HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-15 SB Packet - ReleasedSELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, December 15, 2025
Select Board Meeting Room, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 - Hybrid Participation*
6:30 PM
AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Approve: 2026 Common Victualler License Renewals
Avenue Deli - 1806 Massachusetts Avenue
Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine - 43 Waltham Street
Galaray House - 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue
Knights of Columbus Members Association Inc - 177 Bedford Street
Lexington Elks Club #2204 - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington House of Pizza - 399 Lowell Street
Mike & Patty’s Breakfast & Sandwiches - 317 Woburn Street
Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. - 197 Massachusetts Avenue
Peet's Coffee & Tea - 1749 Massachusetts Avenue
Spirit of India - 321 Marrett Road
2.Approve: 2026 Automatic Amusement Devise License Renewals
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Golden Tee Golf) - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Jukebox) - 959 Waltham Street
3.Approve: 2026 Class II License Renewal
Lexington Auto Sales - 542 Massachusetts Avenue
4.Approve: 2026 Liquor License Renewal
Package Store
Nick's Wine and Spirits - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit H
5.Approve: Town Manager Committee Appointment
Conservation Commission Associate Member - Thomas Olivier
6.Approve: Water & Sewer Commitments
7.Approve: Select Board and Town Manager Goals for FY2026-27
8.Approve Application: Liquor License Change of Manager Amendment - Beijing
Cuisine
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1.Civic Academy Graduation 6:45pm
2.Presentations: Proposed 2026 Annual Town Meeting Articles 7:00pm
Commission on Disabilities - Universal Design Resolution
Vision for Lexington Funding for RFP for Town - Wide Survey
3.Discussion: Town Manager Performance Evaluation 7:20pm
4.Discussion: Generate List of Decision Points for Non-Residential Development
Surcharge for Affordable Housing
7:40pm
5.Vote: Article 97 Filing for High School Project 7:55pm
6.Approve: Reversal of Liquor License and Adjust Liquor License Renewal –
Whiskey and Wine, 55 Bedford Street
8:00pm
ADJOURN
1.Anticipated Adjournment 8:05pm
Meeting Packet: https://lexington.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/
*Members of the public can attend the meeting from their computer or tablet by clicking on
the following link at the time of the meeting: https://lexingtonma.zoom.us/j/82013535294?
pwd=mGvKYC9PHOT8ByUHHa0a18jNRhRXpf.1
Phone +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 820 1353 5294
Passcode: 848540
An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency Accommodations:
https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law
The next meeting of the Select Board will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:30pm via
hybrid participation.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available on Request
All agenda time and the order of items are approximate and
subject to change.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: 2026 Common Victualler License Renewals
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
The Select Board is being asked to approve the 2026 Annual Common Victualler License renewals. The Select
Board Office is in receipt of all of the required documentation and departmental reviews with sign-offs for the
renewals of the following businesses holding a Common Victualler License:
Avenue Deli - 1806 Massachusetts Avenue
Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine - 43 Waltham Street
Galaray House - 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue
Knights of Columbus Members Association Inc - 177 Bedford Street
Lexington Elks Club #2204 - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington House of Pizza - 399 Lowell Street
Mike & Patty’s Breakfast & Sandwiches - 317 Woburn Street
Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. - 197 Massachusetts Avenue
Peet's Coffee & Tea - 1749 Massachusetts Avenue
Spirit of India - 321 Marrett Road
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the 2026 Annual Common Victualler License Renewals for the following businesses:
Avenue Deli - 1806 Massachusetts Avenue
Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine - 43 Waltham Street
Galaray House - 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue
Knights of Columbus Members Association Inc - 177 Bedford Street
Lexington Elks Club #2204 - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington House of Pizza - 399 Lowell Street
Mike & Patty’s Breakfast & Sandwiches - 317 Woburn Street
Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. - 197 Massachusetts Avenue
Peet's Coffee & Tea - 1749 Massachusetts Avenue
Spirit of India - 321 Marrett Road
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: 2026 Automatic Amusement Devise License Renewals
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.2
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
The Select Board is being asked to approve the 2026 Annual Automatic Amusement Device License renewals.
The Select Board Office is in receipt of all of the required documentation for the renewals of the following
business holding (2) Automatic Amusement Device Licenses:
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Golden Tee Golf) - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Jukebox) - 959 Waltham Street
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the 2026 Annual Automatic Amusement Device License Renewals for the following business:
Automatic Amusement Devices
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Golden Tee Golf) - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Jukebox) - 959 Waltham Street
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: 2026 Class II License Renewal
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.3
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
The Select Board is being asked to approve this 2026 Annual Class II License renewal. The Select Board
Office is in receipt of all of the required documentation and departmental reviews with sign-offs for the renewal
of the following business holding a Class II License:
Lexington Auto Sales - 542 Massachusetts Avenue
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the 2026 Annual Class II License Renewal for the following business:
Lexington Auto Sales - 542 Massachusetts Avenue
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: 2026 Liquor License Renewal
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.4
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
The Select Board is being asked to approve a 2026 Annual Liquor License renewal. The Select Board Office
is in receipt of all of the required documentation for the renewal of the following business:
Package Store
Nick's Wine and Spirits - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit H
SUGGESTED MOTION:
to approve 2026 Liquor License Renewal for the following:
Package Store
Nick's Wine and Spirits - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit H
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Town Manager Committee Appointment
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.5
SUMMARY:
Category: Correction to Conservation Commission Appointment
This item seeks the Select Board’s approval to correct the appointment status of Thomas Olivier from Full
Member to Associate Member of the Conservation Commission. The Board originally voted an appointment
at its meeting on December 8, 2025, but the member designation was entered in error. The corrected
appointment remains effective immediately to Conservation Commission Associate Member with the term
expiring March 31, 2028.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Thomas Olivier as an Associate Member to the Conservation
Commission with a term set to expire March 31, 2028.
Move to approve the consent agenda
FOLLOW-UP:
Town Manager's Office.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Application Backup Material
Submit Date: Oct 29, 2025
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Home Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Lexington MA Boards & Committees
Application Form
Profile
Attendance to a regularly scheduled meeting of the board or committee of interest is
strongly encouraged when considering applying for membership. All committee
meetings are open to the public and are posted at least 48 hours in advance of the
meeting in our www.lexingtonma.gov/calendar.
If you are appointed to the board or committee for which you have applied, information
from this application will be used to contact you regarding your appointment from the
appointing authority as well as the Town Clerk’s Office. Please do not offer information
on this application you would prefer we not use.
Applications will be kept on file and considered as vacancies occur for up to six months
unless otherwise noted.
If you have any questions or need more information regarding the completion of the
application, please contact either the Select Board Office at 781-698-4580 or the Town
Manager’s Office at 781-698-4540.
Nickname
Tom
Preferred Title (i.e. Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr., Rev .....)
Mr.
Alternate Email Address (Optional)
Length of Residence in Lexington (Note: ZBA requirement is a minimum of 8
years)
28 years
What Precinct do you live in?
Precinct 1
Thomas T Olivier
Lexington MA 02420
Mobile:
Thomas T Olivier
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
Work Address
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Conservation Commission: Submitted
Interests & Experiences
Please tell us about yourself and why you want to serve.
Special Training and/or Qualifications
Over 30 years as environmental attorney at US Environmental Protection Agency, enforcing
environmental statutes and regulations. Four years as law firm associate in land use, real
estate, and town counsel practice.
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
Lexington’s open space and wetlands are invaluable resources that need management and
protection. I think the Conservation Commission’s work is essential, and I would like to be of
assistance now that I am retired from EPA.
How did you hear about the board or commission for which you are applying?
As part of my work as an attorney, I am aware of the role and functions of town conservation
commissions, and have represented clients before conservation commissions and other town
bodies.
Have you recently attended any meetings of the board or committee for
which you are applying?
Yes No
Have you confirmed your availability to attend the board or committee's
meetings? (i.e. can attend at the time the committee regularly meets)
Yes No
Do you currently serve on another board or committee?
Yes No
If yes, please list date of most recent Conflict of Interest Law Training.
Retired
Thomas T Olivier
Conflict of Interest Law Training Certificate
Thomas T Olivier
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Water & Sewer Commitments
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.6
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-making
September 2025 Water/Sewer Finals $ 24,604.64
October 2025 Water/Sewer Finals $ 131,460.49
September 2025 Cycle 9 Billing $ 427,377.63
Water/Sewer Commitment Sect 1 $ 3,744,381.27
Water/Sewer Commitment Sect 2 $ 3,898,598.94
Water/Sewer Commitment Sect 3 $ 6,775,553.00
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve the consent
FOLLOW-UP:
Treasurer / Collector
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
SB Meeting WS items Cover Memo
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Select Board and Town Manager Goals for FY2026-27
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.7
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Confirm FY2024-FY2025 Select Board Goals
At its November 17, 2025 meeting, the Select Board reviewed the collected Select Board's FY26-
FY27 Goals. Board Attached is the resulting Goals document incorporating suggested edits
At this meeting, the Board is being asked to confirm the updated goals for publishing to the Select Board
webpage.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To confirm the Select Board FY2026 - FY2027 Goals and publish to the Select Board webpage.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
FY2026-2027 Goals Backup Material
December 2025
Note: Goals and goal areas are presented in no particular order, and the list does not
reflect any prioritization.
FY2026-27 Select Board Goals and Goal Statements
1. Complete the Lexington High School Project (Joe)
1.1 Proactively drive actions to meet planned timelines with MSBA and legislature.
1.2 Identify opportunities to lower the cost and impact on residential taxes
1.3 Engage residents to explain and address tax implications
2. Clean, Healthy, Resilient Lexington (Mark)
2.1 Incorporate Capital Projects Solar Canopy Integration Policy into business practices
2.2 Continue decarbonizing municipal buildings and electrifying municipal vehicles
according to the High-Performance Building Policy and Fleet Electrification Policy
2.3 Reduce waste generation while increasing composting and recycling according to
the Zero Waste Plan
3. Economic and Community Vibrancy (Vineeta)
3.1 Propose options for next steps for revitalizing the center
3.2 Integrate the external equity officer position into the fabric of the community
3.3 Propose strategies for enhancing economic opportunities in all business districts
4. Fiscal Stability (Doug)
4.1 Avoid operational overrides
4.2 Identify options for revenue diversification and commercial tax base growth
4.3 Convene conversations on long-term financial challenges and policy guidance.
5. Livable Community (Jill)
5.1 Evaluate a true 10% affordable housing goal
5.2 Advance the Bicycle and Pedestrian access plan and Traffic Safety Group
recommendations as a means of increasing safety and multi-modal and public
transportation
5.3 Propose strategies to enhance a sense of community and connection, taking into
consideration health, safety, and systemic barriers.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve Application: Liquor License Change of Manager Amendment - Beijing Cuisine
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.8
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Gl Gourmet Group Inc d/b/a Beijing Cuisine has submitted all the necessary paperwork needed to request a
change of manager to be Xiaofeng Cheng on their All Alcohol Common Victualler Liquor License.
The proposed manager, Xiaofeng Cheng, has submitted a current Alcohol Awareness Training Certificate and
the required CORI check has been completed.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve the application from Gl Gourmet Group Inc d/b/a Beijing Cuisine for a Change of Manager
and, once approved by the ABCC, issue an updated All Alcohol Common Victualler Liquor License to Gl
Gourmet Group Inc d/b/a Beijing Cuisine for a Change of Manager, with Xiaofeng Cheng named as Manager.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Application - Beijing Change of Manager Backup Material
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Civic Academy Graduation
PRESENTER:
Abe Fofanah, Management Fellow
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
Abe Fofanah, Management Fellow will review Lexington Civic Academy, now in its 16th session. At
Lexington Civic Academy, residents met for 12 weeks to learn about local government, specifically, the role
each department plays in serving the public. The goal of the program is citizen engagement and the program is
designed to connect residents with the Select Board and Town staff, as well as encouraging participation on
Town committees/boards and as Town Meeting Members.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 6:45pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Civic Academy December 2025 Participant List Backup Material
Civic Academy December 2025 Participant List
1. Kseniya Ausiaikova
2. Jim Baldwin
3. Sinan Bruce
4. Sophia De Freitas
5. Sandra Galejs
6. Anagha Kelkar
7. Meghana Khanolkar
8. Dya Levitt
9. Rositza Rachev
10. Kala Ramachandra
11. Stephanie Repaci
12. Eileen Schneider
13. Seth Werfel
14. Catherine Yan
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Presentations: Proposed 2026 Annual Town Meeting Articles
PRESENTER:
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.2
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
Victoria Buckley and Sue Cusack- Commission on Disabilities will present their Universal Design resolution
for the Board's consideration for inclusion on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Sara del Nido Budish, Tom Lin, and Min Zho- Vision for Lexington will present their Town-wide survey article
for the Board's Consideration for inclusion on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
n/a
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 7:00pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Universal Design ATM Backup Material
Town -wide survey. Vision for Lexington article Backup Material
Vision for Lexington slidedeck Backup Material
2022 Town Wide Survey Report Backup Material
Universal Design Resolution as prepared for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting by the
Commission on Disabilities
The Universal Design Resolution serves as a reaffirmation of our public commitment to
inclusivity, as well as to the ongoing improvement of accessibility and usability in housing
for all community members. It aims to broaden the community’s understanding of what
accessibility truly means. Practical examples of universal design features include no-step
entries, wide doorways and hallways, accessible flrst-fioor bathrooms, and structural
elements such as wall studs positioned for easy future installation of grab bars, or stacked
closets designed to accommodate a future elevator. These features not only support
residents in aging in place but also ensure that homes can easily adapt to the needs of
individuals with physical challenges. (Drafted August 14th)
Vision for Lexington requests Select Board place the following on the 2026 Annual Town
Meeting Warrant
APPROPRIATE FOR TOWN-WIDE SURVEY
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of conducting a
Town-wide survey and related expenses and determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
FUNDS REQUESTED: $75,000
DESCRIPTION: This article will allow the Vision for Lexington committee to conduct a
survey as part of a longitudinal study to assess community perspectives and progress
toward meeting stated preferences of community members and to inform planning and
decision-making by the three elected boards.
Vision for Lexington
Committee
Select Board Meeting -
Dec. 15, 2025
Introduction & kick-off
Survey goal: To identify and better understand areas of interest and concern to Lexington residents, and to help inform decision-making in the town.
Consistency:
Carrying questions
forward to assess trends
& changes
Guiding principles:
Relevance:
Meeting the moment
and capturing current
perspectives & ideas
Connection:
Engaging all members of
the community & providing
a space to be heard
Opportunities and Challenges
Engage the Lexington community to think
about Lexington’s long-term future
Identify and assess opportunities and
challenges that may shape Lexington’s future
Make recommendations to the Select Board
and, as appropriate, the School Committee and
Planning Board
Measure, track, and report progress on topics
studied
Vision for Lexington Committee Objectives
Long-term Future
Measure, track, and reportRecommendations
Results from 2012, 2017, 2022
Survey Responses help guide funding decisions and prioritization
Projected timeline
●Finalize RFP
●Circulate and engage contractor
to administer the survey
●Initial review of content
●Engage with groups in town to
inform modifications
●Refine project plan
●Marketing & publicity rollout
●Launch surveySpring 2027
●Finalize survey questions
●Test survey
●Identify distribution & publicity
strategies
Fall 2026
Spring -summer
2026
Winter -spring 2026
Date
Budget request:
$75,000
●Contractor to administer
the survey
●Publicity & marketing
●Qualitative engagement to inform content &
supplement results
2022 budget request: $50,000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 1
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey
2022
Submitted by:
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Directors, Center for Social Research
Framingham State University
August 2022
Approved by:
Vision for Lexington Committee
Lexington, Massachusetts
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 2
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 15
Background ............................................................................ 15
Center for Social Research ...................................................... 17
FINDINGS ....................................................................................... 19
Part I – Importance and Performance ............................................... 19
Economic Development ........................................................... 20
Public Education .................................................................... 22
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability ................... 24
Physical Character .................................................................. 27
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ............................................... 29
Town Government ................................................................... 31
Town Services ......................................................................... 34
Additional information in Part I ............................................... 36
Conclusions for Part I ............................................................. 39
Summary ............................................................................... 46
Part II - Experiences Living in Lexington........................................... 51
Questions about Quality of Life ............................................... 51
Questions about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ...................... 54
Questions about Taxes ............................................................ 56
Questions about Community Participation ............................... 57
Part III - Priorities and Competing Issues ......................................... 59
Part IV - Demographic Findings ....................................................... 63
Other findings in Part IV ......................................................... 66
Comparisons of Ratings of Importance and Ratings of Performance ... 70
Economic Development ........................................................... 71
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 3
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Public Education .................................................................... 74
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability ................... 77
Physical Character .................................................................. 83
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ............................................... 87
Town Government ................................................................... 90
Town Services ......................................................................... 96
Summary ............................................................................. 102
Focus Groups ............................................................................... 102
Comparison of Findings from 2012 and 2017 and 2022 Surveys ..... 106
Most Important Issues .......................................................... 106
Importance and Performance Comparisons ............................ 110
Summary and Comparison Charts ........................................ 110
Economic Development ............................................................ 112
Public Education ...................................................................... 114
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability .................... 116
Physical Character ................................................................... 117
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ................................................. 121
Town Government .................................................................... 123
Town Services .......................................................................... 127
Satisfaction Level .................................................................. 131
Concerns about Changes in Lexington ................................... 131
Use of Town Amenities .......................................................... 141
Civic Participation ................................................................. 142
Demographic Profiles ............................................................ 143
Conclusions .................................................................................. 145
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 4
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Appendix A ................................................................................... 150
Town-wide Survey 2022 ........................................................ 150
Appendix B ................................................................................... 193
Questions for Focus Groups .................................................. 193
Appendix C ................................................................................... 195
Stacked Bar Chart Comparisons of Importance and Performance
Ratings ................................................................................. 195
Appendix D – List of Tables and Charts .......................................... 226
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 5
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
On behalf of the Vision for Lexington Committee of Lexington, Massachusetts, and
with the support of members of the three elected Boards (Select, School, Planning),
a Town-wide study was undertaken to identify and better understand areas of
interest and concern to residents. The current study was a replication (with some
modifications) of Town-wide surveys conducted in 2012 and 2017.
A goal of Vision for Lexington is to repeat such studies every five (5) years in order
to assess community perspectives and progress toward meeting stated preferences
of community members and to inform planning and decision-making by the three
elected Boards. From its inception, the Vision for Lexington Committee (formerly
the 20/20 Committee) has sought input from residents for the planning process.
The Committee has used workshops, working groups, precinct meetings, focus
groups, and surveys to gather information that has then been used by members of
the elected Boards to guide their decision-making. The study reported here is in
that vein and it is expected that results will be used to inform decision-making
going forward.
Survey Task Force
A Task Force composed of representatives of the three elected Boards (Select Board,
School Committee, and Planning Board), representatives of the Vision for Lexington
Committee, and some community members was formed to review the contents of
the 2017 Town-wide questionnaire. Considerations were given to questions that
were no longer relevant (for example, questions about communication were deemed
to have been addressed by the addition of a Public Information Officer between
2017 and 2022); that needed rewording to make them more pertinent to current
situations; and that needed addition to address issues that have arisen or taken
greater prominence since the 2017 survey.
Center for Social Research
The Center for Social Research was engaged to conduct the study. The Directors of
the Center have extensive experience conducting research and one of the Directors
has been the Principal Investigator on several studies in Lexington (on both the
municipal and school sides), including both the 2012 and 2017 Town-wide surveys
previously conducted on behalf of the Town.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 6
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
The Structure of the Questionnaire
The questionnaire was divided into four parts: Part I asked respondents to indicate
how important specific issues are to them in preserving or improving Lexington; to
evaluate the performance of the Town with respect to each of the issues; and to
identify the single most important issue within broad topic areas. Part II asked
respondents to reflect on their experiences living in Lexington. Subsections of Part
II focused on taxes and community participation. Part III asked respondents to
indicate their priorities with respect to use of resources in an era of tight budgets
and increasing demands on those budgets. Part IV collected demographic data on
respondents. All findings are presented in aggregated form so as to preserve
anonymity and confidentiality of responses.
The Structure of the Report
The report presents results in both narrative and graphic forms. For graphic
presentations, consult Appendix D for a list of tables and charts.
Findings of the 2022 Questionnaire (Univariate)
Part I:
Questions asked respondents to identify the importance of specific items about the
Town, how they rate performance of the Town with respect to each of those items,
and what they deem most important within each of seven (7) broad categories.
✓ The most important issue identified by respondents within the broad
category of Economic Development was having a vibrant downtown.
The majority of respondents (57.6%), however, rated performance with
respect to this issue as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
✓ The most important issues identified by respondents within the broad
category of Public Education were meeting academic, social and
emotional needs of all students; attracting and retaining high quality
teachers; and delivering public education cost effectively. For the first
issue, performance ratings were equally distributed between positive
and negative. For the second issue, ratings of performance were
mixed, with slightly more respondents giving positive ratings than
negative ratings. For the third issue, respondents gave considerably
more negative than positive ratings (60.6% vs. 21.8%).
✓ The most important issues identified by respondents within the broad
category of Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability were
ensuring access to safe drinking water and meeting Town and state
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 7
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-30 years. The vast majority
of respondents rated performance on the first issue as ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’. Performance ratings on the second issue were mixed.
✓ The most important issues identified by respondents within the broad
category of Physical Character were preserving Town’s owned open
space; preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods;
and enhancing the physical environment of the Town Center. The vast
majority of respondents rated performance on the first issue as
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. Performance ratings on the second item were
more negative than positive and ratings on the third item were mixed.
✓ The most important issues identified by respondents within the broad
category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were welcoming diverse
groups of people and ensuring housing is available for a diverse
population. Slightly more than half of respondents rated performance
on the first issue as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. More than half of
respondents rated performance on the second issue as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
✓ The most important issue identified by respondents within the broad
category of Town Government was Town officials and staff acting with
integrity. More than half of respondents rated performance for this
issue as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
✓ The most important issue identified by respondents within the broad
category of Town Services was ensuring public safety. Assessments of
performance for this issue were extremely high, with just over 80% of
respondents rating performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
• When asked if there are issues, other than those identified in the
questionnaire, about which respondents thought it important to consider
when preserving or improving Lexington, several were identified. (Some of the
responses to this open-ended question identified issues that had already
been raised. However, it was clear from the nature of the responses that
respondents felt strongly about the issues and wanted to comment further on
them.) Categories of responses included: cultural changes; development;
environmental concerns; history of the Town; housing issues; infrastructure;
leadership; schools; taxes; the Town Center; traffic; and zoning.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Part II:
Questions asked respondents to reflect on their experiences living in Lexington.
• Overall, satisfaction with Lexington as a place to live is high. The majority of
respondents rated the level of satisfaction 1, 2, or 3 (on a 10-point scale
ranging from 1=very satisfied to 10=very dissatisfied) and more than half said
the quality of life hasn’t changed in the last five years. However, 24% of
respondents said the quality of life is worse. Reasons cited for life being
worse included: changes in the community climate; introduction of DEI;
environmental concerns; housing; infrastructure problems; issues associated
with schools; taxes and affordability; the Town Center; Town government;
and zoning.
• When asked what actions should be taken by the Town to make all residents
feel welcome, most respondents said “the Town is already doing enough” or
“nothing more needs to be done” or expressed the belief that this is not the
responsibility of the Town. Some respondents said there was already too
much emphasis on DEI. There were, however, some suggestions offered for
actions to be taken.
• For the most part, when respondents had interactions with various Town
entities, they said they were treated well. Just a few respondents were able to
identify some aspect of their identity that might have affected their treatment.
• With respect to taxes, while approximately 60% of respondents said their
taxes were too high for the level of services received, almost 2/3 of
respondents said they did not believe their taxes made it hard for them to
meet their other financial obligations and maintain their standard of living.
Concern was expressed about the level of taxes faced by seniors.
Respondents said that those taxes should be amended to enable seniors to
remain in Lexington.
• There was considerable participation in the various activities and opportunities
offered to residents by the Town, as well as participation in various
community activities. Respondents identified a wide variety of means they use
to stay connected to the community. Those mechanisms included Town
resources; community groups/events; neighborhood resources; cultural or
religious resources; and school/education resources.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Part III:
This section asked about the relative importance of competing issues, prioritizing
resources and making trade-offs.
• Respondents would prefer to increase property taxes to meet budgetary needs
of schools and/or municipal services than to reduce services and programs
in schools or in Town.
• If resources are insufficient to maintain current levels of service, respondents
would prefer to reduce municipal services rather than to reduce school
services and programs or to reduce services in both schools and Town.
• To reduce reliance on residential property taxes, respondents would prefer to
increase commercial density (and the tax base) than to keep zoning as is.
• More respondents would prefer making roadways safer for pedestrians and
cyclists (and include traffic calming measures) than would prioritize
roadways for vehicular flow.
• When given choices among developing affordable housing, creating recreation
fields and preserving available open space, most respondents preferred
preserving the open space in any remaining lands available for development.
• Respondents would prefer to regulate residential land use to ensure diversity
of housing options than to limit regulation of residential use and allow the
market to determine the housing mix.
• More respondents thought it more important to preserve the natural
environment than to preserve rights of property owners.
• When asked to rank order each of the broad categories identified in Part I,
respondents assigned the highest ranking to ensuring quality public
education and the lowest to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Part IV:
Questions in this section focused on background information on respondents. The
data were used to assess the representativeness of the sample relative to the
population.
• Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau about residents in Lexington, it was
determined that the sample of respondents largely corresponded to the
demographic profile reported by the U.S. Census.
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• Other findings in this Part addressed questions pertaining to:
✓ length of residence in Lexington of respondents
✓ reasons for moving to Lexington
✓ reasons for moving out of Lexington
✓ number of people in household
✓ assessed value of residence
✓ precincts in which respondents reside
✓ voting behavior
✓ how respondents learned about the survey
Findings (Comparisons of Ratings of Importance and Performance)
Statistically significant relationships were found in most cases when comparing
ratings of importance and ratings of performance.
In a few instances there was close correspondence between importance and
performance. However, in most cases, ratings of importance of issues were higher
than were ratings of performance.
Focus Groups
In addition to the Town-wide questionnaire, data were collected through six focus
groups. Participants in these groups were self-selected. Broad issues discussed in
the focus groups included: Town Center, education, diversity, infrastructure,
housing, and taxes.
