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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-00-CPC-AMT-rptCommunity Preservation Committee Annual Town Meeting 2007 The Community Preservation Committee is pleased to recommend twelve projects to Town Meeting for its consideration and approval, as described on the following pages. Each of these projects was evaluated in light of the articulated criteria for acceptable CPA projects (as provided on the CPC page of the Town's website, httpJ /ci.lexiii Committees/ Communitypreser vationCommittee /CPAapp.htm and vetted at a public hearing held on December 14, 2006. In addition to these Warrant Article projects, the CPC recommends approval of an allocation for administrative expenses. The CPC is allowed to use up to five percent of yearly receipts for expenses, or approximately $115,000, and we are now requesting $25,000. This amount will be spent on mailings, notice publication, legal fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. After the twelve 2007 CPC recommended projects, an update on six 2006 CPC projects has been included . Center Playfields Drainage Engineering Study Project Descri tp ion The project requested $40,000 of CPC funds for the hiring of an engineering firm to assess the Center Playfields, between Worthen Road and Park Drive, to make recommendations for drainage improvements at the site. This project qualifies for CPA funds because the study will seek methods to preserve an existing recreational land resource which has deteriorated and cannot be addressed through routine maintenance. The Center Playfields are a valuable community resource which hosts a number of youth, adult, recreation and school activities including football, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and track, both for inter - scholastic competition and for recreational activities. In addition, there is a new playground structure, and the site also hosts the annual Lions Club Carnival. This recreation site was constructed many years ago over a peat marsh and drains poorly, holding water for extended periods. It is a normal occurrence for the grass fields and the playground area to consistently puddle after a rainstorm; creating unsafe playing conditions, disuse, and turf deterioration - resulting in costly repair and maintenance. Study Objectives • Assess the entire site to determine the best drainage alternatives which may include, but not be limited to, laser grading for proper surface flow, underground pipe systems for subsurface drainage, water collection systems and proper discharge points. • Design drainage systems to keep the water away from the fields and play areas. • Design drainage systems to move the water off the fields and play areas in a timely manner, thus providing safer turf and play areas for all participants. • Reduce costly repairs and maintenance by properly draining the water from the turf and play areas. Project Value This project is of great importance and relevance to the community. The Center Playfields host Lexington Little League, Lexington Girls Softball, Lexington High School Athletics (tennis, football, soccer, field hockey, track), the Lexington Blue Sox, Pop Warner Football, adult and youth tennis programs, and many other youth and adult activities. The playground also draws many parents and children to the site. The track is used continuously throughout the day for walling. The Center Playfields are centrally located in Town and the facility is a gathering place for people of all ages. The Lexington Recreation Committee, the Recreation Department, the School Athletic Department, Lexington Little League, Lexington Blue Sox, Lexington Babe Ruth and DPW support this project. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Historic Cemetery Preservation at Ye Old Burial Ground (Colonial Cemetery) and Munroe Cemetery This project will repair, restore and conserve the grave markers which are in a state of disrepair in Ye Old Burial Ground and Munroe Cemetery. Ye Old Burial Ground and Munroe Cemetery are important parts of Lexington's history, and many tourists visit these cemeteries each year; as custodian, the Town bears the responsibility of preserving and maintaining them. It has been many years since these cemeteries received any significant restoration efforts; each year there are more grave markers that show signs of deterioration and are in jeopardy of being damaged beyond repair. The Town has put the restoration on the operating budget for many years and cut it each year due to lack of funds. Over the past two years the Town hired a stone conservator to assess each cemetery, make recommendations for repairs and restoration and prioritize the work based on severity of damage and safety. The Town hired a contractor to perform some repairs at Ye Old Burial Ground but the scope of the project requires funding outside of the operating budget. The project falls under the Historic Preservation section of the Community Preservation Act and is in line with Town goals for these cemeteries. The project goals and objectives are as follows Perform the necessary treatments to preserve and repair the various grave markers at both cemeteries based on condition and type. Catalog the location, type, condition, and identity of each grave marker. Develop a plan and budget for ongoing maintenance and preservation. Project Value The Town's historic burying grounds are an integral part of its history, providing primary data on its earliest inhabitants and hints as to the quality of their lives. The burying grounds are an important attraction to the tourists who come to town to understand this history. CPA funding will enable the Town to meet its stewardship responsibilities with respect to these important sites. In addition, Munroe Cemetery is both historical and active (about 3 burials per year) and needs to be kept viable for friends, family and visitors. Funding: The project requests $367,000 of CPA money to hire a qualified stone conservator and a qualified stone preservation contractor. Of this amount, $270,000 will be used at Ye Old Burying Ground, and $97,000 will be used at the Munroe Cemetery. All work performed will be under the management and administration of the Department of Public Works. