HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-13-STM-SB-reptSELECT BOARD
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
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REPORT TO THE
2024-1 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
November 2024
Select Board:
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair, Jill I. Hai, Vice -Chair,
Joseph N. Pato, Suzanne E. Barry, Mark D. Sandeen
Kim Katzenback, Executive Clerk
STM 2024-1 - Article 1: Select Board Report - Pagel 1
November 2024
Select Board Report to Town Meeting on the Impacts of Recently Proposed Residential
Developments from MBTA Zoning and SPRD Zoning
The Select Board has prepared this report for Special Town Meeting 2024-1 under Article
1 to address the impact of recent zoning changes on Lexington's residential development
landscape. Since the 2023 Annual Town Meeting approved zoning adjustments to align
with MBTA Communities requirements and introduce revised Special Permit Residential
Developments (SPRD), the Select Board has worked to assess and plan for the demands
these developments will place on the town's infrastructure and services. As one of the
first Massachusetts communities to adopt MBTA zoning, Lexington faces both challenges
and responsibilities in meeting state -mandated housing targets while managing
increased pressures on municipal resources.
Overview of MBTA Zoning and Village Overlay Districts
In April 2023, Town Meeting approved two significant zoning articles that set the stage
for substantial residential growth. Article 34, which passed with a vote of 107-63-1,
established Village and Multi -Family Overlay Districts (VODs) across targeted areas,
permitting multi -family housing by -right. This change brings Lexington into compliance
with the Massachusetts MBTA Communities Act and aims to expand housing diversity.
Additionally, Article 33, concerning Special Permit Residential Developments (SPRD),
was approved with a vote of 146-22-10. The Select Board recognizes that anticipated
growth from these zoning changes will impact infrastructure, schools, and public safety.
We are proactively working with department heads, town staff, and residents to address
these impacts responsibly.
Current Developments and Anticipated Impacts
Following the 2023 zoning amendments, the town has seen a significant increase in
development applications, with approximately 970 housing units now in various stages
of planning or approval. Key developments on Merriam Street, Bedford Street, Militia
Drive, and Concord Avenue illustrate the rapid rate of submissions, underscoring the
need for municipal preparedness and infrastructure support.
While the Planning Board manages the application and approval process, the Select
Board is focused on ensuring town departments have the resources to manage the
increased workload and service demands effectively. Key areas requiring ongoing
attention include:
• Infrastructure and Public Safety: New developments are increasing demand on
water, sewer, police, fire, and emergency services. We are assessing whether
existing infrastructure and facilities can meet these needs, with a focus on response
times and capacity at Fire Headquarters and East Lexington.
STM 2024-1 - Article 1: Select Board Report - Page / 2
• Transportation and Public Transit: It is essential that transportation options,
including public transit and alternative routes, adapt to meet new resident needs.
The Select Board is actively advocating for enhanced MBTA service in Lexington
to support commuting and reduce congestion.
Action Items and Areas of Focus
To address the challenges posed by rapid development, the Select Board has established
several priority actions:
1. Quarterly Updates and Cross -Department Collaboration: The Select Board will
conduct quarterly updates (or more frequent reviews as needed) to monitor
project statuses and coordinate with department heads across Planning, Police,
Fire, Public Works, and other essential services.
2. Infrastructure and Resource Planning: Departments are evaluating resource
needs, including staffing, transportation infrastructure, and public facilities, to
support the demands of new developments. For example, we are considering
whether additional fire station resources and water management improvements
are necessary to maintain service standards.
3. Funding and Budget Adjustments: Recognizing that new developments impact
municipal budgets, the Select Board will collaborate with finance committees and
staff to evaluate revenue projections and adjust budgets as needed, ensuring
resources are allocated effectively.
4. School Capacity Planning: With projected increases in student enrollment due to
new housing, the Select Board supports the work of the School Master Planning
Committee to revise strategies for accommodating growth and for the School
Building Committee and Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to
review high school capacity. We will advocate for MSBA support to address
potential expansion needs and ensure educational facilities are scaled
appropriately.
5. Advocacy for Enhanced MBTA Service: Restoring MBTA service to pre -
pandemic levels, or better, remains a top priority. We will continue to advocate for
more frequent and reliable transit service, reinforcing Lexington's commitment to
state housing goals and supporting residents' commuting needs.
6. Economic Development and Community Needs Assessment: To sustain
economic growth and ensure local business viability, the Select Board will be
engaging with the Economic Development Department to evaluate the types of
services and businesses needed to support an expanding population. Balancing
commercial and residential growth is essential to retain Lexington's community -
oriented character.
7. Ad Hoc Committee Consideration: The Select Board is exploring establishing an
ad hoc committee to study the long-term impacts of MBTA zoning. This committee
could provide insights into development trends, track progress, and offer
recommendations for ensuring balanced and sustainable growth.
STM 2024-1 - Article 1: Select Board Report - Page / 3
Community Engagement and Transparency
The Select Board is committed to transparent communication with residents. In response
to public input, we will hold discussions in the coming months to provide updates and
gather feedback on the effects of development arising from MBTA zoning. As this zoning
continues to shape our town, we are implementing strategies to protect Lexington's
quality of life while meeting state housing requirements. We greatly appreciate the
community's engagement and support as we navigate these developments and are
committed to providing regular updates.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding this report, the Board encourages
you to get in touch with any member of the Board via email:
selectboaLd[lexin tonma, ov or by calling the Select Board Office (781-698-4580) to
schedule a meeting with one of the five members of the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Lexington Select Board
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair
Jill L Hai, Vice -Chair
Joseph N. Pato
Suzanne E. Barry
Mark D. Sandeen
STM 2024-1 - Article 1: Select Board Report - Page l 4