Comparison with Findings of 2012 and 2017 and 2022 Surveys
Most important issues:
Results of the 2022 survey were largely similar to those of the 2012 and 2017
surveys, within the broad categories of Economic Development; Public Education;
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability (formerly Environment); Physical
Character; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (formerly labeled Population Diversity);
Town Government; and Town Services.
However, some differences were noted in a few broad categories. In the category of
Public Education, the key issue in 2012 was having high quality schools. In 2017
and 2022, the key issue was meeting academic and social needs of all students. In
the category of Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability (formerly labeled
Environment), in 2012 the key issue was protecting open spaces from development,
whereas in 2017, it was protecting privately owned open spaces from development
and in 2022, it was ensuring access to safe drinking water. In the category of
Physical Character, priorities shifted from a primary focus on enhancing the
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 11
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
environment of the Town Center in 2012 to preserving the physical character of
residential neighborhoods in 2017. In 2022, the primary focus was on preserving
Town owned open space.
Comparison of Importance and Performance for 2012, 2017, and 2022:
Side-by-side charts compare consistencies and changes (patterns) over time in
relationships between ratings of importance of issues and ratings of performance
with respect to those issues.
• For the issues within the broad category of Economic Development, the
general patterns for attracting additional business development to expand
the commercial tax base and for having a vibrant downtown that attracts
residents and visitors are notably similar with respect to importance and
performance. However, for capitalizing on the Town’s history to attract
tourists the patterns are dissimilar.
• For issues within the broad category of Public Education, ratings of
importance were similar. However, overall, performance ratings in 2022 were
more negative than they were in either 2012 or 2017.
• For issues within the broad category of Climate, Environmental Health and
Sustainability, patterns are similar for each of the issues across all three
data points, however, the importance of maintaining farmlands and access to
locally grown foods has increased.
• For issues within the broad category of Physical Character, patterns are
remarkably similar in 2012 and 2017 and 2022. There is, however, a
difference with respect to protecting open spaces due to refinement of
questions in each survey.
• For issues within the broad category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
performance ratings for ensuring housing for a diverse population were lower
in 2017 and 2022 than they were in 2012. Otherwise, patterns are similar.
• For issues within the broad category of Town Government, patterns, overall,
show little to no difference from 2012 to 2017 to 2022. However, importance
of living within constraints of Proposition 2 1/2 is greater in 2017 and 2022
than it was in 2012 and the difference between importance and performance
is greater in 2017 and 2022 than it was in 2012.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
• For issues within the broad category of Town Services, patterns for
maintaining roads and sidewalks appear similar in 2012 and 2022, but are
reversed in 2017. Performance in 2017 was higher than was importance. By
2022, performance was lower than was importance. Patterns are otherwise
consistent from 2012 and 2017 and 2022, except for the pattern pertaining
to services for seniors. In 2012 the relationship between importance and
performance showed that importance was greater than performance, but that
measure was taken before the advent of the Lexington Community Center,
which provides better services for seniors.
Satisfaction level:
Respondents remain largely satisfied with living in Lexington. Eighty percent said
they expect to still be living in the Town in the near future. That is consistent with
results from earlier surveys in which a majority of respondents said they expect to
remain in Lexington. Half say the quality of life is ‘the same’ as it was five years ago.
The majority of respondents say they are satisfied with Lexington as a place to live.
Concerns about changes:
When asked about potential changes that might occur in Lexington that would be of
concern to them, respondents largely expressed the same concerns in 2012, 2017
and 2022. Broad areas of concern included: public education, housing,
environment, Town Center, traffic, taxes, financial issues, government, and
diversity.
Use of Town amenities and civic participation:
Respondents were asked about participation, by themselves and by family
members, in community activities. Participation rates remain high, although there
is a slight reduction from 2012 and 2017 figures.
Rates of civic participation, however, have decreased since 2012 and 2017.
Demographic profile:
The number of responses to the questionnaire was higher in 2022 than in 2017 or
in 2012. There was a higher percentage of responses from males than in previous
years. However, the percentage of responses from Asians/South Asians in 2022 is
higher than in 2012 but lower than in 2017. Average age of respondents and
average household income increased in 2022. The number of people who have lived
in Lexington for at least 20 years has increased in each survey, with the number for
2022 being considerably higher than in 2012. The educational achievement of
respondents remained high in 2022, with approximately 90% having a college,
Master’s, professional or Ph.D. degree.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Conclusions
Overall, in 2022, there is not substantial change from 2012 or 2017 in responses to
the objective questions in the questionnaire. Reponses to open-ended questions,
however, revealed more negativity and frustration with life in Lexington than was
expressed in 2012 or 2017. There have been some shifts in identification of
priorities and values (e.g., a location for seniors and senior programming and
concerns about communication of information to residents have taken a place of
less importance, while concerns about the Town Center, infrastructure and housing
have become more important). Respondents continue to be generally satisfied about
life in Lexington and concerned about a ‘sense of community’. There were
considerable comments about the feared, and actual, loss of a sense of community
in 2022.
As the Vision for Lexington Committee has rightly identified, it is important to
continue to ‘take the pulse’ of the community. While most values and concerns may
not have changed dramatically since 2012 or 2017, there have been some shifts in
priorities. A key difference in 2022 is the number of respondents who spoke to the
loss of ‘community’ – feared and real. Such information is valuable as the Town
moves forward with planning for now and for the future.
Acknowledgements:
The Vision for Lexington Committee thanks the many members of the Lexington
community who helped make this a successful survey. This includes those
members of the community who completed the questionnaire and participated in
the focus groups. The Committee also notes the support of the Community
Endowment of Lexington, a grant from which funded mailing of postcards to
households in Lexington alerting residents about the survey.
In particular, the Committee cites notable contributions by the following. Those
listed below served on the Task Force that reviewed previous versions of the
questionnaire and created the current version (noted by the superscript 1); assisted
in translating the English version of the questionnaire into Chinese or Korean
(noted by the superscript 2): helped with distribution of hard copies of the
questionnaire (noted by the superscript 3); or assisted as facilitator or note-taker for
the focus groups (noted by superscript 4). Special note should be made of the
contributions by Mark Manasas, who chaired the Task Force.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Kelly Choi2 Kwiyoung Choi2
Marian Cohen1 Margaret Coppe4
Christine Dean3 Andrew Dixon1,4
Sean Dugan1 Peter Enrich 1
Cathie Ghorbani3 Boksoon Jo2
Michelle Kelleher3 Euna Kim2Sunny Kim2
Kathleen Labrecque1 Eunju Lee2
Hakyung Lee2 Kathleen Lenihan1,4
Mark Manasas1,4 Samita Mandelia4
Shannon Murtagh4 Amy Newmark3
Francesca Park2 Meesook Park2
Sunyoung Park2 Robert Peters1
Joe Pato1 Ruth Remington1
Bokyung Shin2 Susie Lee Snell2
Koren Stembridge3 Weidong Wang1,2,4
Alan Wrigley1 Ruixi Yuan2
John Zhao2 Sherry Zhu2
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
INTRODUCTION
On behalf of the 20/20 Vision Committee (now called the Vision for Lexington
Committee1) of Lexington, Massachusetts, and with the support of members of the
three elected Boards (Select, School, Planning), a Town-wide study was undertaken
to understand areas of interest and concern to residents. The current study was a
replication (with some modifications) of a Town-wide survey conducted in 2012 and
again in 2017. A goal of the Vision for Lexington Committee is to repeat such
studies every five (5) years in order to assess community perspectives and progress
toward meeting stated preferences of community members, and to inform planning
and decision-making by the three elected Boards.
This report provides background information on 20/20 and Vision for Lexington
and results of previous attempts to determine community sentiments, in addition to
describing the current study and discussing findings from that study.
Background
The 20/20 Vision Committee of Lexington, Massachusetts was established in 1998
to develop a foundation for a community-based strategic goal-setting process that
responds to the community’s vision. In pursuit of this objective, the Committee is
charged to:
• “Engage the Lexington community to think about Lexington’s long-term
future.
• Identify and assess opportunities and challenges that may shape Lexington’s
future.
• Make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and, as appropriate, the
School Committee and Planning Board.
• Measure, track and report progress on topics studied.”2
Actions undertaken by the 20/20 Committee since its inception have addressed
each of these and the current survey is in keeping with these charges. Specific
questions in the questionnaire speak to opportunities and challenges as seen by
residents and to visions for the future. Findings of the survey will be reported to all
three elected Boards. Further, to monitor progress, current results are compared
with results from the 2012 and 2017 surveys.
1 Note that the 20/20 Committee and the Vision for Lexington Committee are one and the same. While the
name of the committee has changed, the charge and purpose of the committee remain. When activities were
undertaken before the name change, the committee will be referred to as 20/20. For activities undertaken
since the name change, the committee will be referred to as Vision for Lexington.
2 2020 Vision Committee charge, as adopted by the Board of Selectmen on April 4, 2001 and most recently
revised in 2014.
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While there have been several activities3 created by the 20/20 Committee since its
inauguration to study various issues before the Town, this report focuses on those
activities related to surveys of residents.
From its beginning, the 20/20 Committee has sought input from residents for the
planning process. In June of 1999, four (4) workshops were conducted to explore
issues of concern to residents. As a follow-up, in October 1999, a forum was held to
get feedback on specific topics. As a result, working groups were created to engage
in strategic planning with regard to six (6) topics4. The working groups identified
specific themes and goals5. These themes and goals still inform data collection today
and are featured in the current Town-wide survey. (Please see Appendix A, Town-
wide Survey 2022.) In 2003, the 20/20 Committee issued a report detailing progress
toward reaching the goals. In addition, the Committee solicited feedback from
residents through precinct meetings. In 2003, the Committee reported on progress
toward identified goals. These included areas in which actions were taken and
completed in addressing a goal; actions that represented significant progress toward
a goal; and actions underway in support of a goal.6 In 2010-2011, in an effort to
confirm or revise the originally established goals and to identify (new) issues, the
Committee held a series of focus groups to engage residents in thinking about
Lexington now and in the future. (These focus groups were co-sponsored by a
variety of other groups in Town.7) Results of the focus group discussions identified
both what residents like about Lexington and what they would like to see changed,
and what they think goals for the Town should be in the next 10-15 years.
As a result of this data gathering, and the reporting of findings to the relevant
elected Boards in Town, changes have been made in the focus of efforts by the
Boards, in relationships between residents and Town staff, and in Town
functioning.
3 Among the activities of the Committee are creations of: Forging Constructive Community Discourse Task Force
(2004-2005), Budget Task Force (2004-2005), Economic Development Task Force (2006-2008), Demographic
Change Task Force (2008-2010), Citizens’ Academy (2009), Subcommittee on Demographic Change (2012-
2013), Town-wide survey (2012-2013), Subcommittee on Asian Communities (2015-2017), Social Diversity Task
Force (2016-2017), Town-wide Survey (2016-2017), Enhancing Communication in Lexington ( 2018-2020). In
addition, the Committee sponsored a public process in 2010 to create and implement a shared vision of the
community for the year 2020.
4 Fostering a sense of community; educational excellence; managing growth: development and open space;
ensuring productive connections between citizens and Town government; transportation; managing fiscal
stability.
5 Promote and strengthen community character; foster educational excellence; sustain and enhance physical
character and the larger environment; reinforce connections between residents, civic organizations and Town
government; establish open and accessible processes for Town-wide decision-making, planning and conflict
resolution.
6https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4567/2020_vision_progress_report_4-page
7https://www.lexingtonma.gov/1400
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Not surprisingly, themes and issues of importance and concern have largely
remained unchanged since the initial data gathering. It is important to regularly
assess citizen views, however, to determine the stability and/or change in values,
interests, and perspectives. The 20/20 (Vision for Lexington) Committee has clearly
engaged in such processes since its foundation. The report of the 2022 Town-wide
survey is in keeping with this practice and represents the latest effort to assess and
respond to community interests.
Since 2017, concerns about the environment and climate change have become more
paramount – for the Town and for our world. As a consequence, several questions
related to these issues were added to the 2022 survey. Also, since 2017, diversity,
equity and inclusion (DEI) have become more prominent as society-wide concerns.
Given that the population composition in Lexington has become more diverse since
2017, and that issues related to DEI have been manifested in policies and
interactions within Town, questions about DEI were added to the 2022 survey.
Center for Social Research
The Vision for Lexington Committee engaged the Center for Social Research to
conduct the survey in 2022. The original Director of the Center has extensive
experience conducting studies such as this one and has served as the Principal
Investigator on several previous studies for the Town – on both the municipal and
the school sides. As well, the Director of the Center was the Principal Investigator in
the 2012 and 2017 Town-wide surveys and was therefore well acquainted with the
purpose, goal, format, and substance of the questionnaires.
Work performed by the Center for Social Research (now with its two Directors) was
divided into three phases for the project. In Phase I, the Center Directors, working
with members of the Task Force, produced a data collection instrument. This
questionnaire was pre-tested with members of the Vision for Lexington Committee,
members of the three Boards, and selected Town staff members. Comments from
respondents were discussed with members of the Task Force and a few items in the
questionnaire were amended or added. The questionnaire was then prepared by the
Center Directors for distribution to residents in both an electronic version and a
hard copy version. In addition, working with members of Asian ethnic communities
(a now significant percentage of the Town’s population), the Center Directors
participated in arranging for the translation of the questionnaire into Chinese and
into Korean for residents who speak those languages.8
8 While this effort was worthwhile in that it provided greater access to the questionnaire for all residents, the
number of residents who responded using the Chinese and Korean versions of the questionnaire was small.
However, some respondents used the Chinese and Korean versions as translation aids.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Phase II of the project included dissemination of the questionnaire to residents and
placement of hard copies and foreign language copies of the questionnaire in Town
Hall, Cary Library and the Lexington Community Center. Hard copies were
periodically collected from these locations and data were entered into a software
package for analysis. Electronic responses were downloaded into the software
package.
Phase III of the project involved analysis of the data, including describing findings
and identifying results of significance to Town policy makers. Demographic findings
were compared with U.S. Census data to determine representativeness of the
sample of respondents. Phase III also included writing a final report and creating a
file containing quantitative data from the survey for the Town.
In addition to the work described above, the Directors prepared documents and, in
cooperation with members of the Vision for Lexington Committee, trained
facilitators and note-takers to conduct several focus groups. Participants for the
focus groups had been solicited through the questionnaire and through a
subsequent message to those who had participated in the survey. Six groups
(consisting of a total of 51 participants) were conducted by members of the Vision
for Lexington Committee and the qualitative findings from those groups were
incorporated into the dataset along with the quantitative and qualitative findings
from the questionnaire.
For this report, the Directors also included a comparison of 2012 and 2017 results
with those of the current survey. The purpose was to determine what, if any,
changes had occurred and what consistencies existed during the five-year periods
between surveys.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
FINDINGS
Univariate
Findings are presented consistent with the sections of the questionnaire:
Part I reports resident responses regarding the importance of different aspects of the
Town; the performance of the Town with respect to these aspects; and the most
important aspect cited by residents within each of the seven broad categories.
(Broad categories include: Economic Development; Public Education; Climate,
Environmental Health and Sustainability; Physical Character; Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion; Town Government; Town Services.)
Part II reports on resident experiences living in Lexington, including assessments of
life in Town and perceptions of stability or change, ‘diversity, equity and inclusion‘,
taxes‘ and community participation.
Part III reports on resident preferences with respect to prioritization of resources
and trade-offs in an era of tight budgets and increasing demands on those budgets.
Part IV reports on the demographic characteristics of respondents.
Part I – Importance and Performance
Within each of the broad categories below, respondents were asked to rate the
importance of items within that category and then to identify how well the Town is
performing with regard to that item. Finally, respondents were asked to rank the
individual items with respect to the most important item to them within the broad
category.
Data are presented in percentages in the charts for each broad category. Results are
described in the text below the charts.
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Economic Development
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Having a vibrant downtown that
attracts residents and visitors
89.2 16.0 57.6
2. Capitalizing on the Town’s history
to attract a large number of tourists
67.2 46.2 17.9
3. Providing supportive framework for
economic development for large
businesses
31.1 21.4 41.0
4. Providing supportive framework for
economic development for small
businesses
87.5 6.7 72.3
5. Attracting additional business
development to expand the
commercial tax base
58.0 10.5 61.8
6. Attracting socially conscious retail
and service businesses
56.9 10.2 64.0
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Having a vibrant downtown that attracts residents and visitors
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important
and a small number of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’ job with this item. The majority of respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
2. Capitalizing on the Town’s history to attract a large number of tourists
More respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Nearly half of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job
with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
3. Providing supportive framework for economic development for large businesses
Nearly one-third of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. This is the only item in this category that less than half of the
respondents said was ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Less than one-quarter of
respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this
item. More of the respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.9
9 It should be noted that for four of the issues in this broad category (items 3,4,5, and 6), a small number of
respondents (≤ 0.2%) were unable to assess performance.
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4. Providing supportive framework for economic development for small businesses
A large majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important, yet few respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’ job with this item. The majority of respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Attracting additional business development to expand the commercial tax base
Slightly more than half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important, however few of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. The majority of respondents said the
job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Attracting socially conscious retail and service businesses
Slightly more than half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important, however few respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. The majority of respondents said the
job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’
Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• 59.3% of respondents said having a vibrant downtown was the most
important item within this category.
• 13.3% said providing a supportive framework for economic development of
small businesses was most important.
• 12.2% said attracting additional business development to expand the
commercial tax base was most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Public Education
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Meeting academic, social and
emotional needs of all students
91.4 45.0 48.3
2. Attracting and retaining high
quality teachers
95.8 55.7 41.5
3. Assuring educationally appropriate
student-teacher ratios
88.2 44.8 50.5
4. Providing state-of-the-art facilities
for teaching and learning
70.7 30.9 57.1
5. Delivering public education cost-
effectively
78.0 21.8 60.6
6. Providing adequate funding for
education
89.2 52.8 45.5
7. Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion within the school system
72.2 44.4 49.6
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Meeting academic, social and emotional needs of all students
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
However, respondents were nearly equally divided as to whether the Town is
doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job and that the job being done is ‘fair’ or
‘poor’.10
2. Attracting and retaining high quality teachers
Nearly all of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. More than half of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item, but just over 40% of respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
3. Ensuring educationally appropriate student-teacher ratios
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Less than half of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’
job with this item, while half of the respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’
or ‘poor’.
10 It should be noted that for all seven of the issues in this broad category, a small number of respondents
(between 2.7% and 11.9%) were unable to assess performance.
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4. Providing state of the art facilities for teaching and learning
Just under three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. About one-third of the respondents said the Town
is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. More than half of the
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Delivering public education cost effectively
Slightly more than three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Less than one-quarter of the respondents said
the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. More than half
of the respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Providing adequate funding for education
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Half of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job
with this item. Slightly less than half of the respondents said the job being done
is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the school system
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Slightly more respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than said the
job being done is ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Almost half (49.8%) of respondents said meeting academic, social and
emotional needs of all students was the most important item within this
broad category.
• 20.6% said attracting and retaining high quality teachers was most
important.
• 12.8% said delivering public education cost effectively was most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Meeting Town and state goals of
net zero emissions in the next 15-
30 years
67.8 35.5 22.6
2. Reducing the use of toxic materials 81.3 28.8 27.0
3. Reducing Greenhouse Gas
production from transportation
70.4 20.6 40.4
4. Stopping the expansion of fossil
fuel use
65.4 23.7 39.0
5. Maintaining farmlands and access
to locally grown foods
73.1 29.3 29.3
6. Reducing waste streams, including
diverting food waste to composting
71.6 25.3 35.1
7. Providing public health and safety
services in response to rising
temperatures and extreme weather
59.9 27.2 29.3
8. Ensuring access to safe drinking
water
95.5 65.7 5.7
9. Providing education to citizens
about sustainability
58.0 27.7 32.2
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-30 years
Many of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. About one-third of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item, and less than one-quarter of
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.11
2. Reducing the use of toxic materials
A large majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or
‘very’ important. About one-quarter of the respondents said the Town is doing
an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item, and a similar number of
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
11 It should be noted that for seven of the issues (items 1-7) in this broad category, a small number of
respondents (≤ 0.3%) were unable to assess performance.
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3. Reducing Greenhouse Gas production from transportation
Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important. Less than one quarter of the respondents said the Town
is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Twice as many
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
4. Stopping expansion of fossil fuel use
A majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Less than one-quarter of the respondents said the Town is doing
an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Over one-third of respondents
said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Maintaining farmlands and access to locally grown foods
Three-fourths of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Slightly more than one-quarter of the respondents said the Town
is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. The same percentage
of respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Reducing waste streams, including diverting food waste to composting
Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important. One-quarter of respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. More than one-third of
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
7. Providing public health and safety services in response to rising temperatures
and extreme weather
More than half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or
‘very’ important. Slightly more than one-quarter of the respondents said the
Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item, and a similar
percentage of respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
8. Ensuring access to safe drinking water
Nearly all of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A majority of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of the respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
9. Providing education to citizens about sustainability
More than half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or
‘very’ important. One-quarter of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item, while approximately one-third of
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
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Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Approximately one-third (32.7%) of respondents said ensuring access to safe
drinking water was the most important item within this broad category.
• 25.9% said meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next
15-30 years was most important.
• 15.5% said maintaining farmlands and access to locally grown foods was
most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Physical Character
Extremely
or very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Preserving the Town’s historic areas
and structures
82.1 69.3 6.4
2. Preserving Town owned open space 92.2 65.8 8.8
3. Making Town’s public historic areas
and structures accessible to all
73.1 58.9 7.1
4. Preserving the physical character of
residential neighborhoods
64.2 28.2 38.7
5. Enhancing the physical
environment of the Town Center
74.5 30.6 33.0
6. Managing the flow of traffic through
Town
70.5 17.5 47.6
7. Ensuring adequate, convenient
parking in the business districts
65.0 34.2 26.3
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures
A large majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or
‘very’ important. Most of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of the respondents said the job being
done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
2. Preserving Town owned open space
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A majority of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Only a few of the respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
3. Making Town’s public historic areas and structures accessible to all
A majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. More than half of these respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of the respondents said
the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.12
12 It should be noted that for item 3 in this broad category, a small number of respondents (≤ 0.1%) were
unable to assess performance.
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4. Preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods
A majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Only a little more than one-quarter of the respondents said the
Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. More of the
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Enhancing the physical environment of the Town Center
Three-fourths of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Similar numbers of respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job and a ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ job with this item.
6. Managing the flow of traffic through Town
Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important. Few respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. More than twice as many of respondents said
the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
7. Ensuring adequate, convenient parking in the business districts
A majority of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. More of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’ job with this item than did those who identified the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Just over one-quarter (28.1%) of respondents said preserving Town owned
open space was the most important item within this broad category.
• 20.2% said preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods
was most important.
• 18.4% said enhancing the physical environment of the Town was most
important.
• 15.9% said preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures was most
important.
• 10.3% said managing the flow of traffic through Town was most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Welcoming diverse groups of people 76.4 54.9 15.4
2. Ensuring housing is available for a
diverse population
61.2 20.9 57.5
3. Offering gathering places for
diverse ages and interests
66.7 32.7 26.9
4. Providing books and other
materials for a diverse population
in the library
65.5 62.7 7.7
5. Providing translated materials and
translation services
49.5 49.8 12.5
6. Creating awareness of the Town’s
diversity
51.8 34.8 28.3
7. Diversifying the Town and school
staff
55.5 27.9 38.4
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Welcoming diverse groups of people
Three-fourths of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A majority of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer of the respondents said the job being
done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
2. Ensuring housing is available for a diverse population
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Less than one-quarter of the respondents said the Town is doing
an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. More than half of the
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’. 13
3. Offering gathering places for diverse ages and interests
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Just under one-third of the respondents said the Town is doing
an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer of the respondents said
the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
13 It should be noted that for five of the seven items (items 2,3,5,6 and 7) in this broad category, a small number
of respondents (≤ 0.2%) were unable to assess performance.
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4. Providing books and other materials for a diverse population in the library
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Just over 60% of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. A small percentage of respondents
said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Providing translated materials and translation services
This was the only item in this category that less than half of the respondents
rated as either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Half of the respondents said
the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Few
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Creating awareness of the Town’s diversity
Half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. One-third of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
7. Diversifying the Town and school staff
Half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. One-quarter of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. More of the respondents said the job being
done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Just under one-third (30.2%) of respondents said welcoming diverse groups
of people was the most important item within this broad category.
• 28.8% said ensuring housing is available for a diverse population was most
important.
• 16.3% said offering gathering places for diverse ages and interests was most
important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Town Government
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Town officials and staff acting with
integrity
97.7 60.6 13.1
2. Balancing short-term needs with
long-term issues
91.6 36.4 23.7
3. Acting in a fiscally responsible
manner
93.1 35.5 29.4
4. Living within constraints of
Proposition 2 ½
68.6 27.1 36.1
5. Making information on decisions
and actions easy to obtain
87.9 28.9 35.0
6. Encouraging diversity in
participation in Town affairs
71.0 35.2 27.0
7. Participating in regional groups to
share resources, services and ideas
65.0 34.4 20.8
8. Planning for the long-term future 89.7 30.9 28.0
9. Ensuring Emergency Preparedness
and Response plans are up to date
86.5 47.0 14.5
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Town officials and staff acting with integrity
Nearly all of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A majority of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. A small number of respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.14
2. Balancing short-term needs with long-term issues
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A third of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
14 It should be noted that for eight of the nine items (items 1,2,4,5,6,7,8 and 9) in this broad category, a small
number of respondents (between 0.1% and 0.3%) were unable to assess performance.
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3. Acting in a fiscally responsible manner
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. One third of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
4. Living within constraints of Proposition 2 ½
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. One-quarter of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. More of the respondents said the job being
done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Making information on decisions and actions easy to obtain
A large majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Over one-quarter of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Slightly more than one-third of the
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Encouraging diversity in participation in Town affairs
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Approximately one-third of respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
7. Participating in regional groups to share resources, services and ideas
A majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. One-third of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
8. Planning for the long-term future
Most respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Nearly one-third of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’ job with this item. A similar percentage of respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
9. Ensuring Emergency Preparedness and Response plans are up to date
Most of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Nearly half of respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
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Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Almost one-third (30.9%) of respondents said Town officials and staff acting
with integrity was the most important item within this broad category.
• 16.8% said balancing short-term needs with long-term issues was most
important.