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Lexington Historical Society Improved Fire Monitoring at Lexington's Historic Houses The Lexington Fire Department is converting from a telegraph to a radio system for direct monitoring of fire alarms for commercial and municipal properties in town. Installation of wireless fire alarms at Buckman Tavern, the Hancock- Clarice House, and Munroe Tavern is essential to the protection of these three Colonial -era properties and to the safety of visitors, guides, and volunteers.. The Historical Society is requesting funding for the radio boxes and their installation. The goal of the project is speedy installation of the radio boxes at each property to provide direct monitoring by the Fire Department and to be in compliance with their technical requirements. Improved fire monitoring is essential to the preservation of the three historic house museums. Currently, only Munroe Tavern is monitored directly by the Fire Department. The two other properties are monitored by private alarm services that report fire alarms to the Fire Department. Even a brief (90 second) delay in reporting of a fire could cause irreparable damages to these priceless structures as well as possible physical harm to tourists and guides when the houses are open to the public. Because the Fire Department is switching to monitoring by radio box, the Historical Society must comply with this new technology in order to be monitored directly. The Society has worked with the Fire Department's suggested provider of radio boxes to get quotes on the required equipment and installation. The boxes can be installed as soon as funding is available. The cost for the purchase and installation of radio boxes varies by property because of different installation requirements. For Buckman Tavern the cost is $5710; for Munroe Tavern $6210; and for the Hancock- Clarke House $6200. The total cost for the project — and the amount of CPA fiends requested — is $18,120. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Lexington Historical Society New Boiler and Oil Tank for Buckman Tavern The Lexington Historical Society is seeking funding for a new boiler for Buckman Tavern, and for the removal of the underground oil tank at the Tavern, to be replaced by a new tank in the basement. The current boiler is over 30 years old, and an energy audit done pro Bono by local experts last year recommended boiler replacement. In addition to avoiding possible failure of the boiler, a new one should be more energy efficient. Boiler replacement is part of a larger project the Society has been undertaking to improve energy efficiency at Buckman Tavern, including insulating pipes and attic areas, Although there is no evidence of leakage, removal of the buried oil tank is important due to the potential costs and problems that a leak would cause on this visible and heavily used area of town -owned land. Maintaining an adequate heating system at Buckman Tavern is important to the use of the building for visitors and events, and boiler failure could lead to freezing pipes that would jeopardize the historic fabric of the building. Specifications and quotations for a new boiler and removal /replacement of the oil tank have been obtained and the project can be carried out as soon as funding is available. The new boiler will cost $7200, asbestos removal is $1435, and the removal /replacement of the oil tank is $4100, for a total project cost of $12,735. Arlex Oil Corporation is contributing $2050 toward the cost of the oil tank replacement and the Society is requesting $10,685 in CPA funding for this project. Buckman Tavern is Town -owned and leased to the Historical Society long -term. The Society is responsible for all day- to- day expenses of running the Tavern, including heating costs, as well as routine maintenance and repair. The Town has made capital improvements to the Tavern from time to time, most recently paying for the cost of a new roof. This partnership has worked well, The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Lexington Historical Commission Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey of Lexington The Lexington Historical Commission is requesting $90,000 to correct and update the Town's inventory of historic properties and neighborhoods in Lexington, which is used for the administration of the Demolition Delay Bylaw. The current volumes contain inaccurate and incomplete information, which needs to be corrected for the fair administration of the Bylaw. The proposed work plan calls for the use of the services of an historic preservation consultant to review, update and complete new research on approximately 2,000 properties in Lexington. As a byproduct of this work, an easily accessible reference guide will be produced. Since 1975, the LHC has assembled a nine - volume inventory of historic structures located throughout the Town that documents over 1400 structures and sites. These forms provide basic architectural and historical information about individual properties and neighborhoods, and are an important source of information for