the
Cotton Farm acq.
Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Plan
Appendix H
Glossary
Affordable Housing
"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.
Communitv Preservation Act (CPA)
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) (MGL c. 44B) is legislation designed to help
communities plan ahead for iknc ;; + t 4 g; a 17n n,y�nv tivorl o v�ll,17,>nt t7r1 n ny�>�tnc y,,,?
4n4 1 n ,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; x,aiK4
create and maintain affordable housing, tnd buay be used to ac(.Lllre create or )reyeave
n,ec„n,eal.j,o.J,.i t,➢,-g,e...sotl!,c;,es... The state will provide matching funds to communities approving
CPA ..by ➢ twi.:,.. wl�llcl�,L cxnr 1:ort dud n 1007 at a 3% llevcll.. r &
....
Kt1
Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
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 1;town organizations, boards and committees.
21
Commented [TE12]: CPC doesn't really deal with
sustainable growth. Its focus in on preservation of historic etc
resources that would otherwise not be preserved, acquired,
supported, etc.
Communitv 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 funds. These are:
♦ Open Space Reserve Fund (minimum of 10% 4nnually
Commented [TE13]: These should match the accounts in
♦ Historic4 -. +n [ !. e you c e s, -Fund (minimum of 10% annually)
our report to TM
♦ ^�ffF�lil �;' ��ll �lllunu1„y„Housing Reserve Fund (minimum of 10% annually)
♦ IJn[)udg_ tcc9 R yctve��^ nt a a w ..Fund (remaining 70% of funds, less
administrative costs)
+.lxtdes.. , ,l :ed and Batance ”
Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
♦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 .F k+ct;. Beyond these required disbursements, Town Meeting, acting upon
the recommendations of the CPC, will decide the allocation of tlle..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
lunlevenly among all three, or Set the funds aside for future Spending. These allocations
Commented [TE14]: Do you mean "evenly” here?
can be changed each year.
commented [TEis]: Fours
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.
Communitv 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
22
"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 lx�.,4 If ' historical C commission to be significant in the history,
archeology, architecture oculture of a city or town.
Lexington Communitv Preservation By -Law
A copy of the .13by-Llaw 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 mean „active or passive recreational use including, but not limited
to, the use of land for community gardens, trails, and non-commercial 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.
23