• 16.5% said acting in a fiscally responsible manner was most important.
• 12.3% said living within constraints of Proposition 2 ½ was most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
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Town Services
Extremely or
very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
1. Ensuring public safety 93.9 82.3 2.4
2. Maintaining roads and sidewalks 95.8 52.5 17.8
3. Offering sports fields and facilities
for diverse activities, including
recreation
73.1 70.0 6.2
4. Providing comprehensive library
services
79.8 83.5 2.1
5. Providing quality services and
facilities for senior citizens
75.4 70.2 5.7
6. Providing quality services and
facilities outside of schools, for
children and teens
78.5 45.8 18.1
7. Delivering Town services in a
responsive and friendly manner
87.1 57.7 9.9
8. Delivering Town services cost-
effectively
84.3 36.9 24.2
9. Allocating adequate money for
Town services
86.5 51.2 12.0
10. Providing opportunities for life-long
learning
51.2 55.8 10.0
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
1. Ensuring public safety
Almost all of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Most of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of respondents said the job being done
is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
2. Maintaining roads and sidewalks
Nearly all of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Half of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. A smaller percentage of respondents said the
job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
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3. Offering sports fields and facilities for diverse activities, including recreation
Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’
or ‘very’ important. Nearly three-quarters said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of the respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
4. Providing comprehensive library services
More than three-quarters of the respondents said this item was either
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Most of the respondents said the Town is
doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Very few of the
respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
5. Providing quality services and facilities for senior citizens
Three-fourths of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. A large majority of respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Few respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
6. Providing quality services and facilities, outside of schools, for children and
teens
Three-fourths of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Just under one-half of the respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. That is more than twice as many
respondents who said the Town is doing a ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ job. 15
7. Delivering Town services in a responsive and friendly manner
A large majority of respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Six times more respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’ job with this item than did those who said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
8. Delivering Town services cost-effectively
Most respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
About one-third of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or
‘very good’ job with this item. Fewer respondents said the job being done is
‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
15 It should be noted that for two of the 10 items (items 6 and 8) in this broad category, a small number of
respondents (0.1%) were unable to assess performance.
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9. Allocating adequate money for Town services
Most respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
Half of the respondents said the Town is doing an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job
with this item. Few respondents said the job being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
10. Providing opportunities for life-long learning
Half of the respondents said this item was either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. Slightly more than half of respondents said the Town is doing an
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ job with this item. Few respondents said the job
being done is ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.
Most important item (items ranked relative to one another)
• Over 40% (42.5%) of respondents said ensuring public safety was the most
important item within this broad category.
• 16.1% said maintaining roads and sidewalks was most important.
• 10.3% said delivering Town services cost effectively was most important.
• 9.7% said providing quality services and facilities, outside of school, for
children and teens was most important.
• Other issues received substantially lower ratings of importance.
Additional Comments in Part I
There was one additional question in this section of the questionnaire. It was an
open-ended question. Such questions generally elicit fewer responses than do
multiple-choice questions. However, responses indicate concerns that go beyond
what fixed-alternative questions ask and are important to consider as they
represent issues about which respondents feel strongly. In this case, 56% (n=1345)
of the total sample of respondents chose to comment further, yielding 1588
responses. When asked about issues respondents said it important to consider
when preserving or improving Lexington (other than those already in the
questionnaire) respondents identified the following.
✓ Culture: 103 respondents spoke to this issue: 35% of those said there was
too much ‘wokeness’, 39% were concerned about a culture or character
change in Town as a result of too much ‘catering’ to diversity issues, and
the remainder were concerned about emphasis on DEI at the expense of
essential Town services.
✓ Developer/development: 69 respondents raised the issue: 94% of those
saying that development is ‘out of control’ and/or that developers are not
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adequately reined in or supervised by the Town. The remaining 6%
addressed development issues in East Lexington.
✓ Environment: 141 respondents addressed this issue: 43% wanted greater
focus on climate change, while another 11% wanted less focus on climate
change; 22% were concerned about trees; 17% wanted to be sure open
spaces are protected. The remaining comments addressed dog parks and
trash pickup.
✓ Housing: 219 respondents commented on this issue: 43% were concerned
about the lack of diversity in housing stock and/or lack of affordable
housing; 41% objected to too many ‘mansions’ and 16% mentioned ‘tear-
downs’.
✓ Infrastructure: 131 respondents mentioned this issue: 67% noted that
roads (including private roads) and sidewalks are in very poor repair and
were concerned about road maintenance and 17% commented on the
poor conditions of playing fields, the Old Res, and swimming pools. The
remaining comments addressed inadequate maintenance of buildings,
signage, dog parks, and bike lanes/walking trails.
✓ Leadership: 106 respondents commented on leadership: 48% said there
was a lack of leadership or poor leadership especially in connection with
specific departments or on boards or committees; 26% mentioned lack of
transparency or inability to access information; and 26% expressed
concerns about law enforcement.
✓ Schools: 120 respondents cited this issue: 37% said a new high school is
needed; 26% expressed concern about a decline in educational quality;
16% mentioned problems with leadership. The remainder cited too much
“wokeness”; overcrowding; services being underfunded; and
stress/pressure on students leading to mental health problems.
✓ Taxes: 127 respondents raised this issue: 43% said that taxes are too
high; 37% said that the Town is fiscally irresponsible; 17% wanted a
reduction in taxes for seniors; 3% called for a better balance between
residential and commercial tax bases.
✓ Town Center: 247 respondents commented on the Town Center: 47% said
there was a lack of diversity in stores or small businesses; 36% noted a
lack of vibrancy in the Center; 18% said there is no place to hang out
and/or no place to shop in the Center.
✓ Traffic: 106 respondents mentioned traffic issues: 26% said there is too
much noise; 23% expressed concerns about public transportation; 19%
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mentioned parking; 32% cited road safety, including dangers posed by
bikers on main roads, and lights and street lighting.
✓ Zoning: 109 respondents addressed zoning: 48% said zoning is too lax;
35% said they are concerned with zoning related to house sizes or
housing regulations; and 18% focused on development of land and/or
development at Hartwell Avenue.
✓ Miscellaneous: 110 respondents addressed a mix of other issues: 33%
mentioned senior services being underfunded; 30% noted that children
and teens needing more services or ‘things to do’; 19% identified a need
for greater focus on health, specifically mental health, needs; 18% wanted
more ‘gathering places’ and support for the arts and more emphasis on
the history of the Town.
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Conclusions for Part I
The chart below summarizes findings regarding overall importance of broad issues
and their relative performance ratings by respondents.
Extremely
or very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good
job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
Economic Development 65.0 18.5 52.4
Public Education 83.6 43.4 50.4
Climate, Environmental Health and
Sustainability
71.4 31.7 29.0
Physical Character 74.5 43.5 21.1
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 61.1 40.5 26.7
Town Government 83.5 37.3 24.2
Town Services 80.6 60.6 10.8
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
The narrative below identifies the most important issues within each broad category
and ratings of performance for those issues. Qualitative comments made by
respondents are included to illustrate the performance ratings.
For a few of the issues within specific broad categories there were a small number of
respondents who said they did not know enough about the issue to evaluate
performance. It is important to note that those numbers are significantly lower
than what was reported in 2017. That is likely related to the work of the Public
Information Officer, Sean Dugan, who was hired subsequent to the report of the
2017 Town-wide survey which identified respondents’ concerns with inadequate
communication of information from the Town to residents.
Economic Development
The most important issue within this broad category identified by
respondents was having a vibrant downtown. However, more than half of
those who rated the Town’s performance on this issue rated it as ‘fair’ to
‘poor’. Additionally, supporting this quantitative finding, qualitative
comments throughout the survey referred to problems associated with the
downtown area (‘The Center’). Remarks included: lack of diversity in stores or
small businesses, leading to a sense that “there is no place to shop” in the
Center; an abundance of banks and real estate agencies (to the detriment of
available space for a variety of other businesses); lack of vibrancy in the
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Center; no place to ‘hang out’ in the Center due to the closure of several
businesses (e.g., Panera, Starbucks).
It is worth noting that there were very few respondents (≤ 0.2%) who said
they did not feel well enough informed to comment on the Town’s
performance (specifically, providing supportive framework for economic
development of both large and small businesses, attracting additional
business development to expand the commercial tax base, attracting socially
conscious retail and service businesses).
Most respondents said they were well enough informed to comment on the
performance with regard to the issues, but given the importance of economic
development (and its relationship to taxes, an issue of concern to many
respondents), information about the above-mentioned issues should be
regularly provided to residents.
Public Education
When asked to identify the most important issue within this broad category,
respondents cited meeting academic, social and emotional needs of all
students, attracting and retaining high quality teachers, and delivering
public education cost effectively. Respondents gave mixed ratings to
performance with respect to meeting academic, social and emotional needs of
all students. Performance ratings on attracting and retaining high quality
teachers were also mixed. A quarter of respondents rated performance with
respect to delivering public education cost effectively as ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’, while ratings of ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ were given by two-thirds of respondents.
Assessments were also split on issues of ensuring educationally appropriate
student-teacher ratios, providing state of the art facilities for teaching and
learning, providing adequate funding for education, and ensuring diversity,
equity and inclusion within the school system.
Overall, performance ratings were not positive. Some reasons for the poor
performance ratings could be found in qualitative comments provided by
respondents. These comments included references to infrastructure
problems (the need for a new high school, overcrowding in schools generally);
underfunding of services; stress/pressure being placed on students with
resultant mental health problems; leadership problems; perception of too
much emphasis on ‘wokeness’; and an overall concern about a decline in
educational quality. While not specifically a school-related issue, respondents
said that children and teens need more services or ‘more to do’.
There were a number of respondents who said they did not have adequate
information with which to evaluate performance on the issues within this
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broad category. That argues that Lexington Public Schools and School
Committee might engage in greater communication of information about the
school system and its operation to all residents, not just to
parents/guardians16.
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
The most important issue within this broad category was ensuring access to
safe drinking water. Almost one-third of respondents said this was the most
important issue. Additionally, almost all respondents rated this as
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Approximately two-thirds of respondents
assessed performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
For the other issues in this broad category, performance was rated poorly.
While meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-30
years received more positive ratings than negative ratings, performance was
not viewed as adequate relative to the perceived importance of the issue.
Reducing the use of toxic materials also received mixed reviews. Performance
with respect to the following issues received more negative than positive
ratings: reducing Greenhouse Gas production from transportation; stopping
expansion of fossil fuel use; reducing waste streams, including diverting food
waste to composting; providing public health and safety services in response
to rising temperatures and extreme weather; and providing education to
citizens about sustainability. Maintaining farmlands and access to locally
grown foods received mixed ratings on performance.
Qualitative comments focused on concerns about preserving open space and
trees; trash pickup; a desire for dog parks; and mixed reviews of whether
more focus should be placed on issues of climate change.
It should be noted that there were several issues for which a small number of
respondents (≤ 0.3%) were unable to provide assessments due to lack of
knowledge about the issue. The issues about which all respondents were able
to offer assessments were ensuring access to safe drinking water and
providing education to citizens about sustainability.
Physical Character
The issue receiving the highest percentage for importance was preserving
Town owned open space. Performance assessment on this issue was positive.
Preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures was also rated positively,
as was making Town’s public historic areas and structures accessible to all.
16 The need to provide information to residents, beyond parents and/or guardians, was noted in the report,
“Enhancing Communication in Lexington”. See
https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2549/ECiL-Report-PDF?bidId=
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Other issues received more negative than positive assessments: preserving
the physical character of residential neighborhoods; enhancing the physical
environment of the Town Center; and managing the flow of traffic through
Town. Performance ratings for ensuring adequate, convenient parking in the
business districts were slightly more positive than negative.
Qualitative comments relevant to this broad category addressed concerns
about too much noise; lack of adequate public transportation; complaints
about parking and about road safety due to dangers posed by bikers on main
roads; and perceptions that street lighting is inadequate. Additionally,
respondents noted that there should be greater attention paid to and
emphasis on the history of Lexington and they expressed dismay about the
condition of the Town Center. One repeatedly seen comment referred to the
loss of gathering places when several businesses in the Center closed.
Unlike in other broad categories where there were often several issues on
which respondents did not feel qualified to provide assessments, there was
only one issue here: making Town’s public historic areas and structures
accessible to all. Only 0.1% of respondents said they could not evaluate
performance.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The most important issue here was welcoming diverse groups of people. More
than three-quarters of respondents said this issue was ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important. More than half of respondents assessed performance on this issue
as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
The second most highly rated issue was ensuring housing is available for a
diverse population, but less than a quarter said performance was ‘excellent’
or ‘very good’. Offering gathering places for diverse ages and interests was the
third most highly rated issue, but only a third of respondents said
performance is ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
There were a considerable number of qualitative comments that addressed
issues within this broad category. Respondents expressed related concerns
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about housing: that there is a lack of diversity in housing stock, a lack of
affordable housing, too many ‘tear downs’, and too many “mansions”.
Additionally, respondents spoke about factors associated with diversity,
equity and inclusion. They expressed concern about there being too much
‘wokeness’ generally, and in particular in connection with a perceived loss of
attention to essential services due to concerns about ‘wokeness’. There was
apprehension that the character or culture of the Town would change as a
result of too much ‘catering’ to diversity issues. At the same time,
respondents said there is not enough concern with ALL forms of
discrimination.
The issues about which respondents (≤ 0.2%) reported being unable to assess
current performance were providing translated materials and translation
services and diversifying Town and school staff.
Town Government
The three most important issues within this broad category were: Town
officials and staff acting with integrity; balancing short-term needs with long-
term issues; and acting in a fiscally responsible manner, with the large
majority of respondents rating these as ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. For
the first issue and the third issue, assessments were more positive than they
were negative. However, performance ratings for balancing short-term needs
with long-term issues were more negative than they positive. While ensuring
Emergency Preparedness and Response plans are up to date was not ranked
as one of the most important issues to respondents, it did receive positive
ratings for performance.
There were two issues that received more negative than positive assessments
for performance. These were: living within constraints of Proposition 2 ½ and
making information on decisions and actions easy to obtain. Performance
ratings for planning for the long-term future were split. Encouraging
diversity in participation in Town affairs and participating in regional groups
to share resources, services, and ideas received somewhat more positive than
negative performance ratings.
Qualitative comments focused on several issues relevant to this broad
category: leadership, taxes, and zoning and development.
Some respondents said there was a lack of leadership or poor leadership
among Town officials, and a number noted problems in connection with
specific departments. Some expressed concerns about law enforcement.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Others took issue with the leadership on boards or committees. There was a
general annoyance with perceived lack of transparency or inability to access
information from boards or committees.
Quite a number of respondents commented on taxes. The primary complaint
was that taxes are too high. Some respondents suggested that there should
be a reduction in taxes for seniors, in particular (especially in light of the
observation by some that senior services are underfunded). Some accused
the Town of being fiscally irresponsible, and others noted there should be a
better balance between the residential and commercial tax bases.
There were several comments made related to zoning. Respondents expressed
concerns about development of land and noted that development appears to
be ‘out of control’. There was a sense that developers are not adequately
‘reined in’ or supervised by the Town but, rather, permitted too much latitude
when building. With regard to zoning, respondents said that it is too lax (or
sometimes inconsistent), especially in terms of house sizes or housing
regulations.
Acting in a fiscally responsible manner was the only issue for which all
respondents were able to provide an assessment. For each other issue, there
were at least a few respondents (≤ 0.3%) who said they were not able to
provide an assessment.
Town Services
The most important issue here was ensuring public safety. The vast majority
of respondents rated this as ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important and almost half of
respondents selected this as the single most important issue within this
broad category. Assessments of performance were also extremely high.
For the second most highly rated issue on importance, maintaining roads
and sidewalks, again most or nearly all of the respondents said this was
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Performance assessments were still more
positive than negative, but only about half of respondents assessed
performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
For each of the remaining issues, performance assessments were more
positive than they were negative, and the vast majority of respondents said
they felt qualified to make assessments.
Qualitative comments focused on infrastructure issues. While some
respondents expressed pleasure with new sidewalks, others complained that,
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overall, sidewalks are in poor repair and/or do not exist in areas where
residents are forced to walk in the road, endangering themselves and traffic.
Roads were generally deemed to be in very poor repair. Lack of maintenance
and damaging snowplowing were cited as reasons for this. Some
respondents cited so-called ‘private’ or ‘unaccepted’ roads as being in such
especially bad repair that they are impassable. Respondents also complained
about the poor conditions of playing fields (some noting that fields in other
communities are better maintained, and safer for playing), the Old Res, and
swimming pools.
One additional area of concern expressed by respondents was the need to
focus more on the health of residents, especially their mental health. As a
recent study of mental health among residents demonstrated, there are both
diagnosed conditions and un-diagnosed concerns for which residents
expressed a desire for support and help-seeking assistance.17
All respondents were sufficiently informed to evaluate performance on issues
except with regard to providing quality services and facilities, outside of
school, for children and teens (0.1%) and delivering Town services cost
effectively (0.1%).
17 https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4374/Mental-Health-Assessment-Town-of-Lexington-
2021-PDF
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Summary
There are many issues of importance to respondents, and those fall both on the
municipal and the school side of Town issues.
The issues of most importance to respondents (that is, those for which at least 85%
of responses fell into the ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important categories) are listed below,
along with their ratings of performance for the issues.
• Within the broad category of Economic Development, issues of most
importance were:
o Having a vibrant downtown that attracts residents and visitors
(89.2%)
o Providing supportive framework for economic development for
small businesses (87.5%)
Only 16.0% of respondents rated performance on the former issue as
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. Only 21.4% rated performance on the latter
issue as ‘excellent’ or very good’.
• Within the broad category of Public Education, issues of most importance
were:
o Attracting and retaining high quality teachers (95.8%)
o Meeting academic, social and emotional needs of all students
(91.4%)
o Providing adequate funding for education (89.2%)
o Ensuring educationally appropriate student-teacher ratios
(88.2%)
Only two issues, attracting and retaining high quality teachers and
providing adequate funding for education, received a positive performance
rating from over 50% of respondents. Positive performance ratings for the
other two issues were below 50%.
• Within the broad category of Climate, Environmental Health and
Sustainability, the issue of most importance was ensuring access to safe
drinking water (95.5%)
A majority of respondents (65.7%) rated performance on this issue as
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
• Within the broad category of Physical Character, the issue of most
importance was preserving Town owned open space (92.2%)
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A majority of respondents (65.8%) rated performance on this issue as
‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
• Within the broad category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, there were no
issues for which at least 85% of respondents deemed the issue to be
‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. (When asked which of the issues in this
broad category were most important, the issues with the highest rankings
were welcoming diverse groups of people and ensuring housing is
available for a diverse population. However, only 76.4% of respondents
said welcoming diverse groups of people was ‘extremely’ or ‘very’
important, and only 61.2% said ensuring housing is available for a
diverse population is ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.)
• Within the broad category of Town Government, issues of most importance
were:
o Town officials and staff acting with integrity (97.7%)
o Acting in a fiscally responsible manner (93.1%)
o Balancing short-term needs with long-term issues (91.6%)
For only one of the above issues were responses regarding performance
notably more positive than negative: Town officials and staff acting with
integrity (60.6% of respondents rated performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘very
good’).
o Within the broad category of Town Services, issues of most importance
were:
o Maintaining roads and sidewalks (95.8%)
o Ensuring public safety (93.9%)
Ratings of performance were especially positive for ensuring public safety
(82.3% of respondents rated performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’).
However, only 52.5% of respondents gave positive ratings for performance
with respect to maintaining roads and sidewalks.
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Overall, respondents provided more positive than negative assessments within the
broad categories.
For Economic Development
• Capitalizing on the Town’s history to attract a large number of
tourists
For Public Education
• Attracting and retaining high quality teachers
For Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
• Meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-
30 years
• Ensuring access to safe drinking water
For Physical Character
• Preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures
• Preserving Town owned open space
• Making Town’s public historic areas and structures accessible to
all
For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Welcoming diverse groups of people
• Providing books and other materials for a diverse population in the
library
• Providing translated materials on the Town website and through
Town departments
For Town Government
• Town officials and staff acting with integrity
• Balancing short-term needs with long-term issues
• Participating in regional groups to share resources, services and
ideas
• Ensuring emergency Preparedness and Response plans are up to
date
For Town Services
• Ensuring public safety
• Maintaining roads and sidewalks
• Offering sports fields and recreation facilities for diverse activities
• Providing comprehensive library services
• Providing quality services and facilities for senior citizens
• Providing quality services and facilities outside of schools, for
children and teens
• Delivering Town services in a responsive and friendly manner
• Delivering Town services cost-effectively
• Allocating adequate money for Town services
• Providing opportunities for life-long learning
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Respondents gave mixed reviews to:
• Meeting academic, social and emotional needs of all students
• Assuring educationally appropriate student-teacher ratios
• Providing adequate funding for education
• Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the school system
• Reducing the use of toxic materials
• Maintaining farmlands and access to locally grown foods
• Providing public health and safety services in response to rising
temperatures and extreme weather
• Providing education to citizens about sustainability
• Enhancing the physical environment of the Town Center
• Offering gathering places for diverse ages and interests
• Creating awareness of the Town’s diversity
• Balancing short-term needs with long-term issues
• Acting in a fiscally responsible manner
• Encouraging diversity in participation in Town affairs
• Making information on decisions and actions easy to obtain
• Planning for the long-term future
Respondents provided more negative than positive assessments of performance for
the following issues within broad categories:
For economic development:
• the vibrancy and physical environment of Town Center
• providing supportive framework for economic development for
large businesses as well as for small businesses
• attracting additional business development to expand the
commercial tax base
• attracting socially conscious retail and service businesses
For public education:
• providing state of the art facilities for teaching and learning
• delivering public education cost effectively
For climate, environmental health and sustainability:
• reducing Greenhous Gas production from transportation
• stopping expansion of fossil fuel use
• reducing waste streams, including diverting food waste to
composting
For physical character:
• preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods
• managing the flow of traffic through Town
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For diversity, equity and inclusion:
• ensuring housing is available for a diverse population
• diversifying Town and school staff
For Town government:
• living within constraints of Proposition 2 ½
For Town services: There were no issues for which performance was rated more
negatively than positively or for which there were mixed reviews.
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Part II - Experiences Living in Lexington
This section of the questionnaire asked respondents to reflect on their experiences
living in Lexington. Questions focused on quality of life assessments; potential
changes of concern; diversity, equity and inclusion; taxes; community participation
and connectedness.
Questions about Quality of Life
• Respondents were asked, taking everything into account, how satisfied they
are with Lexington as a place to live. Using a scale from 1 (= extremely
satisfied) to 10 (= not at all satisfied),
o 70.2% reported being satisfied (rating of 1, 2, or 3)
o 8.2% reported being unsatisfied (rating of 8, 9, or 10)
o The remainder selected neutral ratings between 4 and 7
• When asked about a comparison with life in Lexington 5 years ago,
o 50.1% of respondents indicated that they felt the quality of life is ‘the
same as it was’
o 14.0% felt the quality of life is ‘better than it was’
o 24.0% felt it is ‘worse than it was’
o 11.8% said they have not lived in Lexington for five years
When those respondents who said life is ‘worse’ now than it was five years ago were
asked to identify what is making the quality of life worse, they identified:
✓ Community climate: Comments in this connection were wide-ranging. They
included concerns about the general character of the Town; COVID issues;
too much construction; the lack of gathering places; people imposing their
values on others; political partisanship; and distress about a lack of
commitment to the Town on the part of too many residents who come to
Lexington for the schools and then leave as soon as a last child graduates
from high school.
✓ DEI issues: Almost half of those who mentioned this issue said there was
insufficient economic diversity in Town. Approximately one-third said the
Town was focusing too much on DEI issues, and specifically identified
‘wokeness’. Other respondents noted that there was intolerance of
differences.
✓ Environment: Comments from respondents on this issue addressed reduction
of open (or green) space; loss of trees; and too many restrictions on handling
of the environment/open space/private property.
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✓ Housing: Respondents identified mansionization as a problem; said ‘too big
houses’ were being constructed on ‘too small lots’; and said housing is too
expensive. Other comments addressed the lack of diversity in housing stock
and concern that there were too many apartment complexes being built.
✓ Infrastructure: The majority of comments in this area focused on there being
too much traffic and the poor condition of roads. Respondents also
mentioned concerns about noise and parking.
✓ Schools: Comments in this connection made note of declining quality of
education; overcrowding; and problems with the high school building and
grounds. Respondents also noted that the system caters to gifted students
and to students with more limited abilities at the expense of students in the
middle and made negative comments about leadership.
✓ Taxes and affordability: A sizeable number of respondents cited taxes as a
problem generally and noted that high taxes made ‘affordability’ of living in
Lexington difficult and the ‘cost of living’ in Lexington too high.
✓ Town Center: Respondents expressed concern that there are no local shops to
patronize because there are too many banks and real estate agencies and not
enough variety of other types of establishments. Several called the Center ‘a
mess’ and said that the Center is not vibrant.
✓ Town government: Over half of those who mentioned Town government as a
problem focused on Town leadership, with several comments targeting
specific Town departments, including Police and DPW. Respondents also
complained about snow removal and about receiving fewer services now than
they did five years ago.
✓ Zoning: There were concerns expressed primarily about residential zoning but
also about business zoning. A substantial number of respondents
commented on what they perceived to be a ‘lack of planning’.
✓ Miscellaneous: Almost half of those who commented on this question
expressed general negativity and frustration. Many said the Town is failing to
take advantage of its history and should focus more on that. Some expressed
that seniors deserve better treatment than they are getting and several said
bikers were a problem and safety hazard.
Respondents were asked to identify potential changes that might occur in Lexington
that concern them. Again, the responses were wide-ranging, but a pattern of issues
clearly emerged. The changes mentioned included:
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✓ Diversity: Respondents were divided on their feelings about diversity and DEI.
While many said there was too little attention to DEI and ensuring a
sensitivity to these issues, others said too much attention was devoted to DEI
or ‘wokeness’. Respondents said the community was becoming ‘polarized’
and in danger of becoming even more so.
✓ Environment: Respondents were concerned both about climate change in
general and specific environmental issues. Specific issues included: too
much traffic; inadequate public transportation; too much noise; not enough
bike and walking trails; inadequate infrastructure (e.g., power supplies and
power reliability, conditions of roads and sidewalks); failure to properly
preserve the history of neighborhoods; and not enough attention to open
space and tree canopies.