homeowners seeking information about their homes. Listing on the inventory is also the threshold requirement for determinations by the LHC whether the Demolition Delay Bylaw should be applied to requests by owners and developers for demolition permits. Because many of the early inventory forms were prepared in the 1970s, they do not meet current Massachusetts Historical Commission requirements; many more properties remain undocumented, placing them at risk for insensitive modification or demolition. Other properties no longer exist or have lost their integrity over the years. The sheer number of forms makes it difficult to find information on specific properties. This project would; Identify and prioritize incomplete or undocumented buildings; establish a uniform and comprehensive record of these properties; and consolidate the survey information into a single volume that would be easily available to Lexington residents as an important reference source. Lexington's rich cultural heritage is at risk due to insensitive modification or, within the climate of an intense market for real estate development, demolition, of our important buildings. There are hundreds of properties of post - Revolutionary War periods that are architecturally and historically significant in their own right but unrecognized and unprotected. By identifying and widely publishing this significance, members of the community can celebrate their own homes' importance, protecting, preserving, enhancing, restoring and rehabilitating them, and seeking creative alternatives to their destruction and demolition. In addition, older, smaller homes potentially are affordable homes, with appropriate public policies and programs. The existence of a comprehensive guide to Lexington architecture and neighborhoods will promote a preservation ethic that complements the Town's vision for the quality of life of its residents and ensure its diversity of resources. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Lexington Housing Authority Greeley Village Window Replacement The Lexington Housing Authority is requesting $228,404 for replacement windows at Greeley Village. The total cost will be $248,404, of which the LHA will pay the additional $20,000. The LHA previously requested funding for this project from the State Department of Housing and Community Development when allowed in 2002, but did not receive grant money since the budgeting at DHCD allowed for only those developments that were in dire need of repair or would not be inhabitable. Greeley Village is an elderly /handicapped low rent apartment complex with one hundred units that was first occupied in 1968. It is governed by the DHCD and owned by the Lexington Housing Authority. The average gross income of the residents is $11,496.00 per year, and the average rent for these units is $278.00 per month, including all utilities. The cost of utilities is approximately $161,000 for electricity, heat and hot water yearly, with an average cost per Ludt of $134.00 per month leaving the Housing Authority $144.00 per month to run the development or $172,800 yearly. With this limited income, the LHA is able to maintain Greeley Village, make maintenance repairs such as plumbing and electrical repairs; pest control; replace deteriorating kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and floors; painting of the units; as well as snow removal, grass cutting and landscaping. The majority of repairs and work is done by the LHA staff to be as economical as possible. In addition, all of the administration expenses are also paid out of the $144 portion of the monthly rent. In an effort to increase the income of LHA, the LHA also managed the Concord Housing Authority for a one year period which was two jobs for one staff in an attempt to raise money to make improvements at Greeley Village. The reason for the request is that the aging windows are not fully operable so that residents have difficulty opening them in the summer and closing them in the winter, resulting in a huge energy loss. This development is heated with electric radiators, which does not provide the kind of heat that hot water or steam with oil or gas does, making these units harder to heat and keep warm. The replacement of these windows will cut utility costs by 10 -30 %. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. The East Lexington Branch Library (The Stone Building) Historic Building Evaluation Report The East Lexington Branch Library, or Stone Building, is a historically significant town -owned property that is in need of major repair. Built in 1832, the building has suffered from deferred maintenance over its long life. This CPA request is to fiend the cost of a study that would make recommendations on the repairs and improvements necessary to preserve and maintain the building, and also define improvements that are needed to continue to use the building for a public purpose. The building is currently not compliant with ADA accessibility standards, which limits its use. This request, for $43,000, would include the costs for a structural study as well as an architectural evaluation that would address code, access and preservation issues. The Stone Building was initially built for Eli Robbins, in 1832, as a lecture hall and private residence. It has been used by the community as a public space since 1832, and owned by the Town of Lexington since 1892 when it was first used as a branch library. Ralph Waldo Emerson and other historically significant speakers lectured here. