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PLANNING BOARD MEETING
August 13, 1919
All members were present, together with Messrs. Richards,
Duffy and Jackson in consultation.
The meeting was called to consider the proper site for
a Town Hall, a bequest for one having been received by the town.
Several sites were appraised and, owing to the need for a prompt
decision in regard to the present site in conjunction with the
Keely Institute lot, it was
VOTED:- That the board is of the opinion that the present
site is inexpedient. The reasons were transmitted to the Selectmen
and are appended hereto.
August 14, 1919.
To the Selectmen of Lexington:
The Planning Board, acting on the request of your board,
has considered the proper site of the proposed town hall and begs
to report that it voted to recommend against the use of the
present site in conjunction with the adjoining lot.
Points in favor of the present site: -
The location is convenient to the center of activities.
Points against the present site:
Not a good setting for a desirable public building or
for one of a memorial nature,
The location is noisy and dusty,
It is on land too near the business center, therefore
valuable for business purposes,
A desirable form of architecture would not harmonize
with the adjoining buildings, present and probable,
There would be no space for proper setting, for park-
ing automobiles, or for future development.
A building of the nature desired should be located where
it can be seen, and where it will have the possibilities mentioned
under the second heading. The proper setting for prominent pub-
lic buildings is on a park or other open space, or on the axis
of a prominent thoroughfare.
The Planning Board is actively canvassing the possibilities
and will hope, as soon as may be necessary, to be ready to advise
as to the best site for the purpose. The question is one of great
importance to the proper future convenience and development of
the town, and it is with this in mind that the Board will give
it its best attention.
This report is sent at this time because of the necessity
of an early decision on the desirability of the present site.
Respectfully submitted,