✓ Government: Respondents were most concerned about rising taxes and
‘irresponsible’ spending. Others found Town government to be inadequately
responsive to needs and/or complaints. Some expressed concern about
zoning issues; lack of planning; and too much commercial development.
✓ Health: Respondents made mention of COVID restrictions – some saying
‘enough is enough’ at this point and others wanting the continuation of mask
wearing. Some respondents expressed concern about the growing mental
health crisis and how the Town might address that. Still others worried about
drug use in general and/or complained about a proliferation of cannabis and
cannabis-related stores in Town.
✓ Housing: Many of the issues mentioned elsewhere in the questionnaire
appeared in response to this question as well. Specifically, respondents were
concerned about mansionization and the lack of diversity in housing stock,
as well as affordability of housing. Others cited zoning concerns and
restrictions on private dwelling improvements and fears about
overdevelopment and overcrowding.
✓ Schools: Again, many of the issues cited in response to other questions were
cited here as well. The quality of education was seen as in decline, in part
due to overcrowding and lack of planning for a new high school, as well as
too much stress being placed on students. Some respondents said too little
is being spent on necessary elements of education and school infrastructure,
while other respondents said there is too much spending on schools.
✓ Town Center: Themes were consistent with comments made elsewhere in the
questionnaire. The Center was characterized as ‘in decline’, with fewer and
fewer businesses to attract residents; lacking gathering places; having too
many banks and real estate agencies; and the potential for overbuilding.
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Questions about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A section new to this year’s study focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Respondents were asked about actions the Town should take to make all residents
feel welcome, how respondents have been treated by various Town entities, and
whether respondents identify specific characteristics about them that might have
influenced their treatment.
With respect to what the Town should do to make all feel welcome, responses ranged
from “the Town is already doing enough” or “nothing more needs to be done” to a
belief that this is not the responsibility of the Town to comments that there was
already too much emphasis on DEI, while others who responded to this open-ended
question identified some specific actions that could be taken. Some respondents:
• spoke directly to DEI issues (e.g., increasing diversity among Town and
school staff, providing DEI training to all, increasing the amount of
translated materials available)
• pointed to welcoming actions (e.g., using a Welcome Wagon for newcomers,
providing a ‘welcome package’, providing information to all residents and
encouraging all to participate in Town activities)
• suggested encouraging affinity groups to become more involved in welcoming
activities
• said there should be more diverse housing options
• said the Town should provide places for youth to ‘hang out’
• wanted to increase awareness of the history of different groups in Town (e.g.,
provide Town-wide events focused on different cultures and sub-cultures)
• proposed adopting a policy of zero tolerance and acceptance of all views or
perspectives
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Respondents were asked about their treatment by specific Town entities.
Extremely
or very
well
(%)
Acceptably
(%)
Poorly or
very
poorly
(%)
Not
relevant
(%)
Town municipal offices 61.1 19.0 2.5 12.4
Department of Public Works 58.2 19.5 4.0 18.3
Police Department 56.6 16.4 4.9 22.1
Fire Department/EMTs 55.2 8.1 0.5 36.2
Human Services 28.4 9.7 0.9 61.6
Recreation Department 55.4 15.8 1.7 27.1
Lexington Public Schools 54.1 16.4 5.5 24.0
Cary Library 84.2 7.0 0.9 7.9
Cells in blue represent overall responses between 50% and 100%
Cells in yellow represent overall responses between 0 and 49.9%
More than half of all respondents replied that all of the Town entities mentioned
treated them extremely or very well. Ratings for poor or very poor treatment were
low, ranging from 0.9% to 5.5% for all departments. The rating for Human Services
appears low because more than half of the respondents said that the department
was not relevant to them. However, the majority who received services (74.7%)
reported being treated extremely or very well.
When they were asked if they would identify specific characteristics might have
influenced how they were treated, they said they believed the following were factors:
✓ Their national origin (21.9%)
✓ Their sex/gender identity (19.4%)
✓ Their age group (18.8%)
✓ Their racial/ethnic background (18.8%)
✓ Their English language proficiency (16.7%)
✓ Their social/economic class (15.6%)
✓ Their disability (6.5%)
✓ Their sexual orientation (3.2%)
✓ Their religious affiliation (3.1%)
Results for this question need careful interpretation both because responses were
subjective, and because they do not differentiate between whether the respondent
was treated poorly, or treated well, due to his or her identify. The question did not
ask if treatment was positive or negative. It should also be noted that between
12.5% and 21.9% of respondents for each identity said they were unsure or did not
know if the identity influenced their treatment.
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Questions about Taxes
Questions in this section focused on perceptions of taxes and knowledge of tax relief
programs available.
• Relative to the level of services they received from the Town,
o 60.1% of respondents said their taxes are too high
o 39.1% said their taxes are appropriate
o 0.9% said their taxes are too low
• Respondents were asked to indicate how strongly they agreed or disagreed
with the following statement: My property taxes make it difficult for me to
meet my other financial obligations and maintain my standard of living.
o 13.3% strongly agreed
o 23.1% agreed
o 49.2% disagreed
o 14.4% strongly disagreed
The majority of respondents did not find it difficult to meet financial
obligations and maintain their standard of living because of taxes.
• Respondents were asked if they are aware of the tax deferral/reduction
programs available in Town. Levels of awareness varied somewhat, but,
overall, knowledge of the existence of these programs was relatively low.
The program with which respondents were most aware was the Senior Tax
Deferral Program.
• Respondents were also asked if they used any of the tax deferral/reduction
programs. Use was low, ranging from a low of 0.1% for the Senior Tax
Deferral Program to a high of 0.8% for the Community Preservation Act
Surcharge Exemption.
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Questions about Community Participation
• There was considerable participation in the various activities and opportunities
offered to residents by the Town. The most commonly cited activity was use
of community walking trails or bike trails. It might be hard to interpret this
finding because of the effect of COVID restrictions on behaviors. This was
followed by checking out materials from the Library, and utilizing ball fields,
playgrounds, tennis courts, golf course, etc. Lowest rates of participation or
use of services were seen in connection with assistance from Human
Services, participation in Senior programs, or rides on Lexpress.
• Respondents also participated in various community activities. Those
activities cited include:
✓ Town committees or Boards 16.7%
✓ Cultural, civic or community organizations 41.9%
✓ Lexington Public Schools volunteer 63.9%
✓ Religious institution volunteer 34.3%
✓ Other 32.3%
Other activities cited include: Town Meeting, youth sports, scouting,
Lexington Historical Society, Library, conservation, politics/elections.
• Respondents indicated that they stay connected to the community in a variety
of ways. Mechanisms for staying connected fell into six broad categories:
✓ Town resources:
▪ 70.7% use the Town website
▪ 41.3% use Town of Lexington email lists
▪ 36.1% use Recreation Department programming
▪ 19.3% use Town of Lexington social media
✓ Community groups/events:
▪ 36.3% use community-wide events
▪ 34.2% use local Facebook groups
▪ 26.2% use the Lexington listserv
▪ 6.7% use the Lexington Newcomers Club
✓ Neighborhood resources:
▪ 25.2% use neighborhood groups
▪ 19.0% use neighborhood listservs
▪ 13.3% use neighborhood pools
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✓ Cultural/religious resources:
▪ 24.9% use their faith community
▪ 4.2% use cultural affinity groups
✓ School/educational resources:
▪ 41.4% use Cary Library programming
▪ 31.2% use PTOs
▪ 8.3% use book clubs
✓ Other:
▪ 4.7 use WeChat
▪ 4.1% use WhatsApp
▪ 0.7% use local media
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Part III - Priorities and Competing Issues
This section of the questionnaire asked respondents to identify which competing
issues were most important to them. Items were presented in terms of trade-offs or
prioritization of issues in light of tight budgets and increasing demands on the
budgets.
In terms of school services and programs,
• 61.6% of respondents said they would prefer to increase property taxes to
meet budgetary needs vs.
• 38.4% of respondents who would prefer to reduce publicly-funded school
services and programs.
The support for school services and programs expressed here is consistent with the
expressed importance of public education issues in Part I.
In terms of municipal services (public safety, public works, recreation, etc.),
• 55.1% of respondents said they would prefer to increase property taxes to
meet budgetary needs vs.
• 44.9% of respondents who would prefer to reduce publicly-funded municipal
services.
This, too, is consistent with the importance placed on Town-provided services as
expressed in responses to questions in Part I. It appears, however, that willingness
to pay for municipal services, in the form of tax increases, is lower than it is for
willingness to pay for school-related services.
In response to a specific question that compared reductions in school vs. municipal
services,
• 14.2% of respondents would support a reduction in school services and
programs vs.
• 44.2% of respondents who would support a reduction in municipal services.
This is consistent with the previous two findings.
• 41.7% of respondents, however, would support a reduction in both school
and municipal services if resources are insufficient to maintain the Town’s
current level of services.
The vast majority of respondents would support reductions in municipal services or
both municipal and school services. Few respondents would support a reduction in
school services alone.
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When asked about the role of the commercial tax base in reducing reliance on
residential property taxes,
• 76.9% of respondents said they preferred increasing commercial density (and
the commercial tax base) vs.
• 20.1% of respondents who said they preferred to keep zoning the same and
not allow additional commercial density.
With regard to making roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists,
• 75.9% of respondents said they preferred making roadways safer for
pedestrians and cyclists, including traffic calming measures, vs.
• 24.1% of respondents who said they would prioritize roadways for vehicular
flow.
When considering what should be done with the remaining land that is still available
for development,
• 27.1% of respondents preferred creating affordable housing vs.
• 11.9% who preferred creating recreation fields vs.
• 61.1% who preferred preserving available open space.
This is consistent with the importance of protecting open spaces and their
environment as expressed by respondents in Part I.
With respect to how to handle existing and new homes and housing development,
• 62.5% of respondents preferred regulating residential land use to ensure
diversity of housing options vs.
• 37.5% of respondents who preferred limiting regulation of residential land
use and allowing the market to determine the housing mix.
This is consistent with concerns expressed in Part I about housing diversity and
with qualitative comments offered by respondents to several open-ended questions
in the questionnaire. Specifically, respondents mentioned:
• concerns about housing stock diversity, especially with regard to the effect of
certain types of housing (e.g., apartments and condos) on schools
• offering more affordable housing options
• more options for housing for seniors
• more housing for diverse income groups
• more multi-family housing
• the need to maintain neighborhood character and integrity
• concerns about ‘tear-downs’
• negative responses to mansionization
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• concerns about dense housing developments
• too much control by developers
• concerns about high prices of housing
Finally, respondents were asked about priorities with respect to rights of property
owners and preserving the natural environment.
• 33.7% of respondents said it is more important to preserve the rights of
property owners vs.
• 66.3% said it is more important to preserve the natural environment.
A second question in Part III asked respondents to rank each of the seven (7) broad
categories identified in Part I with regard to the importance of each of the categories
to respondents.
Percent of respondents’ rankings of the most important category
Ensuring economic development 15.7%
Ensuring quality public education 36.5%
Addressing climate, environmental health and sustainability issues 14.8%
Sustaining the physical character of the Town 9.5%
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion 4.5%
Providing responsible Town government 8.4%
Delivering Town services 10.7%
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The highest ranked category was ensuring quality public education (e.g.,
teacher/student ratios, meeting social and academic needs, providing adequate
funding for education, etc.). This is consistent with findings in Part I of the
questionnaire and with regard to priorities as identified in the first section of Part
III.
The lowest ranked category was promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (e.g., in
housing, educational opportunities, hiring, etc.). This would appear to be
inconsistent with previously reported findings in which respondents said that, for
example, ensuring diverse housing is important. However, it must be noted that
respondents were not saying this category is unimportant. Rather, compared with
other categories of issues, this occupied a lower priority.
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Part IV - Demographic Findings
Questions in this section of the questionnaire focused on background information
on the respondents. These data were collected, in part, to establish the
representativeness of the sample with regard to the population of residents in
Lexington. All data are presented in aggregated form, preserving anonymity and
thereby removing the possibility of identifying responses from individual
respondents.
Comparison of demographic data from the sample of respondents who completed
the questionnaire with data from the U.S. Census Bureau18 confirms that the
sample of respondents is representative of the Lexington population.
• The majority of respondents were Lexington residents. There were a few
responses from Town/school staff members or owners/employees of a
Lexington business, but in most of those cases, the respondents were also
Lexington residents.
• Sex:
46.1% of respondents were male; 53.2% were female. Remaining
respondents identified themselves as gender neutral, transgendered, or
preferred not to respond. This variable was one important measure of the
representativeness of the sample. As compared with statistics from the U.S.
Census Bureau for the population of Lexington in 2020 (the most recent data
available), the proportion of male and female respondents mirrors the
proportion of males and females in the population (48.9% males and 51.1%
females).
• Age:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age of Lexington residents
is between 45 and 54. The median age of questionnaire respondents is
between 50 and 59 (using categories provided in the questionnaire). Median
age of respondents is slightly higher than that of the population at large.
Examination of histograms of the distribution of ages among survey
respondents and that of the age distribution of residents in Lexington
according to the U.S. Census show that the two distributions are
comparable. Thus, the age distribution of respondents is representative of the
age distribution of residents eligible to complete the survey in Lexington.
18 American Community Survey 2020
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• Education:
Education Achieved Questionnaire
Respondents
(%)
Lexington Population
(%)
Masters, Professional or
PhD degree
72.1 59.2
College Graduate 18.7 25.7
Some College 2.5 8.2
High School Graduate 0.7 5.5
Respondents to the questionnaire tend to be more highly educated than is
the population in Lexington. However, the pattern of education is consistent.
This is not surprising in that better educated people are more likely to
complete questionnaires.19
• Race/Ethnicity:
Race/Ethnicity Questionnaire
Respondents
(%)
Lexington
Population
(%)
White 72.3 62.0
Asian or South Asian 19.1 30.6
Hispanic/Latino/a/x 2.1 1.9
Black/African American 0.8 1.3
Other or multi-racial/ethnic 4.3 5.0
Respondents identifying as White and Asian or South Asian were the two
largest ethnic groups represented in the survey. When percentages of
questionnaire respondents were compared to percentages in the U.S. Census,
there were more White respondents and fewer Asian/South Asian
respondents to the questionnaire than there are in the general population.
Responses from Hispanic/Latino/a/x and Black/African American residents
and those who identify themselves as ‘other’ or multi-racial/ethnic were
consistent with their numbers in the general population.
19 See Smith, G. 2008. “Does gender influence online survey participation? A record linkage analysis of
university faculty online survey response behavior”. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 501717; ADD:
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• Language spoken at home:
Language spoken Questionnaire
Respondents (%)
Lexington
Population (%)
English 91.6 64.1
Asian/South Asian 3.6 20.6
European language 2.0 13.0
Other 2.8 2.0
Multiple languages 27.3 *
* Comparable information on Lexington residents who speak multiple languages was not
available through the Census.
Most of the respondents have English as their primary language spoken at
home. Approximately one quarter of the respondents speak multiple
languages at home. The rest of the respondents speak Arabic, Hebrew,
Russian, a form of Indian language, Korean, or Japanese. There was a
discrepancy between the languages spoken at home identified in the U.S.
Census and those identified by respondents. A larger percentage of those
self- identifying as English-only speakers and a smaller percentage of those
self- identifying as speaking other languages at home completed the survey,
as compared to Census data. What is important to note is that respondents
whose primary language may not be English were still able to participate in
the survey because they spoke English in addition to their primary language.
• Income:
The distribution of responses within income categories is similar to the
distribution of income categories within the population. According to the U.S.
Census, the mean household income in 2020 was $243,312.00. 46.6% of
residents have incomes over $200,000.00. The mean household income
among respondents to the questionnaire was within the category of
$150,000.00 and $299,999.00. 60.1% of respondents have incomes over
$200,000.00. The respondents appear to have somewhat higher incomes
than do residents in the general population.
There were some discrepancies between the demographic characteristics of
respondents to the questionnaire and the demographic characteristics of the
Lexington population. The respondents were better educated, had higher
incomes, and were more likely to speak English as a primary language in the
home. There were more White respondents and fewer Asian/South Asian
respondents than in the general population. Overall, the sample of
respondents to the survey with respect to age and sex is representative of the
population of residents eligible to participate in the survey.
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Other findings in Part IV
• Most current Lexington residents have lived in Town for a long time. 45.9% of
respondents have lived here for more than 20 years. 38.8% have lived here
between 6 and 20 years.
• When asked to identify factors that drew respondents to live in Lexington:
o 7.6% said they grew up here
o 11.0% moved here because of family
o 6.7% moved here because of friends
o 11.6% moved here because of the history of the Town
o 47.4% moved here for the location
o 61.5% moved here for the schools
o Other reasons cited by respondents included:
✓ cultural/religious comfort
✓ diversity of the population
✓ environmental features, including conservation land
✓ housing availability (and affordability)
✓ job opportunities or work
✓ political environment
✓ Town Center (as it was when they moved to Lexington)
• 51.3% of respondents said it is ‘highly likely’ they will still be living in
Lexington in eight (8) years. 29.4% said it is ‘somewhat likely’, while 19.2%
said it is ‘somewhat unlikely’ or ‘very unlikely’.
• Reasons given why respondents might move from Lexington included:
o Changes in the community (e.g., loss of sense of community;
overdevelopment; loss of open space; too much emphasis on
DEI/’wokeness’/not enough emphasis on DEI; further decline of Town
Center; too many restrictions on property ownership)
o Children not here (e.g., when children finish public schooling; when
children live elsewhere; when there are no family commitments)
o Death (e.g., loss of spouse/partner; own death)
o Environmental considerations (e.g., new location; desire for warmer
climate; safe community; crime issues)
o Financial (e.g., retirement; affordability; taxes too high)
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o Health (e.g., health issues or disabilities requiring a move out of own
home; old age; incapacitation)
o Need to downsize (e.g., safer living environment (single floor home);
elder housing (assisted living, senior living, nursing home); inability to
maintain current home)
o Schools (e.g., failure to construct new high school; too much
competition among students; further decline in educational quality)
o Work requirements/constraints
• 55.3% of respondents live in households with three or more people. 37.2%
live in households with two people. 7.5% of respondents live alone.
• 46.0% of respondents live in households with children aged 18 or younger
(16.3% with one child; 22.9% with two children; 6.8% with three children)
• 57.9% have children under the age of 5 who will likely attend Lexington Public
Schools. 42.0% of those with children under the age of 5 say their children
will likely go to other schools.
• Approximate value of residences ranged from less than $500,000 to more
than $4,000,000. The mean value of residences in which respondents live
was between $851,000 and $950,000; the median value of residences was
between $951,000 and $1,500,000.
• Representation of respondents by precincts was relatively evenly spread
through the community. The lowest rate of representation was in precinct 3,
at 6.3%, and the highest was in precincts 2 and 4, at 12.7% each. Most
precincts had representation in the 10.4% to 12.4% range.
• While 93.6% of respondents said they are registered voters, only 64.1% said
they voted in the March 2021 election.20 Given the discrepancy between
20According to the Town Clerk’s record of voter turnout in the March 2021 election (see,
https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1799/March-1-2021---Annual-Town-Election-PDF ) only
12% of eligible voters voted. The discrepancy between actual voters and those who indicated they voted in the
questionnaire is notable, but not surprising. Those who would complete a survey are also more likely to have
participated in civic affairs by voting. In this sense, the sample is not representative of the larger population.
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number of registered voters and number of respondents who said they voted
in March 2021, it is important to identify reasons for not voting. Reasons
given by non-voters were:
Reasons for not voting in March 2021 election % of
responses
Not a citizen 4.6
Too busy 4.5
Missed deadlines (e.g., registration, absentee balloting, etc.) 3.7
Issues did not matter to the respondent/issues weren’t important
enough to the respondent
3.5
Belief that individual’s vote would not have an influence 2.0
Belief the local elections really don’t make an impact 0.8
Did not like choices offered 0.8
Accessibility issues (e.g., transportation, bad weather, illness) 0.7
Inconvenient polling place hours 0.5
Does not trust government/governmental entities 0.3
• There had been a concerted effort made to encourage residents to participate
in the 2022 Town-wide survey. Many avenues of outreach were used and
repeated ‘reminders’ were sent through those avenues. Given the current low
rate of responses to questionnaires generally21, this outreach was important,
and it yielded positive results. (The response rate to the 2022 survey was
9.6%. By comparison, response rate to the 2012 survey was 3.8% and to the
2017 survey was 5.1%.) In order to assess the most fruitful means of
educating residents about the survey and encouraging their response, a
question relating to how respondents learned about the survey was included.
Respondents said they learned about the survey through the following
avenues. (Note that respondents were able to identify more than one avenue.)
21 While “response representativeness is more important than response rate in survey research” (Cook, C., F.
Heath, R. Thompson. 2000. “A meta-analysis of response rates in web- or Internet-based surveys”. Educational
and Psychological Measurement 60:821-836), it is important to increase response rate to help ensure
representativeness. Response rates of between 5% and 30% are currently considered acceptable for electronic
questionnaires.
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Source of knowledge about the 2022 Town-wide Survey % of
responses
A postcard sent to homes through the Vision for Lexington
committee
32.7
Town eNewsletter (e.g., Link to Lexington, Town News and
Alerts)
25.0
Insert included in the 2022 Census form sent by the Town 12.1
Town website 11.6
Word of mouth (e.g., friends, neighbors) 10.1
Community listserv 8.5
Town social media 5.5
Community social media (e.g., Lexington Mavens) ( 5.1
Local newspaper/media 5.1
PTO Newsletter/school emails/school newsletters 3.8
Community organization mailing (e.g., IAL, KOLex, CAAL,
CaLex)
3.7
Code Red non-emergency telephone calls from the Town 3.7
Neighborhood association 0.3
Library/Community Center 0.2
WeChat/Apps 0.1
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Comparisons of Ratings of Importance and Ratings of
Performance
The chart below (as previously presented in Conclusions for Part I) reports on
the ratings of importance and performance with respect to the broad
categories.
Extremely
or very
important
(%)
Town doing
excellent or
very good
job
(%)
Town doing
fair to poor
job
(%)
Economic Development 65.0 18.5 52.4
Public Education 83.6 43.4 50.4
Climate, Environmental Health and
Sustainability
71.4 31.7 29.0
Physical Character 74.5 43.5 21.1
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 61.1 40.5 26.7
Town Government 83.5 37.3 24.2
Town Services 80.6 60.6 10.8
The charts below present the comparison of importance and performance with
respect to specific issues within each broad category.
The blue lines represent the expressed importance of the item. This was
measured using the following:
1=Extremely
2=Very
3=Somewhat
4=Not very
5=Not at all
The red lines represent the evaluation of performance with respect to the
item. This was measured using the following:
1=Excellent
2=Very good
3=Good
4=Fair
5=Poor
(‘Don’t know’ responses were treated as ‘missing’ data and removed from
statistical calculations.)
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Economic Development
Each of the findings was statistically significant. The strongest correlation between
perceived importance and rating of performance was for providing supportive
framework for economic development for small businesses (G22= -.27823), meaning
that the more important the item was rated, the worse the performance with respect
to it; the weakest correlation was for capitalizing on the Town’s history to attract a
large number of tourists (G= .080), meaning that the rating of importance came
close to matching the rating of performance.
G= -.222; p24= .000
22 Gamma (G) is a measure of the strength of association for variables measured at the ordinal level. The value
of G ranges from 0 = no relationship between the variables to +/- 1.00 = perfect correlation between the
variables. The value explains how much of the variance in the dependent variable (in this case, rating of
performance) is explained by the particular independent variable (in this case, rating of importance).
23 A negative value means that there is an inverse relationship between the two variables. In this case, the
higher the rating of importance, the lower the rating of performance. A positive value means that there is a
direct relationship which would mean that the higher the rating of importance, the higher the rating of
performance.
24 P≤ .05 signifies a statistically significant relationship in this study.
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G= .080; p=.003
G= -.123; p=.000
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G= -.278; p=.000
G= -.238; p=.000
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G= -.241; p=.000
Public Education
Not all of these findings were statistically significant. The relationships between
importance and performance with respect to meeting academic, social, and
emotional needs of all students; ensuring educationally appropriate student-teacher
ratios; delivering public education cost effectively; and providing adequate funding
for education were not statistically significant. The strongest correlation among the
statistically significant findings was for ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion
within the school system (G= -.255; p=.000). However, the correlation indicated an
inverse relationship, meaning that the more important the item, the lower the rating
of performance.
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G= .055; p=.135
G= .157; p=.000
G= -.025; p=.474
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G= -.150; p=.000
G= .037; p=.288
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G= -.015; p=.655
G= -.255; p=.000
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
Two of the findings in this section were not statistically significant, specifically,
meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-30 years and
providing public health and safety services in response to rising temperatures and
extreme weather. The strongest statistically significant correlation was for
ensuring access to safe drinking water (G= .326). In this case, there was a positive
correlation between ratings of importance and ratings of performance. For all the
other statistically significant findings, the correlation between importance and
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performance was inverse. That is, the more important the item was seen to be, the
poorer the performance with respect to it.
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G= -.036; p=.324
G= -.131; p=.002
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G= -.270; p=.000
G= -.207; p=.000
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G= -.086; p=.008
G= -.115; p=.000
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G= -.001; p=.979
G= .326; p=.000
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G=-.152; p=.000
Physical Character
Each of these findings was statistically significant. The strongest correlation
between perceived importance and rating of performance was for managing the flow
of traffic through Town (G= -.347). This indicates a strong inverse relationship, that
is, the more important the item, the lower the rating of the performance with
respect to it. There were a number of inverse relationships: preserving the physical
character of residential neighborhoods; enhancing the physical environment of the
Town Center; managing the flow of traffic through Town; and ensuring adequate,
convenient parking in the business districts. These findings argue that the more
important the item was to respondents, the lower the performance rating for the
item.
25.5
32.5
27.2
9.3
5.5
5.9
21.8
40.1
22.8
9.4
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1 2 3 4 5PercentProviding education to citizens about sustainability
Importance Performance
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G= .105; p=.001
G= .093; p=.005
60.7
31.4
6.7 0.8
0.3
19.3
46.5
25.4
6.7
2.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5PercentPreserving Town owned open space
Importance Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 85
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G= .115; p=.000
G=-.281; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 86
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=-.221; p=.000
G=-.347; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 87
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=-.270; p=.000
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
All but one (providing translated materials on the Town website and through Town
departments) of the findings was statistically significant. One of the findings
(providing books and other materials for a diverse population in the library) showed
a direct relationship between importance and performance. This indicates that there
is a consistency between importance of the items and the ratings of performance.