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the East Lexington Village Historic District. The Stone Building has been on the Town's List of Capital Improvement Projects for a number of years; in January, 2005, the Building Finance Advisory Committee recommended that $120,000 be expended over a period of three years for exterior work on the building The recommendation included the need for a structural analysis as well as window, shutter, gutter, masonry and column repair. These expenditures were not funded due to Town budgetary constraints. It did not address preservation issues, ADA and other types of code compliance. Nor did it identify any uses for the building, which must ultimately be addressed. Regardless of the planned use for the Stone Building, the structural work described above must be completed, and the other building issues should be addressed concurrently. A comprehensive report will provide a complete understanding of the costs associated with all aspects of the Stone Building and will provide a project plan for the building. Future capital requests will be based on this comprehensive evaluation of building needs. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Cary Hall Restoration & Rehabilitation The Town Manager's Office, working with the Lexington Center Committee, is seeking Community Preservation funding to restore and rehabilitate historic Cary Hall as a center for public presentation and performance. The CPC funding request is $147,130 as follows: 1) $80,000 to fiend three separate studies to examine the feasibility, impact, scope, nature, and cost of restoring Cary Hall's performance capabilities to 21 century standards, including: a) $10,000 for Feasibility, Impact, & Operations Analysis. Should this study determine that the larger project is NOT feasible, the remaining studies would NOT be undertaken. b) $60,000 for Architectural Concept & Performance Studies, including: 1. $25,000 Architectural Concept 2. $11,000 Theatrical Planning 3. $11,000 Sound, Video, Theatrical, Rigging, Lighting & Electrical 4. $7,000 Acoustical Study 5. $6,000 Historical Study c) $10,000 Schematic Design 2) $8,000 to purchase and install black out curtains to enhance daytime meeting & presentation capabilities. 3) $59,130 to implement stage extensions and lighting and dimming over the extensions, needed for performances of the Lexington Symphony and Cary Lecture Series. This includes: a) $20,000 motorized rigging & batten above stage extension b) $20,000 stage extension c) $15,000 lighting over stage d) $2,000 dimmer pack e) $2,130 curtain to cover motorized batten An upgraded Cary Hall will serve a significant number of residents and maximize the utility of this Town -owned property: *Cary Hall will become the "heart of the community" as the Cary family intended it to be when more fully and broadly utilized; *Cary Hall will attract cultural opportunities to the downtown that do not exist today; *With enhanced performance capability, Cary Hall will contribute greatly to the vitality of the center; *There is real potential for revenue as a unique, well equipped, large capacity performance venue; and *Cary Hall will coexist with, and complement, the National Heritage Museum auditorium — too small a space for large audiences, and the High School auditorium — where school uses take first priority. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Tourism Signs In a report approved by the Board of Selectmen in 2001 the Tourism Committee stated that consistency in style and design of sign, and directing traffic into the historic sites in Lexington was a key priority. The Tourism Committee has been working on an overall program to improve signage in four categories; (1) directional; (2) storytelling; (3) site specific; and (4) welcome signs. Lexingtonians are keenly aware of their place in history and the responsibility that comes with that history. The 20/20 report puts an emphasis on honoring our place in history and providing ways to showcase that history to the world. The Selectmen approved initial tax levy funding for this program in 2002. Historic resources are more likely to be damaged or demolished as a result of public ignorance of their historic significance. An integrated program of signage that heightens the awareness of both owners and the public about a town's historic assets is a key element in the long -term protection and preservation of those assets. This project will also help the various entities that support tourism such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, the National Park Service and the National Heritage Museum. This is truly a public /private partnership with funding coming from multiple sources. In 2002 Town Meeting approved $10,000 for signage. Those funds have paid for the design and there is some available for the fabrication. Christopher Bing is contributing the artwork for the storytelling sign. The Historical Society will pay the full cost of new site specific signs consistent with the design and coloring of the directional signs. The two display signs in Depot Square and in front of the Visitor's Center were done in this style and paid for privately. The balance is being requested from Community Preservation Funds totaling $18,360, allocated as follows; Directional Signs: $11,860 These signs will direct drivers from the highways to the historic sites and Lexington Center. The total estimate for the directional signs is $15,060. There is currently $3,200 remaining from the original appropriation, leaving a net cost of $11,680 being requested from CPA funds. Storytelling Sign on the Battle Green; $ 6,500 This sign is an interpretive sign that, pending HDC approval will be placed on the Battle Green to interpret the events that took place and the historic structure that is no longer on the Battle Green. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Supportive Living, Inc. Affordable Housing - 15 Units for Brain- Injured Persons Rehabilitation of 7 Oakland Street The former Lexington Press building on Oakland Street will be rehabilitated by Supportive Living, Inc. (SLI) into 15 studio -type, barrier -free rental apartment units for brain - injured adults requiring supportive services. Supportive Living SLI is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization working in partnership with public agencies, businesses, and other nonprofits to raise the quality of life for survivors of brain injury. SLI has successfully developed and operates two similar facilities to date; Warren House in Woburn MA, which opened in 1997 with 15 residents; and McLaughlin House in North Reading, which opened in 2001, with 8 residents. Funding Need - $300,000 Gap To date, SLI has raised approximately $5.9 million for this project from public and private sources, including maximum funding from every available federal and state source of housing monies. SLI is requesting $300,000 from Lexington CPA to close the funding gap and enable construction to commence in May of this year, to be completed in April 2008. SLI will continue to raise capital funds to complete the project. Specifically, SLI will finish the lower level of the Lexington Press building, which is needed for meeting rooms for education, recreational activities, and life skills training which will serve both SLI tenants and provide recreational programming opportunities for Lexington residents with similar disabilities. Benefits to the Town of Lexington • All 15 rental units of the project will count toward the Town's inventory for Chapter 40B (affordable housing) purposes. • CPA monies will be repaid to the Lexington CPA Fund in the event the project is sold_ or ceases to be used as affordable housing. • Every $1 of CPA funding leverages $20 in funds raised by SLI from federal, state and private sources. • Preference for 2 Lexington residents. • Property taxes will be paid to Lexington. • Pedestrian access from Oakland St. to the Meriam St, parking lot This project will also ensure the historic preservation of one of the last of Lexington's industrial buildings. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. West Lexington Greenway Corridor Project Summary This project will plan and construct a pedestrian and bicycle accessible trail system connecting all of Lexington's conservation lands west of Route# 128/I -95. The centerpiece of the network will be the "Minuteman Connector ", a high - quality universally accessible multi- use trail connecting the Minuteman Bikeway with the Battle Road Trail in the Minute Man National Historical Park. The proposed trail bed material is stabilized aggregate similar to that used on the Battle Road Trail. A central goal in the planning of this project is to minimize the need for crossing privately -held land. This project is envisioned as a multi- stage, multi -year effort. The first stage is to obtain $125,000 in CPA funding to hire an engineering firm to create a Master Plan for the entire Greenway Corridor. The completed master plan will enable the applicants to apply for state and federal funding for construction documents and the actual construction of the Greenway. Benefits to the Town This project will implement the Town's non - vehicular transportation and recreation goals as set forth in Lexington's Comprehensive Plan, Open Space and Recreation Plan, and 2020 Vision Statement. It will expand passive recreational opportunities for Town residents and provide new environmental educational opportunities. Project Cosponsors Conservation Division, Recreation Department, Conservation Stewards, Bicycle Advisory Committee The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Muzzey High Condominium Association Muzzey Condominium Building Study The Muzzey High Condominium Association is requesting $53,500 in funding for a comprehensive building and accessibility study under the affordable housing and historic preservation provisions of the Community Preservation Act. These funds, in addition to $6,000 from the condominium association, will be used to hire TBA Architects of Waltham to conduct a full evaluation of the Muzzey High Condominiums located at 1475 Massachusetts Avenue. The Muzzey High Condominiums were first opened in 1985. The building provides 70 units of affordable homes to qualified buyers or individuals and families, including 12 rental units owned by LexHAB. In addition, Muzzey is home to Lexington's Senior Center. A gateway to Lexington Center, the building was originally the site of the high school and junior high school, and parts of the building are over 100 years old. Although Muzzey received a partial restoration in 1984 and 1985, when the building was sold by the Town to a private developer for conversion to affordable housing and the Senior Center, many parts of the building are deteriorating and need urgent attention. In addition, many owners are faced with exorbitant energy costs, some paying over $500 a month in electricity bills during the heating season for 575 -1465 square foot - units. In order to maintain the affordability of the condominium units at Muzzey, the Town set re -sale restrictions on the units in the building's Master Deed conveyed to the developer. Owners cannot sell their units for more than 5% of their purchase price compounded annually. In addition to this re -sale restriction, the Town does not allow owners to pass the costs of building repairs and renovations onto buyers. The 5% re -sale cap was increased from 4% in 1993 with the understanding that the extra funds generated by this I% increase in the re -sale value would cover costs of repairs incurred by owners. Owners frilly understand that they are ultimately responsible for all repairs and renovations to Muzzey. Over the last 21 years Muzzey owners have paid for $710,000 in repairs that include replacing the buildings' pitched and flat roofs, de- leading and painting the exterior windows, re- pointing bricks, and replacing walkways. In 2007, Muzzey owners will be assessed $174,000 in fees that the condominium association will use for building repair and maintenance (24% of budget), landscaping and snow removal (21% of budget), utilities (20% of budget), taxes (3% of budget), management company fees (15% of budget), accounting and legal services (4% of budget), insurance (12% of budget), and supplies (1% of budget). Each year an attempt is made to develop a budget with a surplus of $15,000 that is moved to the reserve account once that year's books are closed, but in recent years the association has fallen short of this goal. In order to maintain affordability for owners, the condominium association has made an effort to keep fee increases to a minimum, rising a total of about 55% since 1985. Given the fact that the building was not fully restored at the time the first condominium units were sold, the owners (some of whom have annual incomes of $20,000) are now faced with undertaking a major restoration of the building without adequate resources for such an expensive project. This study will be the first step in developing a long -term plan to preserve the building. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request. Status Report on 2006 CPA Projects Police Station- Interior Renovations Amoral Town Meeting voted $100,000 in fielding for interior renovations for the Police Station Dispatch Room, the front desk, and Commanding Officer's Room. The work on this project started the week of February 20th and is expected to take 12 weeks. The Main Fire Station on Bedford St- Renovations Annual Town Meeting voted $100,000 for the floor, roof and drainage improvements at the Fire Station on Bedford St. The $100,000 will be used as follows: $52,200, which was the lowest bid, will be used for the floor structural analysis, site evaluations, options of recommendations, estimates, and construction ready to bid documents. Additional funding for the floor cons truction/repair will be needed in the future. The roof and drainage work is expected to go as planned, with the construction documents and the actual work estimated at $47,800. Cary Memorial Building -Vault Climate Control Annual Town Meeting voted $60,000 for the rehabilitation and restoration of the records vault in Cary Memorial Hall. Landmark Facilities Group, Inc., Norwalk, CT, a professional engineering design and consulting firm, has reviewed the original building plans and provided a proposal to prepare necessary specifications and documents for the design and bidding of a climate control and fire suppression system in the vault. Due to Landmark's initial estimate that the total project could exceed the $60,000 appropriated, the project will be bid in phases to provide for completion of as much of the project as possible with available funds. Plans also include a request to transfer any available funds appropriated for the moveable shelving in the same vault to be applied toward any shortages in the climate control project. Bid specifications and documents are projected to be issued in the Spring 2007 for work to begin thereafter. Cary Vault Shelving Special Town Meeting appropriated $60,000 for shelving for the main vault of the Cary Memorial Building, in furtherance of its rehabilitation for its intended use. Donnegan Systems, Inc. has been contracted with for the installation of a new Kardex Shelving System in the Cary Memorial Building vault. Final design of the system to be installed has resulted in a reduced cost, projected to total $44,000. The Kardex Shelving system is expected to be ready for installation in the spring of 2007. Funding surplus from the shelving system authorization will be requested for transfer to the climate control project to help meet anticipated cost of the total project. Hancock - Clarke House — Pre - Restoration Project Special Town Meeting voted $25,000 in matching funds for a state grant of an equal amount to the Lexington Historical Society to fund pre- restoration work for the Hancock- Clarke House. As of February 15, this work is nearing completion and has yielded: 0 An historic structures and existing conditions report detailing the issues that must be addressed in the restoration; ® A building usage study addressing future recommended uses of the structure, particularly with regard to the museum reception area and the archives /curatorial space in the basement; ® Options for providing accessibility for the disabled, with one option chosen for implementation; and ® Detailed construction plans and specifications ready to go to bid. Based on these completed projects, the Society has begun raising funds for the actual restoration, which is expected to cost in the realm of $1 million. If this effort is successful, construction will begin in the fall of 2007. Lexington Depot — Elevator Project Special Town Meeting voted $44,000 in funding for the installation of a much- needed elevator to provide access to the storage space in the attic area of the Lexington Depot, the only storage available in the building. This elevator is crucial to the multiple uses of the facility by a wide range of community groups and Lexington residents. As of February 15, the elevator has been installed and is awaiting required inspections before it is put into use.