Other relationships evidenced inverse relationships, where the ratings for
importance were higher than the ratings for performance. The two items for which
there is the greatest discrepancy between importance and performance are
diversifying Town and school staff (G= -.430) and ensuring housing is available for a
diverse population (G= -.428).
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 88
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G= -.096; p=.001
G=-.428; p=.000
G=-.181; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 89
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.108; p=.001
G=.001; p=.985
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 90
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=-.156; p=.000
G=-.430; p=.000
Town Government
All but two of the findings (acting in a fiscally responsible manner and planning for
the long-term future) were statistically significant. The strongest correlation
between perceived importance and rating of performance was for living within
constraints of Proposition 2 1/2 (G= -.371), meaning that there was considerable
discrepancy between the rating of importance of this item and the rating of
performance for it. For two items (Town officials and staff acting with integrity and
ensuring Emergency Preparedness and Response plans are up to date) importance
and performance were positively correlated (G= .258).
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 92
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.258; p=.000
G=.166; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=-.066; p=.053
G=-.371; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=-.122; p=.000
G=-.184; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 95
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.111; p=.009
G=.059; p=.104
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 96
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.258; p=.000
Town Services
Several of these findings were not statistically significant: maintaining roads and
sidewalks; offering sports fields and recreation facilities for diverse activities;
providing quality services and facilities for senior citizens; and providing
opportunities for life-long learning. Two of the items, providing quality services and
facilities, outside of school, for children and teens and delivering Town services
cost-effectively, had inverse relationships between importance and performance.
(The more the item was deemed important, the lower the rating of performance.)
The strongest positive correlations were found for providing comprehensive library
services (G= .369) and ensuring public safety (G= .357).
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 97
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.357; p=.000
G=-.045; p=.137
59.6
36.2
3.8 0.4
0
17.2 35.3
29.8
12.7
5.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5PercentMaintaining roads and sidewalks
Importance Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 98
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.037; p=.218
G= .369; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 99
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G= .063; p= .065
G= -.075; p=.016
36
42.6
18
2.8
0.7
13.5
32.3
36
13
5.1
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1 2 3 4 5PercentProviding quality services and facilities, outside of
schools, for children and teens
Importance Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 100
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G=.166; p=.000
G= -.144; p=.000
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
G= .154; p=.000
G= .035; p=.253
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Summary
In a number of instances, where findings were statistically significant, there was
close correspondence between importance and performance:
• providing supportive framework for economic development of large business
• preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures
• providing books and other materials for a diverse population in the library
• ensuring public safety
• providing comprehensive library services
In most cases, however, ratings of importance of issues were higher than were
ratings of performance with respect to the issues.
Focus Groups
In addition to administering the questionnaire for Town-wide response, the Task
Force opted to conduct a number of focus groups in order to delve further into
selected topics identified as most central to concerns of respondents to the
questionnaire. (Please see Appendix B for a list of topics for discussion with
participants.)
Participants for the focus groups had been solicited through the questionnaire and
through a subsequent outreach to participants post-questionnaire. Six groups
(consisting of a total of 51 participants) were conducted and the qualitative results
of those groups were incorporated into the dataset along with the quantitative and
qualitative findings from the questionnaire.
Topics of Discussion
Each group was provided with a set of questions (and probes). The order of the
questions was varied from one group to another to ensure that each question would
be addressed first by at least one focus group. (There was the expectation that most
groups would be able to address all questions, but also recognition that some
groups might be more focused on specific questions and thus not have time to
address all questions.) The questions concentrated on the following:
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
• Town Center
• Public Education
• Diversity
• Infrastructure
• Housing
• Taxes
Specific questions were derived from results of the questionnaire, specifically
qualitative comments provided by respondents. Most of the comments made/points
raised in the focus groups echoed those made by respondents on the questionnaire.
On the Town Center, participants said a nice Town Center was a reason for moving
here, but things have deteriorated. There are too many banks/realtors. Many said
there is no reason to go to the Center; they shop elsewhere. Participants noted that
other Town centers feel more vibrant, have more diversity of shops, and are more
pleasant to visit. To remedy problems with the Center, participants identified the
need for rent control so that businesses can move into, and stay in, Town; re-
branding and marketing the Center to make it more appealing; incubating
businesses; and engaging in more thinking and planning about what would attract
people to the Center. Other suggestions included: holding more events in the
Center; connecting the bike path from schools to the Center; making traffic flow,
and pedestrian safety, and parking better; adding bookstores, clothing stores,
places for people to hang out, more outdoor seating. Several participants said that
the Town is not listening to them and doing things to improve the Center.
On Public Education, participants were generally negative in their assessments.
Comments focused on visibly broken infrastructure; lack of adequate attention to
mental health needs of children and identification of learning disabilities or
limitations; disciplinary disparities by race/ethnicity; too much focus on socio-
emotional needs and not enough on academics. Many of the negative comments
were centered around the high school and students’ experiences there, including
that it is too big; is overcrowded; needs replacement; does not adequately pay
attention to children in the middle academic ranges (the children ‘get lost’); is too
pressured, causing stress for students; has too much focus on extracurricular
activities. Some participants were worried about the impact on the schools of Town
demographics and the resultant high taxes that must be paid by those without
children in the schools, and expressed concern that the Town budget allocates too
much money for education – without evidence of it being a worthwhile investment.
Participants also made some suggestions for improving the educational experience.
These included: experimenting with new and different forms of education (e.g.,
Education without Walls; more technology-based courses; use of micro-schools;
introducing world languages in elementary school; more intergenerational
programming; more work-based learning; and using local companies/organizations
for mentoring). There was also a desire for holding high school graduation in
Lexington.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
On Diversity, there was concern expressed that there is so much focus on Pride and
racial/ethnic diversity that ‘white’ students in schools ‘feel left out’. It was noted by
participants in focus groups that care should be taken that we not separate
cultures rather than celebrating cultures. More cross-pollination between groups is
needed. There were mixed feelings with regard to diversity – some said it was
important to acknowledge and address diversity, while some said it is ‘offensive’ or
‘biased’ to spend so much energy on DEI and the idea of quotas because it suggests
minorities cannot make it on their own. Some participants focused on economic
and/or housing and/or age diversity and said these were problems in Lexington.
There was some agreement that children are ahead of their parents/grandparents
on diversity issues so less time/effort should be spent on DEI issues in schools.
Suggestions for addressing issues of diversity included: focusing on similarities
(rather than differences); developing more affordable housing; being more creative
with regard to economic diversity; making greater use of the Community Center to
encourage mixing of groups; not having hiring quotas; holding more festivals to
bring people together.
On Infrastructure, participants said they wanted more neighborhood parks for local
gathering and greater accessibility to parks from bike paths. Several said there are
not enough sidewalks for safe walking, especially where children walk to schools or
playgrounds, or adequately visible crosswalks for safe street crossing. Participants
advocated for more trees; more e-charging stations; more control of invasive species;
reduced speed limits (in some areas); and greater control over developers, who were
seen as sometimes being dismissive of neighborhood concerns or zoning or planning
requirements. Suggestions for improvement included: adding dog parks; using more
traffic calming measures; sharing more information on environmental issues with
residents; creating a list of ‘green’ companies; putting electrical wires underground;
and encouraging greater use of electric vehicles (EV), solar power, and public
transportation.
On Housing, participants had many negative comments. These are comments that
have been heard in previous Town-wide surveys. Participants reported that
building has gotten ‘out of control’. New houses are too big for their lots; high
prices restrict diverse offerings; more ‘starter’ homes are needed; mansionization
has a negative effect on everyone’s taxes; tear downs destroy the culture of the
Town; and zoning to allow for multi-family housing violates the desire for single
family housing. Participants wanted the Town and Planning Board to work with
developers to get them to be more sensitive and responsive to needs and desires of
residents. Suggestions were in line with observed problems: to control tear downs;
develop policies that promote housing diversity in general and affordable housing;
to allow accessory dwelling units to keep seniors in Town; control obstacles that
make it easier to tear down a house than to improve it; consider housing density
and the potentially dangerous effect too many houses clustered too closely together
could pose for emergency (e.g., fire truck) access; and consult with School
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Committee before building multi-unit and affordable housing (that could encourage
families with young children to move to Lexington) and increasing the burden on
the schools.
On Taxes, there was some discussion about the role of the Community Preservation
Act. Some participants said it was a good thing because it helps fund needed
improvements to Town, while others saw it as a ‘slush fund’ without adequate
explanation as to how the money in the fund is spent. Although participants
generally acknowledged that new buildings (e.g., Police Station, High School) are
needed, they cautioned against having to build ‘the best of the best’. Consistent
with comments seen in the questionnaire, some participants believe their taxes are
too high. Some expressed willingness to forgo some services (e.g., trash collection,
recycling) in order to reduce taxes, but others said they would be willing to pay
higher taxes for things such as mental health and addiction efforts; adult/senior
day care; and/or a group home/day center for those who are developmentally
disabled. Some questioned whether high taxes are a function of the Town paying
high salaries, and others expressed concern that a lack of planning for upcoming
needs prevents proper attention to tax control. Taxes were also seen as a barrier to
the entry of newcomers to Town. Participants had some suggestions for dealing
with tax issues: focus more on tourism (and the revenue it can bring); use a
graduated real estate tax for seniors (to encourage them to remain in Town);
diversify the tax base to include more commercial development; and increase
housing density to create a large residential tax base.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Comparison of Findings from 2012 and 2017 and 2022
Surveys
As stated at the beginning of this report, from its inception, the 20/20 (now Vision
for Lexington) Committee has sought input from residents for the planning process.
Soliciting comments and observations from citizens has been a critical part of the
planning process, and it continues to be so. The current survey (2022) is the latest
effort on behalf of 20/20 (Vision for Lexington) and the three elected Boards to hear
from citizens. It is a replication (with some modifications) of Town-wide surveys
conducted in 2012 and 2017. A goal of Vision for Lexington is to repeat such
studies every five (5) years in order to assess community perspectives and progress
toward addressing stated preferences of community members. Data from the
current study, coupled with the data from the 2012 and 2017 studies, provide the
first three data points for comparison.
Most Important Issues
Examination of results of the 2012 and 2017 surveys in comparison to results of
the 2022 survey reveals that, while some things have changed, many remain as
they were in 2012 and 2017. When respondents were asked what the most
important issues were in 2012 and 2017, for example, there were notable
consistencies with data from 2022. Where the most important issue appeared in at
least two years, percentages are provided for comparison.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
In the category of Economic Development, 77% of respondents in 2012 said that
having a vibrant downtown was most important. In 2017, 65.3% of respondents
identified the same issue. In 2022, that was, again, the issue respondents (59.3%)
ranked as most important.
In the category of Public Education (labeled Educational Excellence in 2012), 59.6%
of respondents in 2012 said that having high-quality schools was most important,
followed by 20% who favored high-quality teachers and 10.6% who favored cost-
effective public education. In 2017, 37.4% of respondents chose meeting academic,
social and emotional needs of all students as their most important issue. (It must be
noted that this issue was not a choice in 2012. It was one of the items added to the
2017 survey.) Respondents’ second choice was ensuring high-quality public
schools, at 27.9%, and their third choice was attracting and retaining high quality
teachers, at 12.5%. While percentages have changed somewhat, the rank ordering
of priorities essentially remained the same. In 2022, the most important issue was
meeting academic, social and emotional needs of all students (49.8%), followed by
Most Important Issues
2012 2017 2022
Economic
Development
Having a vibrant
downtown
(77.0%)
Having a vibrant
downtown
(65.3%)
Having a vibrant
downtown
(59.3%) Public Education Having high
quality
schools
Meeting academic
and social needs of
all students
(37.4%)
Meeting academic
and social needs of
all students
(49.8%)
Climate,
Environmental
Health and
Sustainability
Protecting open
spaces from
development
Protecting privately
owned open spaces
from development
Ensuring access to
safe drinking water
Physical
Character
Enhancing the
physical
environment of
the Town Center
Preserving the
physical character
of residential
neighborhoods
Preserving Town-
owned open space
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
(40.6%)
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
(41.2%)
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
(30.2%) Town Government Officials acting
with integrity
(29.6%)
Town officials and
staff acting with
integrity
(26.2%)
Town officials and
staff acting with
integrity
(30.9%)
Town Services Ensuring public
safety
(50.6%)
Ensuring public
safety
(44.4%)
Ensuring public
safety
(42.5%)
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attracting and retaining high quality teachers (20.6%). The choice of ensuring high-
quality schools, which had been ranked highly in 2012 and 2017, was not included
in the 2022 survey.
In the category of Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability (labeled
Environment in 2012 and 2017), 41.9% of respondents in 2012 favored protecting
open spaces from development, followed by 17.2% who favored preserving the
environment in open spaces. In 2017, 30.4% of respondents chose protecting
privately owned open spaces from development, followed by 25.2% of respondents
who chose preserving the environment in Town-owned open spaces. In 2022, 32.7%
of respondents cited the most important issue as ensuring access to safe drinking
water, followed by 25.9% of respondents who chose meeting Town and state goals of
net zero emissions in the next 15-30 years. Neither of these two issues had been
included in the previous two surveys.
In the category of Physical Character, 25.9% of respondents in 2012 favored
enhancing the physical environment of the Town Center, followed by 24% who
favored preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures. In 2017, 27.9% of
respondents chose preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods
as the most important issue. (In 2012, 21.2% of respondents identified this issue as
important.) Respondents’ second choice in 2017 (24.8%) was preserving the Town’s
historic areas and structures and the third choice (19.9%) was enhancing the
physical environment of the Town Center. In this case, there had been a shift in
priorities. In 2022, 28.1% of respondents chose preserving Town owned open space
as most important, followed by 20.2% who chose preserving the physical character
of residential neighborhoods.
In the category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (labeled Diversity in 2012 and
Population Diversity in 2017), 40.6% of respondents in 2012 said that welcoming
diverse groups of people was most important. In 2017, 41.2% chose this same
issue. One change that did occur between 2012 and 2017 is with regard to the
second issue chosen as most important. In 2012, offering a gathering place for
diverse ages and interests was chosen by 29.2% of respondents. In 2017, the choice
was ensuring housing is available for a diverse population (25.0%). The change may
well be due, at least in part, to the lack of a community-wide gathering place in
2012, but the existence of a Community Center in 2017. In 2022, 30.2% of
respondents chose welcoming diverse groups of people as most important, followed
by 28.8% of respondents who chose ensuring housing is available for a diverse
population. Being welcoming and ensuring housing remain key concerns.
In the category of Town Government, 29.6% of respondents in 2012 said that
officials acting with integrity was most important, followed by 20.1% who favored
officials acting in a fiscally responsible manner and 20% who favored balancing
short-term needs with long-term issues. In 2017, 26.2% of respondents said that
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Town officials and staff acting with integrity was most important, followed by 23.3%
who favored balancing short-term needs with long-term issues. Acting in a fiscally
responsible manner was in the third slot, with 17.5% of respondents selecting this
as most important. In 2022, Town officials and staff acting with integrity remained
the most important issue (30.9% of respondents chose this issue), followed by
16.8% who chose balancing short-term needs with long-term issues and 16.5% who
chose acting in a fiscally responsible manner. The three most important issues
remain the same in the all three surveys.
In the category of Town Services, 50.6% of respondents in 2012 chose ensuring
public safety as the most important issue. This issue was, by far, the most
important identified. In 2017, this issue was again the top choice, with 44.4% of
respondents saying this was most important. The second most favored issue in
2012 was delivering Town services cost-effectively (12.8%) and the third most
favored was maintaining roads and sidewalks (12.1%). In 2017, the order of these
two choices was reversed, with maintaining roads and sidewalks identified by 14.6%
of respondents and delivering Town services cost-effectively by 12.9%. In 2022,
ensuring public safety was again identified as the most important issue (42.5%).
This was followed by maintaining roads and sidewalks (16.1%). The third issue cited
as most important was delivering Town services cost-effectively (10.3%). In all three
surveys, the most important issues in this broad category were the same.
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Importance and Performance Comparisons
The following charts report on the relationship between how respondents rated the
importance of specific issues and how they rated the Town’s performance with the
issues. Side-by-side charts for 2012 and 2017 and 2022 allow for a comparison of
consistencies and changes over time. Interpretation of these charts should focus on
the comparison of patterns of responses, noting the percentages for each data point.
(Due to the fact that some issues were not included in all three surveys, charts for
issues without parallel are not included in the charts below.) All data points are
presented as percentages.
Summary and Comparison Charts
In some of the comparison charts, patterns illustrating the relationship between
importance and performance are consistent across all three surveys. In some
cases, there are differences among the three surveys.
Economic Development: The general patterns for attracting additional business
development to expand the commercial tax base and for having a vibrant downtown
that attracts residents and visitors are notably similar. However, for capitalizing on
the Town’s history to attract tourists in 2022, the patterns differ from 2012 and
2017 with regard to both importance and performance.
Public Education: Importance ratings remain similar across all three survey years.
However, overall performance ratings in 2022 were more negative than they were in either
2012 or 2017.
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability: Patterns are similar for each of these
issues across all three data points, however, the importance of maintaining farmlands and
access to locally grown foods increased in 2022.
Physical Character: Patterns are, again, remarkably similar in 2012 and 2017 and
2022. There is, however, a difference with respect to protecting open spaces due to
refinement of questions in each survey.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Performance ratings for ensuring housing for a
diverse population were lower in 2017 and 2022 than they were in 2012. Otherwise,
patterns are similar.
Town Government: Patterns, overall, show little to no difference from 2012 to 2017 to
2022. However, importance of living within constraints of Proposition 2 1/2 is greater in
2017 and 2022 than it was in 2012 and the difference between importance and
performance is greater in 2017 and 2022 than it was in 2012.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Town Services: Patterns for maintaining roads and sidewalks appear similar in 2012
and 2022, but are reversed in 2017. Performance in 2017 was higher than was
importance. By 2022, performance was lower than was importance. Patterns are
otherwise consistent from 2012 and 2017 and 2022, except for the pattern
pertaining to services for seniors. In 2012 the relationship between importance and
performance showed that importance was greater than performance, but that
measure was taken before the advent of the Lexington Community Center, which
provides better services for seniors.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Economic Development25
25For Importance: 1=Extremely; 2=Very; 3=Somewhat; 4=Not very; 5= Not at all
For Performance: 1=Excellent; 2=Very good; 3=Good; 4=Fair; 5= Poor
63.3
28.5
6.9
1.1 0.23.3 17
35.4
31.2
13.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Having a vibrant
downtown
Importance
Performance
20.7
36.8
30
8.9
3.61.5
9.8
31.8
34.9
22.1
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting additional
business development
Importance
Performance
56
31.6
9.1
2.4 0.82.6
13.2
28.5 29.7 26
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Having a vibrant
downtown
Importance
Performance
22.7
35.2
31
8.2
2.92.1 8.4
27.7
36.3
25.5
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting additional
business development
to expand the
commercial tax base
Importance
Performance
54.8
34.3
9.1
1.1 0.63.3
12.7
26.5
32
25.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Having a vibrant
downtown
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2017
2022
21.8
36.1
29.5
8.9
3.71.5
14.7
40.4
32.8
10.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting additional
business development
Importance
Performance
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28.7
34.9
27.7
7.3
1.3
7.7
28.7
41.8
17.9
3.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Capitalizing on Town's
history
Importance
Performance
22.3
34.4
32.1
9.1
26.1
5.7
26.2
44
19
5.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Capitalizing on Town's
history
Importance
Performance
28.3
38.9
26
5.2 1.69.7
36.5
36
14
3.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Capitalizing on the
Town's history to
attract tourists
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Public Education
74.1
21.4
4 0.3 0.212.9
38.7 34.2
11.1
3.1
0
20
40
60
80
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting and retaining
high quality
teachers
Importance
Performance
52.7
34.6
10.8
1.7 0.2
7.5
24
37.5
20.7
10.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering public
education cost-
effectively
Importance
Performance
74.6
21…
2.9 0.5
0.4
18.3
46.8
26.1
6.9 1.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting and retaining
high quality teachers
Importance
Performance
49.2
34.6
13.5
2.1 0.66.1
23.2
39.7
19.4
11.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering public
education cost-
effectively
Importance
Performance
68.5
27.3 3.5
0.5
0.2
13.1
44.2
0
32.9
9.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1 2 3 4 5
Attracting and retaining
high quality teachers
Importance
Performance
42.6
35.4
17.9
3.4
0…
6.3
25.3
0.1
43.8
24.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering public
education cost
effectively
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2022
114
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 115
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
62.1
29.7
7.2 0.4
0.6
13
37.9 34.2
12.1
2.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Providing adequate
funding for education
Importance
Performance
55.5
36.4
6.5 0.9
0.8
16.4
38.2
32.6
9.7
3.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Providing adequate
funding for education
Importance
Performance
49.9
39.3
9.2
1.3 0.3
15
39.3
0
35.8
9.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Providing adequate
funding for education
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
25.8
30.8
27.2
12.1
4.35
18.7
43.3
24.7
8.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining use of
agricultural/farm lands
Importance
Performance
19
31.5
29.2
12.8 7.52.9 14.3
40.2
31.4
11.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing citizen
education about
sustainability
Importance
Performance
26.6
36.1
27.2
7.9
2.23.7
18.7
47.5
23.6
6.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining use of
agricultural/farm lands
Importance
Performance
19.4
33.4
30.4
11.4
5.52.5
15.8
41.1
30.2
10.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing citizen
education about
sustainability
Importance
Performance
40
33.1
19.5
5.5
1.95.6
23.7
41.3
21.4
8
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining farmlands
and access to locally
grown foods
Importance
Performance
25.5
32.5
27.2
9.3 5.55.9
21.8
40.1
22.8
9.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing education to
citizens about
sustainability
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2022
2022
116
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Physical Character
44.3
42.1
12.1
1.2 0.2
21.5
50.1
24.6
3.1 0.7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the Town's
historic areas and
structures
Importance
Performance
29.5 41.9
24.1
4.1 0.4
15.3
45.9
31.3
6.3
1.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Making Town's historic
areas accessible to all
Importance
Performance
46.3
41.4
10.6 1.5
0.2
18.8
49.8
26.8
3.2
1.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the Town's
historic areas and
structures
Importance
Performance
27.4 44.5
22.2
4.6 1.3
13.7
45.2
32.3
6.6
2.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Making Town's public
historic areas and
structures accessible to
all
Importance
Performance
40.4
41.7
15.7
1.8 0.4
21.4
47.9
24.4
4.9 1.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the Town's
historic areas and
structures
Importance
Performance
31.6
41.6
22
4.1 0.8
16.4
42.6
33.9
5.8
1.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Making Town's public
historic areas and
structures accessible to
all
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2022
117
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 118
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
30.2
38.2
24.6
6.2
0.85
25.9
37.2
20
11.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the physical
character of residential
neighborhoods
Importance
Performance
39.2
40.6
17.6
2.3 0.2
5
26.2
39.8
24.4
4.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Enhancing the physical
environment of the
Town center
Importance
Performance
34.4 36.3
21.9
6.1
1.33.7
21.6
32.6
22.319.7
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the physical
character of residential
neighborhoods
Importance
Performance
32.7
40.2
22.5
4.2 0.53.5
22.3
41.2
23.9
9.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Enhancing the physical
environment of the
Town Center
Importance
Performance
33.5 30.7
24.7
9.1
25.4
22.8
33.2
20.7
18
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving the physical
character of residential
neighborhoods
Importance
Performance
36.6
37.9
20.5
4.1 0.96
24.7
36.4
21.8
11.2
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Enhancing the physical
environment of the
Town Center
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 119
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
38.6 40
18.5
2.5 0.52.3
13.3
37.3
32.4
14.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Managing the flow of
traffic through Town
Importance
Performance
31.3
41.9
20.8
5 15.2
19.4
37.2
25.6
12.7
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring adequate,
convenient parking in
business districts
Importance
Performance
37.6
39
18.9
3.8 0.81.5
12.3
36
31.8
18.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Managing the flow of
traffic through Town
Importance
Performance
24.8
44.1
24.3
5.3 1.44.3
20.3
42.1
24
9.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring adequate,
convenient parking in
business districts
Importance
Performance
32.6
37.8
24.5
4.2
0.82.7
14.8
34.9
33.3
14.3
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
1 2 3 4 5
Managing the flow of
traffic through Town
Importance
Performance
24.2
40.8
27.1
6.3 1.77.7
26.6
39.5
19.5
6.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring adequate,
convenient parking in
the business districts
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 120
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
46
32.1
17.3
3.5 1.1
13
37.6
32.4
11.4
5.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Protecting open spaces
from development
Importance
Performance
39.8
34.3
18.4
5 2.5
3.4
18.5
33
21.5
23.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Protecting privately
owned open spaces
from development
Importance
Performance
60.7
31.4
6.7
0.8
0.3
19.3
46.5
25.4
6.7
2.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Preserving Town
owned open space
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
36.6
36.6
17.4
6.4 3
18.9
42.4
28.2
8
2.60
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
Importance
Performance
23
30.1 27.1
13.7
6.27.9
21.9
32.5
25.4
12.2
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring housing for a
diverse population
Importance
Performance
46.4
34.2
13.2
4.2 2
21
40.2
28.6
7.4
2.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
Importance
Performance
30.6
31.1
22.9
9.4
5.9
8.7
17.8
25.4 26.9
21.2
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring housing for a
diverse population
Importance
Performance
40.8
35.6
15.6
4.2
3.8
17.5
37.4
29.7
11.9
3.50
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming diverse
groups of people
Importance
Performance
32.3
29
23.4
9.4
67.5
13.5
21.5
28.8 28.8
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring housing is
available for a diverse
population
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2022
121
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 122
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
25.8
37.2
24.8
8.7 3.6
5.3
19
34.8
28.1
12.9
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Offering gathering
places for diverse ages
and interests
Importance
Performance
23.1 33.9
28.1
10.7
4.2
18.8
37.6 32.8
8.8
1.90
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Providing books and
materials for a diverse
population in the
library
Importance
Performance
29.2
41.3
21.7
6 1.9
13.7
30.1
38
14.2
3.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Offering gathering
places for diverse ages
and interests
Importance
Performan…
26.9 38
24.9
7.1 3
23.4
40.7
28.9
5 20
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing books and
materials for a diverse
population in the
library
Importance
Performance
28.2
38.6
22.8
6.6 3.910.6
22.1
40.4
19.7
7.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Offering gathering
places for diverse ages
and interests
Importance
Performance
29.6
35.9
22.6 7.6 4.3
23.4
39.3
29.7
6.3 1.40
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing books and
other materials for a
diverse population in
the library
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
75.9
21.5
2.2 0.2 0.2
15.2
37.2
32.1
11.1
4.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1 2 3 4 5
Acting with integrity
Importance
Performance
Town Government
52.6
43.1
3.7 0.5 0.27.5
30.6
38.9
17.2
5.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Balancing short-term
needs with long-term
issues
Importance
Performance
78.9
18.6 1.9
0.3 0.3
24.8
39.2
23.2
9.4 3.3
0
20
40
60
80
100
1 2 3 4 5
Town officials and staff
acting with integrity
Importance
Performance
55.2
39.2
4.8 0.4 0.46.4
26.5
37.3
20.7
9.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Balancing short-term
needs with long-term
issues
Importance
Performance
81.8
15.9 1.9
0.2
0.2
20.9
39.7
26.2
9.4
3.8
0
20
40
60
80
100
1 2 3 4 5
Town officials and staff
acting with integrity
Importance
Performance
51.6
39.9
7.2 0.7
0.68.1
28.4
39.7
17
6.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Balancing short-term
needs with long-term
issues
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2017
2022
123
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 124
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
62.9
32.6
3.7 0.3 0.49.3
29.1
36.9
16.2
8.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Acting in a fiscally
responsible manner
Importance
Performance
24.4
25.6 29.8
10.7 9.56.5
25.5
38
17.4
12.7
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Living within
constraints of
Proposition 2 1/2
Importance
Performance
63.9
31.4
4.1 0.2 0.38.9
27.2
35.9
17.8
10.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Acting in a fiscally
responsible manner
Importance
Performance
36.3
30.4
22.5
6.5
4.25.7
21.8
36.1
20.3
16.1
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Living within
constraints of
Proposition 2 1/2
Importance
Performance
62.7
30.4
5.60.8 0.48.9
26.6
35
18.6
10.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Acting in a fiscally
responsible manner
Importance
Performance
42.5
26.1 21.3
6.2 3.96.6
20.6
36.7
21.6
14.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Living within
constraints of
Proposition 2 1/2
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 125
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
49.1
38.9
10.7
0.7 0.6
6
23.7
38.4
21
10.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Making information
easy to obtain
Importance
Performance
30.8
46.9
19
2.7 0.77.1
28.1
38.9
17.8
8.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Encouraging citizen
participation in Town
affairs
Importance
Performance
47.4
43.2
8.7
0.3 0.46.3
23.5
35.9
23.4
10.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Making information on
decisions and actions
easy to obtain
Importance
Performance
34.9
49.1
13.9
1.3
0.87.7
26.9
40.4
18.5
6.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Encouraging citizen
participation in Town
affairs
Importance
Performance
48.8
39
10.4
0.8
0.9
6.7
22.3
36
25.1
9.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Making information on
decisions and actions
easy to obtain
Importance
Performance
34.7 36.3
18.5
5.4 5.110.6
24.7
37.6
18.9
8.1
0
10
20
30
40
1 2 3 4 5
Encouraging diversity in
participation in Town
affairs
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 126
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
24.3
41.3
26.5
5.2 2.85.2
22.5
43.4
20.4
8.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Participating in regional
groups
Importance
Performance
49.4
10.9
8.6
0.8 0.2
5.8
26
41.9
18.9
7.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Planning for the long-
term
future
Importance
Performance
25.3
45.9
22.8
4.2 1.86.4
26.2
42.5
19
5.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Participating in regional
groups to share
resources, services and
ideas
Importance
Performance
55.9
37.1
6 0.5 0.54.8
24.1
36.1
21.8
13.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Planning for the long-
term future
Importance
Performance
25.9
39.2
27
5.5 2.57.9
26.5
44.7
16.4
4.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Participating in regional
groups to share
resources, services, and
ideas
Importance
Performance
49.7
40
9.2
0.6
0.6
7.2
23.7
41
19.2
8.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Planning for long-term
future
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Town Services
74.4
22
3 0.3 0.2
45 42.2
10.7
1.9 0.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring public safety
Importance
Performance
55.7
40.2
3.8 0.2
0.1
14.1
39.4 29.4
13
4.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining roads and
sidewalks
Importance
Performance
49
38.7
11
1 0.4
72.7
24.3
2.7 0.1 0.20
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring public safety
Importance
Performance
15.1
38.5
28.4
11 7
57.2
39
3.4 0.1
0.30
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining roads and
sidewalks
Importance
Performance
66.4
27.5
5.4 0.5 0.2
40.9 41.4
15.3
2.1 0.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring public safety
Importance
Performance
59.6
36.2
3.8 0.4
0
17.2
35.3
29.8
12.7
5.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5
Maintaining roads and
sidewalks
Importance
Performance
2012 2017 2022
2017
2022
2022
127
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 128
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
35.5
40.3
19.7
3 1.5
20.7
44.1
27.2
6
2.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Offering sports facilities
and fields for
diverse activities
Importance
Performance
37.9 41.9
16.1
3 1.1
36
43.5
17.4
2.6 0.40
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing
comprehensive library
services
Importance
Performance
31.3
46.5
18.5
2.8 0.9
25.7
46.1
23.7
3.5 1
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Offering sports fields
and facilities for diverse
activities
Importance
Performance
39.1
44.2
14.2
1.9 0.6
42.5
42.1
14.1
0.9 0.50
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing
comprehensive library
services
Importance
Performance
31.4
41.7
21.8
3.8 1.3
25.2
44.8
23.8
4.8
1.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Offering sports fields
and recreation facilities
for diverse activities
Importance
Performance
38.3
41.5
16.2 3.1
0.9
41.1 42.5
14.4
1.7
0.40
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing
comprehensive library
services
Importance
Performance
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
26.9
40.2
25.9
5
2.19.8
27.7
32.6
21.6
8.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing quality
services and facilities
for senior citizens
Importance
Performance
37.4
48.9
12.7
0.9 0.1
12.6
36.7
36.1
11.2
3.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services in a responsive
and friendly manner
Importance
Performance
28.7
46
20.1
3.9 1.3
29.4
45.1
20.7
3.6 1.30
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing quality
services and facilities
for senior citizens
Importance
Performance
39.8
50
9.3
0.7 0.1
18.3
43.5
29.7
5.9 2.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services in a responsive
and friendly manner
Importance
Performance
29.9
45.5
19.7
3.9 1.1
25
45.2
24.2
4.1
1.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Providing quality
services and facilities
for senior citizens
Importance
Performance
39.1
48
11.8
0.6 0.4
16.3
41.4
32.3
7.7
2.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services in a responsive
and friendly manner
Importance
Performance
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 130
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
46.1
42.4
10.4
0.8
0.2
8.2
29.1
36.8
17.8
8.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services cost-effectively
Importance
Performance
39.4
48.3
11.1
0.7
0.5
8.5
34.6
42.1
12.1
2.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Allocating adequate
money for Town
services
Importance
Performance
42.7
46.7
9.5 0.9 0.310.4
32.9
35.5
13.3
7.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services cost-effectively
Importance
Performance
37.1
53.1
8.6
0.6 0.6
13.6
40.6
33.5
9.3
3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Allocating adequate
money for Town
services
Importance
Performance
42.1 42.2
13.9
1.2 0.68.4
28.5
38.9
16.4
7.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
1 2 3 4 5
Delivering Town
services cost-effectively
Importance
Performance
36
50.5
12.4
0.6 0.5
13.5
37.7
36.8
9.2
2.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5
Allocating adequate
money for Town
services
Importance
Performance
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D.
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Satisfaction Level
When asked whether they expected to still be living in Lexington in 5 years (2012
study), almost 58% of respondents said they would be ‘very likely’ to remain. When
asked whether they expected to still be living in Lexington in 8 years (2017 study),
59.8% said it would be ‘very likely’. In 2022, 51.3% of respondents said they would be
‘highly likely’ to still be living in Lexington in 8 years.
When respondents were asked, in 2017, to compare the quality of life in Lexington
now with that of 5 years ago, 18.2% said it is ‘better’; 53% said it is ‘the same’; 28.8%
said it is ‘worse’. In 2022, 14.0% of respondents said the quality of life today,
compared with life five years ago, was ‘better’; 50.1% said it was ‘the same’; and 24.0%
said it was ‘worse’. (11.8% of respondents said they don’t know or they haven’t been in
Lexington long enough to make the comparison.) This question was not asked in the
2012 questionnaire.
The majority of respondents in 2012 and 2017 and 2022 said they are satisfied with
Lexington as a place to live. On a 10-point scale measuring satisfaction ranging from
‘not at all satisfied’ to ‘extremely satisfied’, the majority of respondents in 2012
(66.5%), in 2017 (66.6%), and in 2022 (70.2%) said they were very satisfied with
Lexington as a place to live.
Concerns about Changes in Lexington
Respondents were asked in 2012, 2017 and 2022 about potential changes that might
occur in Lexington that would be of concern to them. Many areas of concern expressed
by respondents in 2012 re-appear on lists of concerns expressed in 2017 and in 2022.
131
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 132
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Public Education:
Public Education:
Public Education:
✓ overcrowding
✓ student stress
✓ system geared to
‘geniuses’/self-
motivated students/
‘successes’
✓ focus on test scores
rather than on
meeting needs of all
students
✓ decline in quality of
schools/educational
excellence
✓ too much diversity
and too many special
needs children in
schools lead to
decline in quality
✓ loss of quality
teachers
✓ tensions with
superintendent
✓ budgetary shortfalls
✓ increasing costs due
to increase in
student population
✓ people moving in for
the schools and then
leaving when
children graduate
✓ overcrowding
✓ student-teacher ratios
✓ student stress
✓ too much competition
✓ funding
✓ increased costs due to
increase in student
population
✓ meeting needs of all
students, especially
those who are ‘average’
✓ overcrowding
✓ student stress
✓ mental health
issues
✓ need for a new
high school
✓ decline in quality
of education
✓ leadership
✓ too much
‘wokeness’
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 133
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Housing:
Housing:
Housing:
✓ loss of affordable
housing
✓ housing changes →
changing character
of neighborhoods
✓ too many tear-downs
✓ “McMansions”
✓ large houses on too
small plots
✓ housing too
expensive
✓ developments built
on previously open
spaces/farm land
✓ need for housing
diversity
✓ too much building→
reduction in space
✓ tear downs
✓ mansionization
✓ overdevelopment/
crowding
✓ multi-dwelling units
✓ builders being only
concerned about
making money,
behaving without proper
or adequate control,
resulting in negative
impacts on
neighborhoods and the
community at large
✓ loss of small, moderately
priced houses in favor of
large, expensive ones
✓ loss of socio-economic
diversity
✓ too large houses on too
small lots
✓ focus on single family
detached homes, not
apartments (Lexington
is not the place for so-
called ‘affordable
housing’ efforts.
✓ lack of diversity
in housing stock
✓ affordability of
housing
✓ too many large
houses
(mansionization)
✓ too many tear-
downs
✓ zoning
inconsistencies
✓ zoning favoring
developers and
development
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 134
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Environment:
Environment:
Environment:
✓ disregard for
environmental
protection laws
✓ destruction of
environment due to
loss of trees
✓ too much concern
for/emphasis on the
environment
✓ environmental
degradation
✓ environmental noise
✓ preservation of open
spaces
✓ trees
✓ pollution due to
overdevelopment and
traffic
✓ energy grid
✓ Hanscom expansion
✓ degraded
environment by
unbridled residential
development
✓ power grid
✓ ineffective noise
restrictions
(especially near
Hanscom)
✓ focus on issues of
climate change
(some said more is
needed, others said
less is needed)
✓ preservation of open
space
✓ trash pickup
✓ trees
Town Center:
Town Center:
Town Center:
✓ not enough shopping
diversity
✓ should appeal to
visitors/tourists as
well as to residents
✓ vacancy rate
✓ make it appealing
✓ too many banks and
RE offices
✓ too much traffic
✓ boring and
uninviting
✓ building height
✓ banks and RE offices
✓ loss of vitality
✓ loss of variety in
types of
stores/services/local
businesses
✓ attraction for tourists
and locals
✓ appearance of Center
✓ brick sidewalks
✓ too many traffic
lights and blocked off
lanes
✓ too few gathering
places
✓ Center looking
shabby
✓ banks and RE
offices
✓ lack of vibrancy
✓ lack of diversity in
stores/small
businesses
✓ no place to shop
✓ not a place to hang
out/no gathering
places
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 135
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Traffic:
Traffic:
Traffic:
✓ increased
throughout Town
✓ congestion in
downtown area
✓ congestion around
Wilson’s Farm area
✓ no traffic circles; use
traffic lights
✓ traffic flow on Mass
Ave, especially in
East Lexington
✓ traffic will keep
visitors away
✓ overcrowding will
increase traffic
✓ traffic coming from
Hayden Ave/on
Spring St.
✓ traffic lights will
impede traffic flow
✓ too much traffic
✓ traffic lights might
help, but might also
create congestion
and frustration
among drivers
✓ need more
accommodation to
increasing traffic –
lights, signs, marked
lanes
✓ loss/erosion of
public transit
options
✓ fear of creating
traffic congestion
with traffic lights,
without improving
safety
✓ Heavier traffic not
adequately being
addressed
particularly during
rush hours
✓ horrible condition of
roads makes driving
through Town very
unpleasant
✓ bikes pose safety
hazards
✓ parking
✓ noise
✓ road safety
✓ public
transportation
✓ lights/street lights
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 136
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Taxes:
Taxes:
Taxes:
✓ increases no longer
make Lexington a
good/reasonable
value
✓ fear increases will
push people out of
Town (i.e., those
whose children have
graduated from
schools, empty-
nesters)
✓ property taxes too
high
✓ too high, especially
as compared with
other Towns
✓ fear that taxes will
not be enough to
cover
expenses/services
✓ such high taxes
should give us better
schools
✓ spending tax dollars
on doubtful projects
✓ water/sewer taxes
too high
✓ inadequate growth in
commercial tax
revenues
✓ taxes too high
✓ taxes growing out of
control
✓ concern about
affordability of living
here
✓ stay within Prop. 2 ½
✓ too many overrides –
live within your
means, including
education!
✓ better tax rates for
seniors
✓ Lexington no longer a
good value for the
dollar
✓ too many overrides,
debt exclusions that
raise taxes
✓ taxes too high
✓ fiscal
irresponsibility
✓ need a better
balance between
residential and
commercial tax
bases
✓ should be a
reduction in
taxes for seniors
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 137
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Financial issues:
Financial issues:
Financial issues:
✓ inability to meet
financial obligations
for Town employees
handicapping Town
operations
✓ wasteful spending
✓ overrides
✓ commercial tax base
insufficient
✓ affordability of living
in Town
✓ conflict between
school and municipal
budgets/expenses
✓ public might not
approve proposed
overrides/debt
exclusions
✓ too many projects
requiring capital
expenditures
✓ fear that funding for
first responders will
be cut in order to stay
within budget
✓ consider limiting
pensions and health
care for Town
employees – now too
generous
✓ conflict between
residential and
commercial tax
bases
✓ affordability of
living in Town
✓ concern about
multiple
expensive
building projects
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 138
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Government:
Government:
Government:
✓ keeping government
honest
✓ need watchdog for
spending by
government
✓ sometimes
actions/responses
are too slow/take too
long
✓ lack of connection
between government
leaders/employees
and citizens
✓ lack of adequate
leadership
✓ lack of
responsiveness
✓ lack of transparency
✓ lack of fiscal
responsibility
✓ abuse of regulatory
power
✓ inadequate
accountability
✓ too much cronyism
when hiring
contractors to build
buildings and
maintain
infrastructure and
roads
✓ poor management of
capital
✓ inadequate attention
to infrastructure
(especially
roads/sidewalks)
✓ leadership issues
in Town
government
✓ leadership issues
in boards/
committees
✓ concerns about
law enforcement
✓ not enough
transparency/
access to
information
✓ inadequate
control over
developers
✓ inadequate
attention to
infrastructure
(especially
roads/sidewalks)
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 139
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012
2017
2022
Diversity:
Diversity:
Diversity:
✓ lack of diversity of
business in Center
✓ threat to economic
diversity due to
housing prices
✓ population diversity
✓ reduction in housing
diversity (types and
sizes of houses)
✓ building affordable
housing in the name
of diversity, but
failing to consider
impact on
neighborhoods
✓ reduced
demographic
diversity in schools
✓ ethnic diversity of
the Town is
increasing, creating
a cultural
divisiveness
✓ focus on diversity
sometimes comes
with too high a price
– ‘I have to look out
for my family first’
✓ lack of diversity
among groups other
than Asians,
specifically African
Americans and
Latinos
✓ ‘diversity’ seems
skewed toward
certain groups and
not others
✓ lack of/too little
integration of
newcomers/ ethnic
groups within wider
community
✓ absorption of other
‘races’
✓ Asian community is
not well integrated
✓ increase diversity of
employees so as to
reflect diversity in
Town
✓ not enough SES
diversity
✓ high earners/highly
educated white collar
workers don’t support
mom and pop
businesses in Town;
they shop through
Amazon
✓ reduction in civil
discourse (implication
that this is due to
increased ethnic
diversity in Town)
✓ civil discourse has
deteriorated and will
likely continue to do so
✓ young people and
seniors will become
scarcer in Town due to
lack of affordability
✓ not enough channels
for connection and
understanding – too
much division between
different cultures
✓ lack of diversity
of business in
Center
✓ too little
economic
diversity in
population
✓ concern about
potential loss of
age diversity
due to
affordability
✓ too little/too
much emphasis
on DEI
✓ need for greater
diversity in
School/Town
staff
✓ concern about
affinity groups
and potential
result in
separation of
individuals/
groups
✓ need for greater
diversity in
school
curricula
✓ declining sense
of community
✓ more attention
needs to be
paid to the long
and diverse
history of
Lexington
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 140
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
✓ attention should be
paid to more than
just ethnic diversity
– e.g., age, income,
academic abilities
✓ all staff, from LCC to
teachers, police,
firefighters, DPW,
secretaries,
receptionists should be
more diverse
✓ fear of increase in hate
crimes
✓ for newest residents,
there is reduced spirit
of volunteerism and
continued emphasis
on more and bigger
cars, homes,
conspicuous
materialism. Town is
losing its core
characteristics
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 141
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Use of Town Amenities
The surveys asked about the use of Town amenities by the respondent as well as by
members of the respondent’s family. Participation is reported in the table below.
Numbers represent percentages of responses.
Activity 2012 2017 2022
Recreation Department
activity
Respondent 14.3 13.5 34.9
Family Member 46.9 33.3 51.1
Utilized ball
fields/playgrounds
Respondent 44.1 30.7 53.2
Family Member 62.3 49.8 59.9
Community walking/bike
trails
Respondent 79.3 64.2 87.6
Family Member 69.2 57.3 71.9
Community education class Respondent 16.8 16.9 23.9
Family Member 19.1 17.0 20.9
Attended program at library Respondent 36.7 31.7 40.8
Family Member 35.7 30.9 34.6
Checked out materials from
library
Respondent 67.5 56.4 67.8
Family Member 65.5 55.4 60.4
Used (Senior Center in
2012) Lexington Community
Center (2017, 2022)
Respondent N/A 40.6 45.0
Family Member N/A 32.5 37.5
Participated in Senior
programs
Respondent 5.0 12.7 33.9
Family Member 14.5 8.7 23.6
Rode on Lexpress Respondent 6.2 6.0 8.5
Family Member 20.0 17.4 17.1
Received assistance from
Police/fire Departments
Respondent 20.0 12.7 33.9
Family Member 14.5 8.7 23.6
Received assistance from
Human Services
Respondent 2.7 1.7 5.6
Family Member 2.8 2.0 5.7
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 142
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Generally, rates of use of Town amenities went down between 2012 and 2017, but
those rates appear to have rebounded in 2022. The numbers for use of the Lexington
Community Center (LCC) were not available for 2012 as the LCC did not exist at that
time. It is worth noting that participation in programs for seniors increased between
2012 and 2017, and even more dramatically in 2022. It is possible that offering those
programs through the new LCC encouraged more people to participate. It should also
be noted that the COVID pandemic, hitting hardest during the second half of 2020
and all of 2021, changed participation patterns. For most of that period, people were
either not allowed to or were strongly discouraged from engaging in activities that
brought them in close contact with others. By the time the 2022 survey was
conducted, most (or all) restrictions had been lifted and people were (largely) able to
return to their previous lifestyles. The sharp increase in participation may be due to
increased interest, or it may at least partly reflect people’s desire to get out of the
house and ‘do something’. In other words, it is hard to interpret the large increases in
participation between 2017 and 2022.
Civic Participation
Respondents were asked about their participation in various civic roles. The chart
below identifies ‘current participation’ at the time of each survey, ‘past participation’,
and non-participation. Numbers represent percentages of responses.
Community
Activity*
Currently participate
(%)
Used to participate
(%)
Never participated
(%)
2012 2017 2022 2012 2017 2022 2012 2017 2022
Town Meeting
Member
6.8 9.9 NA 5.1 5.3 NA 88.1 84.9 NA
Board or
Committee member
8.8 8.8 8.6 6.5 8.6 7.7 84.7 82.6 83.3
Community
volunteer
30.2 32.6 19.6 23.9 27.1 22.3 45.9 40.3 58.1
Ethnic community
organization
member
N/A 11.0 NA N/A 3.6 NA N/A 85.4 NA
Public school
volunteer
38.5 37.2 18.0 32.5 37.5 45.9 29.0 25.2 36.1
Religious
institution
volunteer
21.6 24.8 17.2 12.7 11.1 17.0 65.7 64.1 65.7
*Questions about participation in ethnic communities were not asked in 2012 or 2022. A question about
Town Meeting participation was not asked in 2022.
The percentages in this chart are, much as in the chart recording use of amenities,
hard to interpret due to the effects of the COVID pandemic. Percentages of those
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 143
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
‘currently participating’ are down in most categories, but that could reflect the slow
return of volunteers to situations involving close physical contact.
Demographic Profiles
For 2012 and 2017 and 2022, samples of respondents were deemed to be
representative of the population of Lexington. Demographic data from the
questionnaires on sex, age, ethnicity, education level, and income were compared with
data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The chart below summarizes the demographic profile as reported by respondents.
2012 2017 2022
Number of responses 1203 1695 2404
Sex of respondents
Males 36.8%
Females 63.2%
Males 31.3%
Females 68.7%
A few respondents
self-identified as
gender neutral,
transgendered or
other
Males 46.1%
Females 53.2%
A few respondents
identified as non-
binary or other
Average age of
respondents
55 55 59
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 144
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
2012 2017 2022
Ethnic
composition
Asian 15.0%
Black 0.3%
Hispanic or
Latino/a/x 1.8%
White 78.6%
Other 4.2%
Asian 21.5%
Black 0.6%
Hispanic or
Latino/a/x 1.4%
White 70.3%
Other 6.3%
Asian/S.Asian18.7%
Black 0.8%
Hispanic or
Latino/a/x 2.1%
White 72.3%
Other 4.3%
Educational
status
College degree
26.1%
Master’s degree
42%
Professional degree
10.8%
Ph.D.
17.6%
College degree
22.9%
Master’s degree
44.0%
Professional degree
1.6%
Ph.D.
17.7%
College degree
18.7%
Master’s degree
39.5%
Professional degree
8.8%
Ph.D.
23.8%
Length of time
living in Lexington
Over 20 years
28.7%
Over 20 years
33.2%
Over 20 years
45.9%
# children living at
home under the
age of 18
One 22.3%
Two 33.6%
Three + 13.7%
One 20.2%
Two 36.1%
Three + 11.8%
One 16.3%
Two 22.9%
Three + 6.8%
Registered voters 92.1% 91.1% 93.6%
Average
household income
Between $151,000
and $200,000
Mode=between
$201,000 and
$300,000
Between $151,000
and $200,000
Mode=between
$201,000 and
$300,000
Over $200,000
Mode=between
$200,000 and
$299,999
Average property
valuation
Between $751,000
and $850,000
Mode=between
$951,000 and
$1,500,000
Between $951,000
and $1,500,000
Mode=between
$951,000 and
$1,500,000
NA
The sample size in 2017 was larger than the sample size in 2012 and larger again in
2022. This may be due, among other things, to greater campaigns for participation in
2017 and 2022. Reminders were sent to residents on a number of occasions and
through a number of organizations, listservs, the Town website, and by individuals in
2017. These actions were repeated in 2022 and were supplemented with postcards
sent to all households and with an insert included in the Census form sent from the
Town which alerted residents about the survey, and through Town eNewsletters. One-
third of respondents said they were made aware of the survey by the postcard; 12.1%
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 145
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
were made aware through the Census insert; and 25.0% were made aware through
Town eNewsletters (e.g., Link to Lexington, Town News and Alerts).
In 2022, a greater percentage of males responded to the survey. A smaller percentage
of Asians/South Asians responded, while the percentages of White and
Hispanic/Latino/a/x and Black respondents increased. The average age of
respondents increased. The average household income of respondents remained
steady. The number of people who have lived in Lexington for at least 20 years
increased, as did the overall percentage of respondents with higher education degrees.
Conclusions
Overall, there is not much change from the results of the 2012 and 2017 surveys of
residents. Just as a “sense of community” was important to respondents in 2012 and
2017, so it is to respondents (including those residents who participated in focus
groups) in 2022. However, unlike in previous surveys, there was more dismay voiced
in 2022 about the loss of ‘community’ and ‘community character’. This was expressed
in direct comments from respondents to the questionnaire and in focus groups. The
unease was manifest in responses associated with economic development, especially
the Town Center; schools; housing issues; DEI foci; and aspects of the physical
character of the Town. The tenor of responses generally was one of concern about both
current and future circumstances. Opinions of what is most important to preserve the
character and ‘sense of community’ in Lexington varied, but many respondents said
the Town is in danger of losing ‘community’.
While some specific concerns (such as the desire for a better and more suitable place
for senior programming and activities in 2012 and the desire for greater
communication with residents by the Town in 2017) have changed as a consequence
of responses from the Town leaders to results of previous surveys, most issues remain
the same in terms of both their importance and assessments of performance, and a
few have become more important and more central in respondents’ minds (such as the
Town Center and infrastructure and housing in 2022). In the 2022 survey, additional
issues became important as society and culture have changed since 2017.
Specifically, those are issues associated with the environment and sustainability and
with DEI. With regard to environmental issues, respondents were concerned about
effects of climate change and the ability of the Town to respond to those effects. With
regard to DEI, respondents had mixed responses. While welcoming diverse groups of
people remains important, reactions to efforts with regard to DEI varied, with some
respondents saying more needs to be done but others saying current efforts are
sufficient and still others saying too much effort is being spent on this issue.
Some of the noted changes from the 2017 to the 2022 survey may be a function of
changing demographics and dynamics in the Town. According to the U.S. Census, the
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Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 146
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composition of the Town has changed to some extent, primarily in terms of a greater
percentage of residents who identify as Asian/South Asian, although responses from
these groups declined from 2017. Based on reports by respondents and according to
the U.S. Census, the Town also has a somewhat more highly educated population, and
higher average household incomes in 2022. Length of residence in Lexington also
increased since 2017. According to respondents, number of children under the age of
18 living at home has consistently declined since 2012. Use of Town-provided
activities and opportunities remains reasonably high and has increased since 2012
and 2017 despite COVID restrictions (or because of the end of restrictions at the time
of the survey).
Based on responses to open-ended questions in the questionnaire and comments
received from participants in focus groups, respondents in 2017 said they would like
to have even more opportunities to engage and to make connections and become more
involved with the Town. However, results of the 2022 survey revealed that
volunteerism and membership in community organizations and committees declined
since 2017. (This could be at least partly a function of the effects of the COVID
pandemic and people’s slower return to in-person interactions.) As a further
illustration of how residents are less engaged in 2022 than they were in 2017, while
23% of eligible voters voted in the March 2016 local election, only 12% of eligible
voters voted in the March 2021 local election. It is important to note that the March
2016 election included Presidential primary voting and that may have been a factor in
increased turnout that year. Among reasons given by non-voters in 2022 were a belief
that issues were not important, that an individual vote would not make a difference,
that local elections don’t make an impact, and a distrust of governmental entities.
There is clearly a disconnect between some residents and their community.
Nation-wide rates of community participation are declining26. It is notable that
Lexington residents had a commitment to their community in the past, but that the
commitment appears to be waning and is now more consistent with general patterns
nation-wide. Given the past penchant, and current concerns about potential loss of
‘community’ expressed by many respondents, it would be prudent for Town leaders to
encourage greater civic participation in order to engage more residents and to bring
participation back up to past levels. Indeed, encouragement of greater participation
would address one of the issues found to be important to many respondents. A
majority of respondents (71.0%) said it is important for the Town to encourage citizen
participation in Town affairs but only a third of respondents rated the Town’s
performance positively. One-fourth gave the Town ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ ratings. Participation
does not solely have to be in connection with serving on Boards or Committees. As
noted by respondents to the questionnaire and by participants in focus groups, there
is a need for more and better opportunities for social connections. This could include
26 See, for example, Putnam, Robert. 2000. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New
York: Simon and Shuster.
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more community-building activities such as events that bring together residents
across generations, across ethnic communities, from different areas of Town and with
different points of view. Two-thirds of respondents (66.7%) said that offering gathering
places for diverse ages and interests is ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Three-quarters
of respondents said providing quality services and facilities for senior citizens and for
children and teens (outside of school) is ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important. Opportunities
to interact with those from whom there is a sense of disconnect could improve
understanding of “the other” and lead to an increased sense of togetherness. As noted
in a focus group, we should be celebrating cultures rather than separating them.
Greater engagement of residents through a variety of means might, in turn, encourage
more residents to volunteer for positions in governance, i.e., on Boards and
Committees.
It should also be noted that, while in previous years, there were many issues about
which respondents said they lacked enough information to comment, especially with
regard to performance, in 2022 the numbers claiming lack of adequate information
declined dramatically. Communication issues appeared in several places in previous
questionnaires (in specific questions asked of respondents and in open-ended
responses) and arose as topics in focus group discussions. In 2022, however,
communication issues were rarely raised. This is most likely due to the efforts of the
Public Information Officer (PIO), hired in response to comments on the 2017 survey.
Clearly, there was a thirst for more information, and the PIO was able to largely
quench that thirst.
Engagement and involvement, which are, at least to some degree, dependent upon
information27, are good for the social health and well-being of individuals28 and benefit
the community as a whole as well. Social interactions that result from participation
with others in one’s community lead to civic discussions and generation of ideas and
actions that can advantage all. Greater utilization of the passion and creativity
expressed by respondents to the survey could lead to more and better implementation
of the ‘values’ expressed by residents. As many respondents and participants in focus
groups noted, there is greater incivility and polarization in society in general, as well
as in Lexington. Increased opportunities for engagement and commitment could help
address these negative trends (at least on a local level). There is a need for reflective
and critical, but respectful, dialogues that establish a set of social virtues and values
that Lexington, as a community, can endorse in order to engage now and with the
future. This can best be achieved with broad spectrum participation. There is a call for
27 See http://www.journalism.org/2016/11/03/2-participation-in-civic-life-and-community-rating-show-weaker-
ties-to-local-news-habits/ for information about the relationship between having information and civic
volunteerism.
28 See, for example, Borgonovi, F. 2008. “Doing Well by Doing Good: The Relationship Between Formal
Volunteering and Self-Reported Health and Happiness”. Social Science and Medicine 66(11): 2321-2334.
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this communitarian29 approach that appears repeatedly through responses to the
questionnaire and in the focus groups.
Even though there were complaints registered by respondents, and suggestions made
for improvements, on the whole, respondents expressed a desire to continue living in
Lexington, but hoped that some key issues could be addressed and resolved. In
particular, attention should be paid to varying businesses in and increasing the
appeal of the Town Center; diversifying housing options; addressing aspects of
infrastructure and schools; making taxes more equitable; and examining how tax
dollars are used. Overall, levels of satisfaction remain high and most respondents
indicated that they envision living in the Town for the foreseeable future. This
commitment to Lexington is all the more reason to encourage greater participation and
attention to issues identified as most important.
To encourage greater participation and commitment and satisfaction, there are
important questions that the Town would be well advised to address: what are
Lexington ‘values’? How are those values expressed? What are shared values vs.
values that might make for differences among residents? How can a greater sense of
‘community’ be built? While there are many definitions of ‘community’, the one thing
they have in common is that there must be a sense of belonging and interdependence.
The answers to the questions lie in an investigation into key social institutions and the
role each may play in creating a greater shared community culture in Lexington.
Sociologists study five (5) institutions believed to be essential for creating, and
understanding, society. Those are politics or government or institutions, education,
economics or work, family, and religion30. The roles of these institutions, as relevant
to this discussion, are socialization, development and communication of a sense of
purpose, preservation of social order, and transmission of culture. Comments made
in the questionnaire and in focus groups about how each of these institutions (without
participants identifying them as such) is responsible for both the good and the
problematic conditions in Lexington suggest that a coordinated effort to address
concerns or problems is in order. As Bell and Newby note in their book, Community
Studies, “a community study must be concerned with the study of the
interrelationships of social institutions in a locality”.31 It is not enough to address
issues in one societal realm without appreciating how that realm relates to other social
institutions.
It is recommended that Town leaders, both those who are employed by the Town and
those who serve on the three elected Boards, use the information provided by
respondents to help guide and shape their decision-making and planning for the
29 See, for example, Etzioni, A. 1993. The Spirit of Community. New York: Crown.
30 https://www.sociologyguide.com/basic-concepts/Social-Institutions.php;
Ayodele, A.O. “Social Institutions”. https://www.academia.edu/7991458/SOCIAL_INSTITUTIONS
31 Bell, C. and H. Newby. 1971. Community Studies: An Introduction to the Sociology of a Local Community. London:
Routledge, p. 19.
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future. It is clear that residents want to be involved in their community, that many are
involved, and that they have strong views of what Lexington should look like now, and
in the future. Sustaining that which works, and fixing that which needs improvement,
will contribute to continued satisfaction and commitment among residents and
enhance the valued “sense of community”.
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Appendix A
Town-wide Survey 2022
PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY
The Select Board, the School Committee, and the Planning Board are committed to developing a vision of
Lexington's future that can guide decision making. The Vision for Lexington Committee has been asked to conduct
a survey of residents similar to the surveys conducted by the Committee in 2012 and 2017. Findings from these
surveys proved extremely useful to decision-makers in identifying areas of interest to residents and assuring that
Town government reflects our shared vision.
We ask that you complete the following questionnaire to inform Town leaders of community perspectives and
aspects of our Town that are of greatest interest and concern. This questionnaire should take
approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Please be assured that your responses will be confidential. Findings will be presented in terms of aggregated data,
not individual responses, in our final report.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses, and for supporting Lexington.
Click here to download a Chinese translation of the survey as a reference to help you complete the online survey.
Lexingtonma.gov/Survey2022-chinese
点击这里下载调查的中文译本作为参考，帮助您完成在线调查。
Click here to download a Korean translation of the survey as a reference to help you complete the online
survey. Lexingtonma.gov/Survey2022-korean
한국어 번역 설문지를 다운로드 하셔서, 온라인 영어 설문지를 완성하시는데 참고해 주십시오.
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
PART ONE
This portion of the questionnaire asks for your input on a number of different aspects of the Town that have been
identified as being of interest to residents: Economic Development; Public Education; Climate, Environmental
Health and Sustainability; Physical Character; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Town Government; and Town
Services.
Under each topic, there are three (3) questions:
• The first question asks you to indicate how important you feel the different issues related to the topic are
to preserving or improving Lexington.
• The second question asks you to rate the performance of the Town on those issues.
• The third question asks you to identify what you believe to be the single most important issue related to
that topic from among the issues listed.
For each item in the left-hand column of the tables, please indicate your response by checking the circle under the
choice most appropriate for you.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Having a vibrant
downtown that
attracts
residents and
visitors
o o o o o
Capitalizing on
the Town’s
history to
attract tourists
o o o o o
Providing
supportive
framework for
economic
development
for large
businesses
o o o o o
Providing
supportive
framework for
economic
development
for small
businesses
o o o o o
Attracting
additional
business
development to
expand the
commercial tax
base
o o o o o
Attracting
socially
conscious retail
and service
businesses
o o o o o
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Having a
vibrant
downtown
that attracts
residents and
visitors
o o o o o o
Capitalizing on
the Town’s
history to
attract tourists
o o o o o o
Providing
supportive
framework for
economic
development
for large
businesses
o o o o o o
Providing
supportive
framework for
economic
development
for small
businesses
o o o o o o
Attracting
additional
business
development
to expand the
commercial tax
base
o o o o o o
Attracting
socially
conscious
retail and
service
businesses
o o o o o o
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Having a vibrant downtown that attracts residents and visitors
o Capitalizing on the Town’s history to attract tourists
o Providing supportive framework for economic development for large businesses
o Providing supportive framework for economic development for small businesses
o Attracting additional business development to expand the commercial tax base
o Attracting socially conscious retail and service businesses
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PUBLIC EDUCATION - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Meeting
academic,
social, and
emotional
needs of all
students
o o o o o
Attracting and
retaining high
quality teachers o o o o o
Ensuring
educationally
appropriate
student-teacher
ratios
o o o o o
Providing state
of the art
facilities for
teaching and
learning
o o o o o
Delivering
public education
cost effectively o o o o o
Providing
adequate
funding for
education
o o o o o
Ensuring
Diversity,
Equity, and
Inclusion within
the school
system
o o o o o
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PUBLIC EDUCATION - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Meeting
academic,
social, and
emotional
needs of all
students
o o o o o o
Attracting
and retaining
high quality
teachers
o o o o o o
Ensuring
educationally
appropriate
student-
teacher ratios
o o o o o o
Providing
state of the
art facilities
for teaching
and learning
o o o o o o
Delivering
public
education
cost
effectively
o o o o o o
Providing
adequate
funding for
education
o o o o o o
Ensuring
Diversity,
Equity, and
Inclusion
within the
school
system
o o o o o o
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PUBLIC EDUCATION
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Meeting academic, social, and emotional needs of all students
o Attracting and retaining high quality teachers
o Ensuring educationally appropriate student-teacher ratios
o Providing state of the art facilities for teaching and learning
o Delivering public education cost effectively
o Providing adequate funding for education
o Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the school system
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CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Meeting Town
and state goals of
net zero
emissions in the
next 15-30 years
o o o o o
Reducing the use
of toxic materials o o o o o
Reducing
Greenhouse Gas
production from
transportation
o o o o o
Stopping
expansion of fossil
fuel use o o o o o
Maintaining
farmlands and
access to locally
grown foods
o o o o o
Reducing waste
streams, including
diverting food
waste to
composting
o o o o o
Providing public
health and safety
services in
response to rising
temperatures and
extreme weather
o o o o o
Ensuring access to
safe drinking
water o o o o o
Providing
education to
citizens about
sustainability
o o o o o
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CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Meeting Town
and state goals
of net zero
emissions in the
next 15-30
years
o o o o o o
Reducing the
use of toxic
materials o o o o o o
Reducing
Greenhouse
Gas production
from
transportation
o o o o o o
Stopping
expansion of
fossil fuel use o o o o o o
Maintaining
farmlands and
access to locally
grown foods
o o o o o o
Reducing waste
streams,
including
diverting food
waste to
composting
o o o o o o
Providing public
health and
safety services
in response to
rising
temperatures
and extreme
weather
o o o o o o
Ensuring access
to safe drinking
water o o o o o o
Providing
education to
citizens about
sustainability
o o o o o o
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CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Meeting Town and state goals of net zero emissions in the next 15-30 years
o Reducing the use of toxic materials
o Reducing Greenhouse Gas production from transportation
o Stopping expansion of fossil fuel use
o Maintaining farmlands and access to locally grown foods
o Reducing waste streams, including diverting food waste to composting
o Providing public health and safety services in response to rising temperatures and extreme weather
o Ensuring access to safe drinking water
o Providing education to citizens about sustainability
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PHYSICAL CHARACTER - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Preserving the
Town’s historic
areas and
structures
o o o o o
Preserving Town
owned open
space o o o o o
Making Town’s
public historic
areas and
structures
accessible to all
o o o o o
Preserving the
physical
character of
residential
neighborhoods
o o o o o
Enhancing the
physical
environment of
the Town
Center
o o o o o
Managing the
flow of traffic
through Town o o o o o
Ensuring
adequate,
convenient
parking in the
business
districts
o o o o o
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PHYSICAL CHARACTER - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Preserving the
Town’s historic
areas and
structures
o o o o o o
Preserving
Town owned
open space o o o o o o
Making Town’s
public historic
areas and
structures
accessible to
all
o o o o o o
Preserving the
physical
character of
residential
neighborhoods
o o o o o o
Enhancing the
physical
environment
of the Town
Center
o o o o o o
Managing the
flow of traffic
through Town o o o o o o
Ensuring
adequate,
convenient
parking in the
business
districts
o o o o o o
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PHYSICAL CHARACTER
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Preserving the Town’s historic areas and structures
o Preserving Town owned open space
o Making Town’s public historic areas and structures accessible to all
o Preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods
o Enhancing the physical environment of the Town Center
o Managing the flow of traffic through Town
o Ensuring adequate, convenient parking in the business districts
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION - Importance
How important are each of the following to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Welcoming
diverse groups
of people o o o o o
Ensuring
housing is
available for a
diverse
population
o o o o o
Offering
gathering places
for diverse ages
and interests
o o o o o
Providing books
and other
materials for a
diverse
population in
the library
o o o o o
Providing
translated
materials on the
Town website
and through
Town
departments
o o o o o
Creating
awareness of
the Town's
diversity
o o o o o
Diversifying
Town and
school staff o o o o o
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Welcoming
diverse
groups of
people
o o o o o o
Ensuring
housing is
available for
a diverse
population
o o o o o o
Offering
gathering
places for
diverse ages
and interests
o o o o o o
Providing
books and
other
materials for
a diverse
population in
the library
o o o o o o
Providing
translated
materials on
the Town
website and
through
Town
departments
o o o o o o
Creating
awareness of
the Town's
diversity
o o o o o o
Diversifying
Town and
school staff o o o o o o
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Welcoming diverse groups of people
o Ensuring housing is available for a diverse population
o Offering gathering places for diverse ages and interests
o Providing books and other materials for a diverse population in the library
o Providing translated materials on the Town website and through Town departments
o Creating awareness of the Town's diversity
o Diversifying Town and school staff
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TOWN GOVERNMENT - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Town officials and
staff acting with
integrity o o o o o
Balancing short-
term needs with
long-term issues o o o o o
Acting in a fiscally
responsible
manner o o o o o
Living within
constraints of
Proposition 2 1/2
(which limits
annual growth of
the property tax
levy)
o o o o o
Making
information on
decisions and
actions easy to
obtain
o o o o o
Encouraging
diversity in
participation in
Town affairs o o o o o
Participating in
regional groups to
share resources,
services, and
ideas
o o o o o
Planning for the
long-term future o o o o o
Ensuring
Emergency
Preparedness &
Response plans
are up to date
o o o o o
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TOWN GOVERNMENT - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Town officials
and staff acting
with integrity o o o o o o
Balancing short-
term needs with
long-term issues o o o o o o
Acting in a
fiscally
responsible
manner
o o o o o o
Living within
constraints of
Proposition 2 1/2
(which limits
annual growth of
the property tax
levy)
o o o o o o
Making
information on
decisions and
actions easy to
obtain
o o o o o o
Encouraging
diversity in
participation in
Town affairs
o o o o o o
Participating in
regional groups
to share
resources,
services, and
ideas
o o o o o o
Planning for the
long-term future o o o o o o
Ensuring
Emergency
Preparedness &
Response plans
are up to date
o o o o o o
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Town officials and staff acting with integrity
o Balancing short-term needs with long-term issues
o Acting in a fiscally responsible manner
o Living within constraints of Proposition 2 1/2 (which limits annual growth of the property tax levy)
o Making information on decisions and actions easy to obtain
o Encouraging diversity in participation in Town affairs
o Participating in regional groups to share resources, services, and ideas
o Planning for the long-term future
o Ensuring Emergency Preparedness & Response plans are up to date
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TOWN SERVICES - Importance
How important are each of the following items to you in preserving or improving Lexington?
Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all
Ensuring public
safety (police, fire
department, and
emergency medical
services)
o o o o o
Maintaining roads
and sidewalks
(including street
cleaning, snow
removal, pick-up of
debris, timely
repairs)
o o o o o
Offering sports
fields and recreation
facilities for diverse
activities o o o o o
Providing
comprehensive
library services o o o o o
Providing quality
services and
facilities for senior
citizens o o o o o
Providing quality
services and
facilities, outside of
schools, for children
and teens
o o o o o
Delivering Town
services in a
responsive and
friendly manner o o o o o
Delivering Town
services cost-
effectively o o o o o
Allocating adequate
money for Town
services o o o o o
Providing
opportunities for
life-long learning o o o o o
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 171
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
TOWN SERVICES - Current Performance
How would you rate the current performance of the Town with regard to each of the following items?
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know
Ensuring public
safety (police,
fire department,
and emergency
medical services)
o o o o o o
Maintaining
roads and
sidewalks
(including street
cleaning, snow
removal, pick-up
of debris, timely
repairs)
o o o o o o
Offering sports
fields and
recreation
facilities for
diverse activities
o o o o o o
Providing
comprehensive
library services o o o o o o
Providing quality
services and
facilities for
senior citizens o o o o o o
Providing quality
services and
facilities, outside
of schools, for
children and
teens
o o o o o o
Delivering Town
services in a
responsive and
friendly manner o o o o o o
Delivering Town
services cost-
effectively o o o o o o
Allocating
adequate money
for Town
services o o o o o o
Providing
opportunities for
life-long learning o o o o o o
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 172
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
TOWN SERVICES
Please click on ONE of the items in the list below to indicate which is MOST important to you.
o Ensuring public safety (police, fire department, and emergency medical services)
o Maintaining roads and sidewalks (including street cleaning, snow removal, pick-up of debris, timely
repairs)
o Offering sports fields and recreation facilities for diverse activities
o Providing comprehensive library services
o Providing quality services and facilities for senior citizens
o Providing quality services and facilities, outside of schools, for children and teens
o Delivering Town services in a responsive and friendly manner
o Delivering Town services cost-effectively
o Allocating adequate money for Town services
o Providing opportunities for life-long learning
Are there issues, other than those we have identified, that you feel are important to consider when preserving or
improving Lexington? If so, please indicate those below.
________________________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 173
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
PART TWO
Questions in this section ask you to reflect on your experiences living in Lexington.
Taking everything into account, on a scale from 1 to 10 (where 1 = extremely satisfied and 10 = not at all satisfied),
how satisfied are you currently with Lexington as a place to live?
1 =
extremely
satisfied
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 = not
at all
satisfied
How
satisfied
are you
with
Lexington
as a place
to live?
o o o o o o o o o o
Please click on the option below that indicates how the quality of life in Lexington for you today compares with the
quality of life for you in Lexington five (5) years ago.
o Better than it was five years ago
o The same as it was five years ago
o Worse than it was five years ago
o I don't know/I haven't been here that long
What is making the quality of life in Lexington worse than it was five (5) years ago?
________________________________________________________________
What potential changes that might occur in Lexington most concern you?
________________________________________________________________
Questions in this next section relate to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
What actions should the Town take to make all residents feel welcome?
________________________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
How have you been treated by the following Town entities?
Extremely
well Very well Acceptably Poorly Very Poorly Not relevant
to me
Town municipal
offices o o o o o o
DPW (Department
of Public Works) o o o o o o
Police
Department o o o o o o
Fire
Department/EMTs o o o o o o
Human Services o o o o o o
Recreation
Department o o o o o o
Lexington Public
Schools o o o o o o
Cary Library o o o o o o
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 175
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Do you feel any of the following might have influenced your treatment?
Yes No Don't know/Unsure
Your age group o o o
Your religious affiliation o o o
Your racial/ethnic
background o o o
Your social/economic
class o o o
Your disability o o o
Your sex/gender identity o o o
Your sexual orientation o o o
Your national origin o o o
Your English language
proficiency o o o
Please identify any other factor that you believe might have influenced your treatment by Town entities.
___________________________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 176
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Questions in this next section relate to taxes.
Please click on a response below that indicates how you feel about your Town taxes relative to the level of services
you receive from the Town.
o My taxes are high
o My taxes are appropriate
o My taxes are low
Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statement: My property taxes make it
difficult for me to meet my other financial obligations and maintain my standard of living.
▢ Strongly agree
▢ Agree
▢ Disagree
▢ Strongly disagree
Are you aware of the tax deferral/reduction programs available in Town? (For further information on these
programs please go to: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/assessor/pages/4-elderly-other-tax-relief)
Please check all the programs of which you are aware.
▢ Senior Tax Deferral Program
▢ Financial Hardship and Temporary Tax Deferral
▢ Property Tax Exemption
▢ Community Preservation Act Surcharge Exemption
▢ I was not aware of any of these programs
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Have you used any of the following tax deferral/reduction programs? (Please check all that apply.)
▢ Senior Tax Deferral Program
▢ Financial Hardship and Temporary Tax Deferral
▢ Property Tax Exemption
▢ Community Preservation Act Surcharge Exemption
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 178
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Questions in this next section focus on community participation.
For each of the following, please indicate whether you and/or a member of your family has participated in the
activity at any time during the last five years.
You Family member
Participated in a Recreation
Department program ▢ ▢
Utilized ball fields, playgrounds,
tennis courts, golf course, etc. ▢ ▢
Used community walking trails or
bike trails ▢ ▢
Took a Community Education class ▢ ▢
Attended a program at the Library ▢ ▢
Checked out any materials (e.g.,
books, DVDs) from the Library ▢ ▢
Used the Lexington Community
Center ▢ ▢
Participated in Senior programs ▢ ▢
Rode on the Lexpress ▢ ▢
Received assistance from the Police
or Fire Departments ▢ ▢
Received assistance from Human
Services ▢ ▢
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 179
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
For each type of activity, please indicate whether you currently participate in the activity, used to participate in the
activity, or never participated in the activity.
Currently participate Used to participate Never participated
Town of Lexington
committee or board (e.g.,
Planning Board, Council
on Aging, Vision for
Lexington Committee,
etc.)
o o o
Cultural, civic or
community organization
(e.g., IAL, ABCL, Little
League, League of
Women Voters, LexPride,
Neighborhood
associations, etc.)
o o o
Lexington Public Schools
volunteer (e.g., PTO,
LexFUN, room parent,
etc.)
o o o
Religious institution
volunteer o o o
Other (please specify) o o o
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Which of the following have you used to stay connected to the community? (Please check all that apply.)
▢ Lexington Newcomers Club
▢ Local Facebook groups
▢ Lexington listserv
▢ Neighborhood listserv
▢ Neighborhood groups
▢ Neighborhood pools
▢ Town website
▢ Town of Lexington email lists
▢ Town of Lexington social media
▢ Community-wide events
▢ Faith community
▢ Cultural events
▢ Cultural affinity groups
▢ PTOs (Parent Teacher Organizations)
▢ Book clubs
▢ Cary Library programming
▢ Recreation Department programming
▢ WeChat
▢ WhatsApp
▢ Other (please specify)
________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 181
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
PART THREE
Lexington will always need to prioritize resources and make trade-offs. For each of the questions in this section
you will be asked to indicate which of the identified competing issues are more important to you.
With regard to school services and programs, which of the following would you prefer?
o Increasing property taxes to meet budgetary needs
o Reducing publicly funded school services and programs
With regard to municipal services (public safety, public works, human services, recreation, etc.), which of the
following would you prefer?
o Increasing property taxes to meet budgetary needs
o Reducing publicly funded municipal services
To the extent that resources are insufficient to maintain our current level of services, which of the following would
you prefer?
o A reduction in school services and programs
o A reduction in municipal services
o A reduction in both school and municipal services
One way to reduce reliance on residential property taxes is to expand the commercial tax base. Which of the
following would you prefer?
o Increasing commercial density (and increasing the commercial tax base)
o Keeping zoning the same and not allow additional commercial density
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 182
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
As roadways and intersections are being rebuilt, which of the following would you prefer?
o Making roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists, including traffic calming measures
o Prioritizing roadways for vehicular flow
Most of the land in Lexington is already committed to particular uses. Of the remaining land that is still available
for development, which of the following would you prefer?
o Developing affordable housing
o Creating recreation fields
o Preserving available open space
Market forces are causing existing homes to be torn down. The new homes that replace them are often more
expensive. Which of the following would you prefer?
o Regulating residential land use to ensure diversity of housing options
o Limiting regulation of residential land use and allowing the market to determine the housing mix
Which do you think is more important?
o Preserving the rights of property owners
o Preserving the natural environment
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 183
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
As the Town plans for the future, it is necessary to balance the needs and interests of all citizens. To help us better
do this, the following question asks you to rank each of the areas of planning identified in Part One of the
questionnaire (above).
Please drag and drop each of the following items to number them from 1 to 7, where 1 = most important and 7 =
least important.
______ Ensuring economic development (e.g., attracting businesses, tourism, vibrant downtown, etc.)
______ Ensuring quality public education (e.g., teacher/student ratios, meeting social and academic needs,
providing adequate funding for education, etc.)
______ Addressing climate, environmental health and sustainability issues (e.g., reducing energy consumption,
reducing waste streams, meeting net zero emission goals, etc.)
______ Sustaining the physical character of the Town (e.g., open spaces, neighborhoods, historic venues, traffic
flow, parking, etc.)
______ Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (e.g., housing, educational opportunities, hiring, etc.)
______ Providing responsible Town government (e.g., making information easy to obtain, ensuring emergency
preparedness, acting in a fiscally responsible manner, etc.)
______ Delivering Town services (e.g., public safety, responsiveness to citizens' needs, maintaining roads and
sidewalks, etc.)
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
PART FOUR
Just a few more questions to help us ensure we are getting a representative sample of Lexington residents.
This section asks for background information about you. Please be assured that the information will be
confidential. It will be used in aggregated form to assess patterns of responses to the questions in Parts One, Two
and Three.
For each of the following questions, please either check the circle next to the appropriate answer for you or
provide an answer in the blank space when requested.
Are you...?
(Please check all that apply.)
▢ A Lexington resident
▢ A Town or School staff member
▢ An owner/employer of a Lexington business
▢ Other (please specify) ________________________________________________
Which of the following describes your sex or gender identify?
o Male
o Female
o Non-binary
o Other (please specify) ________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
How old are you?
o Younger than 20
o 20-29
o 30-39
o 40-49
o 50-59
o 60-69
o 70-79
o 80-89
o Older than 89
What is your occupation?
________________________________________________________________
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
o Less than high school
o Some high school
o High school graduate (or GED degree or vocational or technical school degree)
o Some college
o College graduate
o Some graduate school
o Master's Degree
o Professional Degree
o Doctoral Degree
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
With which of the following groups do you most identify?
o Asian
o Black or African American
o Hispanic or Latino/a/x
o Middle Eastern or Arab American
o Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native
o Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
o South Asian (e.g., Asian Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan)
o White or Caucasian
o Other race or multi-racial/ethnic (please specify)
________________________________________________
What is the primary language that you speak at home?
________________________________________________________________
For how long have you lived in Lexington?
o Less than one year
o 1-5 years
o 6-10 years
o 11-20 years
o More than 20 years
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 187
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
What initially drew you to Lexington as a place to live?
(Please check all that apply.)
▢ I grew up here
▢ Family
▢ Friends
▢ The history
▢ Location
▢ The schools
▢ Other (please specify) ________________________________________________
How likely is it that you will still be living in Lexington in eight (8) years?
o Highly likely
o Somewhat likely
o Somewhat unlikely
o Very unlikely
o Don't know
Under what conditions do you see yourself moving out of Lexington?
________________________________________________________________
What is the number of people living in your household at the current time?
o One, I live alone
o Two
o Three or more
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
How many children aged 18 or younger live in your household?
o None
o One
o Two
o Three or more
How many of the children in your household aged 5-18 currently attend Lexington Public Schools or Minuteman
Technical High School?
o None. All children are under age 5.
o None. The children go to other schools.
o One
o Two
o Three or more
How many of the children in your household under the age of five (5) will likely attend Lexington Public Schools?
o None. The children will likely go to other schools.
o One
o Two
o Three or more
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
What is the approximate assessed value of your residence?
(If you do not know the assessed value of your residence, please go to http://gis.vgsi.com/lexingtonma/Search.aspx)
o Less than $500,000
o Between $500,000 and $999,999
o Between $1,000,000 and $1,499,999
o Between $1,500,000 and $1,999,999
o Between $2,000,000 and $2,499,999
o Between $2,500,000 and $2,999,999
o Between $3,000,000 and $3,499,999
o Between $3,500,000 and $3,999,999
o $4,000,000 or more
o I am a renter
o I don't know
What was your household income (from all sources) in 2021?
o Less than $24,999
o Between $25,000 and $49,999
o Between $50,000 and $74,999
o Between $75,000 and $99,999
o Between $100,000 and $149,999
o Between $150,000 and $199,999
o Between $200,000 and $299,999
o Between $300,000 and $399,999
o Between $400,000 and $499,999
o $500,000 or more
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 190
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
In which precinct (number) do you reside?
If you do not know, please consult: http://wheredoivotema.com/bal/MyElectionInfo.aspx
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5
o 6
o 7
o 8
o 9
Are you a registered voter?
o Yes
o No
o I don't know
Did you vote in the last municipal election in March 2021?
o Yes
o No
o I don't remember
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 191
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
If you did not vote, why not?
(Please check all that apply.)
▢ I am not a citizen.
▢ I missed deadlines (registration, absentee ballot, etc.)
▢ Polling place hours were inconvenient
▢ I didn't believe my vote would have an influence
▢ Issues didn't matter to me/issues weren't important enough
▢ I didn't like the choices offered
▢ Accessibility issues (e.g., transportation, bad weather, illness, etc.)
▢ I was too busy
▢ I didn't believe local elections really make an impact
▢ I don't trust government/governmental entities
▢ Other (please specify) ________________________________________________
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 192
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
How did you learn about the 2022 Town Wide Survey?
(Please check all that apply.)
▢ Census insert
▢ Survey postcard
▢ Word of mouth
▢ Town website
▢ Town eNewsletter (e.g., Link to Lexington, Town News and Alerts)
▢ Other Town social media
▢ PTO newsletter
▢ Community listserv
▢ Other community social media (e.g., Lexington Mavens)
▢ Community organization mailing (e.g., IAL, KOLex, CAAl, CaLex)
▢ Local newspaper/media
▢ Other (please specify) ________________________________________________
Is there anything else about preserving or improving Lexington that you wish to add?
________________________________________________________________
Thank you very much for your time and thoughtful responses. A final report based on the findings of the survey
will be posted on the Town's website at LexingtonMA.gov/VisionForLexington, as well as through the Town's
communications channels. For a list of the Town of Lexington communication channels, visit
LexingtonMA.gov/StayInformed.
The Town will be further exploring issues raised in several areas addressed in this survey. We encourage residents
to participate in focus groups designed to elicit more detailed information. If you are interested in participating,
please go to this link to sign up: lexingtonma.gov/VfL2022focusgroup
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 193
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Appendix B
Questions for Focus Groups
1. We have found, from responses to the survey, that Lexington Center is an
issue for many people. We’d like to hear your thoughts. What do you think
about when you think of Lexington Center?
Probes: appearance
variety of stores/businesses
parking
vibrancy
2. Public education is considered to be important in our Town. What are key
issues on which School Committee and the school administration should be
focusing?
Probes: new high school
overcrowding
stress/competition
leadership
Be sure to ask this at the end of the discussion on public education:
What do we do well?
3. Our Town has become more diverse (in particular, in terms of ethnicity and
economics) in recent years. What should be the role of the Town in diversity,
equity and inclusion?
Probes: planning
hiring
education
too much or too little emphasis?
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 194
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
4. Questionnaire results indicated interest in a number of issues associated
with infrastructure. Those included open space, conditions of
roads/sidewalks, effects of climate change. Let’s discuss each of these
separately.
a. How should open space be handled?
Probes: trees
open space
bike/walking trails
b. Conditions of roads/sidewalks
Probes: paving of roads
creation/maintenance of sidewalks
traffic
c. Effects of climate change
Probes: fossil fuel use – should it be limited? by whom?
planning for climate-related crises
5. What do you think about the current state of housing in Lexington?
Probes: current zoning regulations
affordability
mansionization
property rights of owners
historic preservation
6. Taxes are of concern to many people.
a. Under what conditions would you be willing to pay higher taxes? For
what services/purposes?
b. What would you be willing to forego in order to contain (or reduce) taxes?
c. What should be the balance between commercial development and
residential taxes? What do you think the impact of increased commercial
development might be?
Probes: definition of ‘higher’ or ‘high’ taxes
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 195
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Appendix C
Stacked Bar Chart Comparisons of Importance and
Performance Ratings
The following charts present ratings of importance and performance for each of the
issues within the broad categories in Part I of the questionnaire. The X-axis
(horizontal) corresponds to ratings of importance. The Y-axis (vertical) indicates how
respondents rated performance. (For example, the chart immediately below shows the
distribution of ratings of performance within each of the categories of importance of
having a vibrant downtown that attracts residents and visitors. Reading across the
chart, one can see a comparison of the ratings of performance across all the categories
of importance.)
Findings are presented in frequencies.
Economic Development
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Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 199
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Public Education
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 200
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 201
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 203
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 204
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 205
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 208
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Physical Character
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 209
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 212
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 213
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 214
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 216
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Town Government
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 217
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 221
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Town Services
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 222
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 223
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
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Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 226
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Appendix D – List of Tables and Charts
Tables Page
Ratings of Importance and Ratings of Performance
Economic Development 20
Public Education 22
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability 24
Physical Character 27
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 29
Town Government 31
Town Services 34
Conclusions Part 1 39
Treatment by Specific Town Entities 55
Ranking of Most Important Broad Category 61
Demographics of Respondents versus Population
Education 64
Race/Ethnicity 64
Language Spoken at Home 65
Reason for Not Voting in March 2021 Election 68
Where Respondents Learned of Survey 69
Comparisons of Ratings of Importance and Ratings of Performance 70
Most Important Issues 2012, 2017, and 2022 107
Concerns about Changes in Lexington 2012, 2017, and 2022 132
Use of Town Amenities 2012, 2017, and 2022 141
Civic Participation 2012, 2017, and 2022 142
Demographic Profile 2012, 2017, and 2022 143
Final Report on Town-Wide Survey 2022
Marian A.O. Cohen, Ph.D. 227
Ruth Remington, Ph.D., R.N.
Charts
Page
Ratings of Importance and Ratings of Performance
Economic Development 71
Public Education 74
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability 78
Physical Character 83
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 87
Town Government 91
Town Services 96
Comparison of 2012, 2017, and 2022 Ratings of Importance and Ratings
of Performance
Economic Development 112
Public Education 114
Climate, Environmental Health and Sustainability 116
Physical Character 117
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 121
Town Government 123
Town Services 127
Stacked Bar Charts of Comparison of Importance and Performance
Ratings (Appendix C)
195
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Discussion: Town Manager Performance Evaluation
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.3
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
The Select Board will conduct its annual review of the Town Manager Steve Bartha's performance. Individual
Board member evaluations have been collected and consolidated into a summarized report for discussion.
At the public meeting, the Board will review the consolidated evaluation, discuss key performance themes, and
consider any areas for refinement or clarification. Any member of the Board may request adjustments or
additions to the consolidated review based on the discussion and the evaluation materials presented.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 7:20pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Draft Town Manager Performance Evaluation Backup Material
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
SELECT BOARD OFFICE
TEL: (781) 698-4580
FAX: (781) 863-9468
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE · LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
e-mail selectboard@lexingtonma.gov
JILL I. HAI, CHAIR
JOSEPH N. PATO
DOUGLAS M. LUCENTE
MARK D. SANDEEN VINEETA KUMAR
Town Manager: Steve Bartha
Review Period: 11/2024-10/2025
Rating Scale
4.5 to 5.0 – Outstanding
4.0 to 4.4 - Exceeds Expectations
3.0 to 3.9 - Meets Expectations
2.0 to 2. 9 - Needs Improvement
0.0 to 1.9 - Unacceptable
Integrated Performance Review
Summary
Based on the Town Manager Performance Evaluations submitted by four members of the Select
Board, the overall total rating score received for the past year is a 4.1- Exceeds Expectations.
The Select Board expressed deep appreciation for your strong and dedicated start as Town
Manager. Every member noted that you stepped into an exceptionally demanding first year—with
major capital planning underway, Lex250 preparations in full swing, complex zoning work, and
multiple labor negotiations—you approached these challenges with energy, thoughtfulness, and
steadiness. There is consistent acknowledgement of how quickly you adapted, how fully you
immersed yourself in the community, and how effectively you managed a wide range of
responsibilities during this pivotal time and your first year in Lexington
Major Capital Projects
You provided solid administrative support and effective coordination, particularly on the Lexington
High School project. As you gain additional familiarity with Lexington’s long-range planning
processes, there is room for a more proactive role in examining assumptions, questioning, to help
ensure that major capital decisions remain well-grounded and fully vetted.
Housing & Community Development
You demonstrated strong relationship-building and steady support for housing related work,
examples include convening the Housing Summit, and work with the MBTA Communities
recalibration. This first year effort laid a strong foundation. There is room for forward-looking
scenario planning.
Lex250 Celebration
The event was a significant success and your cross-departmental coordination and supportive
leadership contributed meaningfully to a smooth and safe celebration.
Integrated review 2025 S. Bartha
Page 2 of 3
Quality of Life, Resident Services, and Communications
During this first year, you sheparded progress on several quality-of-life initiatives, including Age-in-
Community work, senior tax relief, and implementation of HERO Act-related benefits. There is
encouragement for continued work to improve everyday resident-facing services, such as the
need for a modern and reliable system for reporting concerns, as well as clearer communication
about smaller public works and construction activity to support residents’ day-to-day experience.
Economic Development
You made strong initial progress in establishing relationships with businesses, developers, and
employers in this first year and the Board looks forward to seeing that work further a proactive and
strategic approach to this important area.
Leadership, Staff Relations, and Internal Management
You made significant efforts in relationship-building with staff and the Senior Management Team.
There are noticeable improvements in morale, collaboration, and organizational connection. Your
efforts to engage with both frontline staff and senior leaders has also been clear and appreciated.
We look forward to your deepened strategic engagement, including independently evaluating
recommendations, strengthening communication pathways, and maintaining a focus on
accountability and team development as the organization evolves.
Financial Management
Financial management feedback was consistently positive, with all members commending your
leadership through the FY2026 budget process and the continued maintenance of the Town’s Aaa
bond rating. Moving forward, there is a desire for more involvement with our long-range financial
planning, innovation, and fiscal scenario analysis, to prepare for emerging pressures.
Labor Relations and Personnel Management
Having jumped into the middle of a major year for management of labor relations and personnel
matters, you demonstrated a balanced and effective approach to multiple contract negotiations and
worked to advance the Town’s compensation philosophy. Your ability to find compromises and
also to stand firm when needed, are appreciated.. Maintaining a strong focus on expectations,
accountability, and performance will remain essential as the Town continues to invest in its
workforce.
Community Presence and Public Engagement
Your efforts to become a highly visible presence in the community, attending events, connecting
with residents, and supporting civic programs were clear and we look forward to you continuing
that presence and furthering ties with the community and committee leadership.. Now with a better
understanding of the community, you have the opportunity to take a more prominent leadership
role during challenging public discussions.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The restructuring of the Town’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts was a thoughtful and
effective response to organizational needs and a significant achievement. We look forward to
seeing measurable outcomes both within the organization and throughout the broader community
from this work.
Integrated review 2025 S. Bartha
Page 3 of 3
SELECT BOARD
Jill I. Hai, Chair
Joseph N. Pato
Douglas M. Lucente
Mark D. Sandeen
Vineeta A. Kumar
DATE:_______________________________
TOWN MANAGER
Steve Bartha
DATE:_______________________________
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Discussion: Generate List of Decision Points for Non-Residential Development Surcharge
for Affordable Housing
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.4
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
At its December 8, 2025 meeting, the Select Board received a presentation on the Non-Residential
Development Nexus Study for affordable housing. Following the presentation, the Board agreed that it would
be useful to compile a list of decision points that will be required.
For this discussion, the Board will review the consultant’s policy and administrative recommendations
regarding non-residential housing contribution and develop a related set of policies/procedures:
Setting the project size threshold at 30,000 square feet.
Applying the housing contribution across all non-residential uses with no exemptions.
Establishing a uniform fee across uses and throughout all areas of Lexington.
Requiring payment of the one-time fee in three installments:
Indexing the fee annually using either the Boston CPI or a construction-cost index.
Reviewing and resetting the fee every 5–7 years in response to market conditions and projected non-
residential development activity.
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Board to identify, refine, and expand the full set of decision points
that will guide future consideration of whether and how to implement a non-residential development surcharge
to support affordable housing.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 7:40pm
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Vote: Article 97 Filing for High School Project
PRESENTER:
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.5
SUMMARY:
On November 3, prior to STM 2025-2, the Select Board voted 5-0 in favor of Article 9 (home rule legislation
for Article 97), which then passed with over 90% support from Town Meeting. On December 8,
Lexingtonians then voted in favor of the LHS debt exclusion with 62% support.
Although it is arguable that the November 3 Select Board vote to authorize home rule legislation already
satisfies the requirements laid out in Article 97 guidance issued by the Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs (EOEA) in 1998, town counsel is recommending that the November 3 vote be reaffirmed tonight—as a
standalone item not connected to a town meeting article—to make clear the town's intent as the process moves
forward.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move that the Board affirm its desire, as expressed at the November 3, 2025, Special Town Meeting, to
petition the General Court to enact special legislation pursuant to Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution,
in substantially the form authorized by Town Meeting, to authorize the transfer of the Center Athletic Field
Parcels currently under the care, custody, management and control of the Select Board to the School
Committee for school purposes and to authorize the Legislature to make changes to the text of such legislation
as is consistent, subject to approval of such changes by the Town Manager.
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 7:55pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Select Board Statement from STM on Art. 97 Cover Memo
Memo on Status of Article 97 (from 12.8 LSB Mtg)Cover Memo
1
Town of Lexington
Annual Town Meeting 2025-2
Article 9: Home Rule Legislation for New
Lexington High School
Presenter: Jill Hai
This article requests that Town Meeting take three-related actions to allow for
the construction of the new Lexington High School to move forward.
The first action is to transfer custody and control of certain areas of the current high school campus that are used for playing fields from the Select Board to the
School Committee for the site of the new High School building.
The second action transfers from the School Committee to the Select Board the care and custody of land currently being used for the High School building for
the new athletic fields. This action formally dedicates these lands to playing
fields and related recreational uses pursuant to Article 97 of the Amendments to
the Massachusetts Constitution.
The last action is related to the first. The areas of the current playing fields that
will be used for the new High School building were acquired by the Town in
1914 and 1915 for park and recreation purposes by grants from August B. Scott, a park commissioner and former High School Principal in Lexington.
In 1961, the state legislature formally permitted the Town to use these fields for
school building purposes. To confirm that it is still Town Meeting’s desire that these fields be used for school building purposes (as they were authorized in
1961), and avoid any legal uncertainty over the Town’s rights to build on these
parcels as it embarks on this important project, the Select Board seeks the
authority to file legislation pursuant to Article 97 reconfirming the 1961 release of any and all restrictions on the land that will be used for the new school, subject
to adequate mitigation being provided in the form of new playing fields as stated
in the second part of this motion.
2
The Town has already taken steps to begin the Article 97 process, including making the necessary filings with the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs to begin review of the proposed land swap to ensure that
the Town is providing adequate recreational facilities for those that would be used for the new building. Overall, the Town is achieving “no net loss” of fields as all eight acres of existing fields to be used will be replaced with new fields,
most on the same High School campus.
The Select Board unanimously supports the passage of Article 9.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420
Town of Lexington
Town Manager’s Office
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
Tel: (781) 698-4540
Fax: (781) 861-2921
Memorandum
To: Lexington Select Board
From: Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Date: December 3, 2025
Subject: Status of Article 97 Filing for High School Project
On November 3, prior to STM 2025-2, the Select Board voted 5-0 in favor of Article 9 (home rule legislation for
Article 97), which then passed with over 90% support from Town Meeting.
As (a) explained by town counsel prior to Town Meeting and (b) noted in the accompanying Select Board
Statement (attached), Town Meeting was being asked, in part, to "confirm that it is still Town Meeting’s desire
that these fields be used for school building purposes (as they were authorized in 1961), and avoid any legal
uncertainty over the Town’s rights to build on these parcels as it embarks on this important project, the Select
Board seeks the authority to file legislation pursuant to Article 97 reconfirming the 1961 release of any and all
restrictions on the land that will be used for the new school..."
The vote tonight should be viewed in a similar light. Although it is arguable that the 5-0 vote prior to STM
2025-2 to authorize home rule legislation already satisfies the requirements laid out in Article 97 guidance
issued by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) in 1998, counsel is recommending that the
November 3 vote be reaffirmed tonight to make clear the town's intent as the process moves forward.
The Town has been discussing and/or preparing for a potential Article 97 filing for many years. Provided the
voters approve today's Debt Exclusion question, a Home Rule Petition will be presented to the Legislature for
passage. The Town has received every indication from EOEA and members of our delegation that our Article
97 filing is straightforward. Our project is currently under review with the EOEA (which has viewed the project
positively so far). Acting now allows our delegation to begin taking the steps necessary to file the legislation
and preparing it for votes as soon as EOEA acts on the Article 97 submittal to maximize the chances for quick
legislative action in the new year. That action, in turn, will allow us to stay on schedule with the project and
minimize cost escalations.
Recommended Motion:
Move that the Board affirm its desire, as expressed at the November 3, 2025, Special Town Meeting, to
petition the General Court to enact special legislation pursuant to Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution,
in substantially the form authorized by Town Meeting, to authorize the transfer of the Center Athletic Field
Parcels currently under the care, custody, management and control of the Select Board to the School
Committee for school purposes and to authorize the Legislature to make changes to the text of such legislation
as is consistent, subject to approval of such changes by the Town Manager; provided that the filing of such
petition shall only occur if the Town votes in favor of the debt exclusion put before the voters today.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Reversal of Liquor License and Adjust Liquor License Renewal – Whiskey and
Wine, 55 Bedford Street
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.6
SUMMARY:
Cateogry: Decision Making
This matter is before the Select Board because the previously submitted application to transfer the All-Alcohol
Package Store License at 55 Bedford Street, can no longer proceed. The parties to the Purchase and Sale
(P&S) Agreement have not completed the transaction, requiring the seller to retain the existing license and
request withdrawal of the pending transfer application.
As required by the ABCC, a letter signed by both the seller and buyer, has been submitted stating that the P&S
agreement has been terminated and both parties request that the transfer application be withdrawn and the license
be reverted to the original owner.
The Select Board is asked to vote to:
1. Authorize withdrawal of the transfer application with the ABCC;
2. Revert the All-Alcohol Package Store License at 55 Bedford Street to the original owner, d/b/a Whiskey
and Wine, due to the non-completion of the P&S agreement and
3. Approve the 2026 liquor license renewal in the original owner's name, d/b/a Whiskey and Wine, as part
of this reversion
This vote will formally clarify the status of the license at the local level and allow the Select Board Office to
communicate the necessary withdrawal and reversion to the ABCC.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to
1. Authorize withdrawal of the transfer application with the ABCC;
2. Revert the All-Alcohol Package Store License at 55 Bedford Street to the original owner, d/b/a Whiskey
and Wine, due to the non-completion of the P&S agreement and
3. Approve the 2026 liquor license renewal in the original owner's name, d/b/a Whiskey and Wine, as part
of this reversion
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
12/15/2025 8:00pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Signed Letter of request for reversal of Liquor License 55 Bedford Street Backup Material
Internal Memo to Board - Situation Overview Backup Material
12/09/2025
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
Select Board
Memorandum
Date: December 9, 2025
To: Select Board
From: Kim Katzenback, Executive Clerk
cc: Steve Bartha, Town Manager
RE: Reversion of Liquor License, Withdrawal of Pending Transfer Application, and Renewal Adjustment –
Whiskey and Wine, 55 Bedford Street
Purpose of the Packet Item
This item is before the Select Board because the Purchase and Sale (P&S) Agreement associated with the proposed
transfer of the All-Alcohol Package Store License for Whiskey and Wine, 55 Bedford Street, was not completed. As a
result, the pending license transfer application must be withdrawn, the license must revert to the existing owner, and the
previously approved renewal must be corrected to reflect the proper license holder. The Board is asked to vote to
confirm these actions.
Background
Under Massachusetts law, ownership of an alcohol license does not transfer to a buyer until the Alcoholic Beverages
Control Commission (ABCC) and the Local Licensing Authority (LLA) approve the transfer and issue the new license.
Until that occurs, the seller retains full ownership and operating rights under the existing license.
Because the P&S agreement was not finalized, the license transfer cannot proceed, and the license must remain with the
original owner.
Requirement for License Renewal During Pending Transfer
The ABCC had already approved the pending transfer application, which required the proposed buyer to file the annual
liquor license renewal by the November 30 statutory deadline. At that time, the license was still in an “approved for
transfer” status; therefore, the Select Board properly voted to approve the renewal under the buyer’s name for
compliance purposes.
Now that the purchase has not been completed, and the Board is acting to revert the license to the current owner, the
renewal must also be adjusted. Approval of the reversion includes approval of the 2026 license renewal in the original
owner’s name to accurately reflect the lawful license holder in both local and ABCC records.
Need for Formal Withdrawal of the Transfer Application
A formal withdrawal of the pending transfer application is required to close the record both locally and at the ABCC.
Without withdrawal, the application remains active and may trigger administrative complications, such as:
Continued listing of the license as “pending transfer” in state systems;
Ongoing or unresolved compliance checks by the Department of Revenue (DOR) or the Department of
Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
The seller or their legal counsel must submit written notification to both the LLA and the ABCC that the P&S agreement
has been terminated and request withdrawal of the transfer application. Use of legal counsel experienced in
Massachusetts liquor licensing is recommended.
Action Needed by the Select Board
The Select Board is asked to vote to:
1. Revert the All-Alcohol Package Store License for Whiskey and Wine, 55 Bedford Street, to the original
owner due to the non-completion of the P&S agreement;
2. Approve the 2026 liquor license renewal in the original owner's name as part of this reversion; and
3. Authorize withdrawal of the pending transfer application with the ABCC.