HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-18-BLUPC-min
MINUTES RE: MEETING OF BUSA LAND USE PROPOSAL COMMITTEE
11/18/2010
The meeting was called to order shortly after 7:00 p.m. by Chairman David Horton. In
attendance were David Horton, Pam Shadley, Ginna Johnson, Al Zabin, Deborah Strod and Bill
Dailey.
Public Comments made during the public comment period:
Janet Kern, Lexington Community Farm Coalition: If another parcel other than Busa Farm is
going to be considered for farming, the committee should consider alternative sites for
housing and recreation as well. Community gardens are listed as recreational use in CPA.
Farming proposal included community gardens. Answers to 11/4 questions: in handout. As
for farming in Waltham Street fields, acknowledge community interest. The committee
should evaluate playgrounds near Busa Farm (quantity and quality). Greg Maslo, head of
community farm in Newton is willing to answer questions.
Ms. Tsvetkov, Lowell Street: does not understand agenda item on Waltham Street fields,
would like to present at next meeting how CPA funds can help property owners stay in their
homes. (Chair David Horton said no, this is outside the purview of the committee). Corn
needs spraying for pesticides so Mr. Busa currently grows corn at Wilson Farm. Housing
proposal is too close to existing homes and access road is not in a safe location. Proposed
housing is too close to abutters for noise, trash. Recreation proposal actually wants larger
field and does not have runoff area at the edges of the field. 14 units of housing would add
one classroom to Lexington schools. What percentage of fields is rented to non-Lexington
residents-not clear in their presentation? Renting fields from Lexington Christian Academy
should be considered. Need to make sure that proposals meet with Lexington regulations.
The meeting agenda then began with Bob Pressman summarizing his research on the possible
use of the Waltham Street fields for farming. The full text of Mr. Pressman's report can be found
on this committee's web page. Attached to these minutes is Mr. Pressman's "Requested Action
by This Committee" that can be found on pages 13 and 14 of his report. The chair stated that the
Committee would decide on the requested action of Mr. Pressman at a later date, as the work of
the committee progressed.
The Committee voted to approve as noted the Evaluation Criteria dated 10/10/2010. Chairman
Horton will revise and post them on the website.
Ms. Shadley asked if the Committee’s recommendation will get locked in, i.e. a deed restriction
placed on the land. Ms Manz in the audience replied that an agricultural deed restriction could
become open space later. Open space deed restriction cannot be changed to community housing.
Deed restrictions do NOT need to occur. If CPA $ are used, then deed restriction is required.
Counsel clarification will be requested.
2009 letters about hazardous material on site to be posted on website and the Committee will ask
counsel for clarification on the implications.
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Site survey: summary by Pam Shadley including resource areas. Conservation Commission has
not been asked to verify the flagged resource areas.
The committee then discussed questions that it has about each of the three land use proposals.
The proponents will be asked to submit written responses to the following questions:
Questions on community farm:
1.Will Lexington residents have first priority to purchase CSA shares?
2.Please clarify the educational opportunities.
3.What codes might be required for educational purposes? Would bathrooms be required?
What other codes?
4.Please clarify the estimated costs to repair and operate the greenhouse – we were told it
was not in great shape.
5.Will an RFP be required for the community farm – or would this contract be awarded
directly?
6.Condition of pump and well? Farmstand? Require investment?
7.Financial benefits to town? Will the Town require financial benefits?
8.Farm manager, then education coordinator and farm supervisor – can the farming
operation afford these expenditures? Maybe this question is not the purview of the
Town/committee.
9.Can the farming proposal be adjusted to accommodate other uses?
10.Is the Lexington Farm Coalition looking at other parcels?
11.How many CSA customers can be supported on 6 acres?
12.Greenhouse: regular plate glass and old putty: all these items need to be explored to be
comfortable with this structure. The committee will ask the building commissioner to
look at the structure and render an opinion.
Questions on the housing proposal:
1.Who helps us understand if the proposed road is viable?
2.What smaller number of units would still be viable?
3.Do we consider nearby affordable housing in Arlington?
4.Parking counts: what is the actual total in the proposal?
5.Any contamination that would prevent building on the property, need to be removed,
what cost?
6.Internal roadways can handle capacity?
7.Parking can accommodate the game change demand?
8.Sustainable approach is misleading – housing may be located on previously developed
land but this forces a new entrance drive, roadway & parking areas onto undisturbed land.
9.How many children might be expected from the number of units proposed?
Questions on the Recreation proposal:
1.Size of field with buffers? Assertion was made that field as drawn includes buffer, can
we please see the buffer?
2.Parking is not realistically drawn, how many spaces needed? Access road?
3.Is there any room for spectators?
4.Will the layout work with housing proposal?
5.Bathrooms?
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Ask for written responses to the questions prior to the next Committee meeting.
The Committee may reschedule its next meeting; Chairman Horton will solicit scheduling input
from the Committee members.
Move to adjourn. Passed unanimously. 8:50 p.m.
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Attachment to the minutes of November 18, 2010
D. Requested Action by This Committee, submitted by Bob Pressman
At a global level, the intent apparent from the selectmen’s charge is the desire that the Town
make a carefully studied and wise use of the Busa land, consistent with C.P.A. purposes. The
charge recognized that this might involve multiple uses and use of land in addition to the Town-
owned Busa land. The Selectmen did not have the three worthy but divergent proposals later
presented to this Committee. They are divergent in the sense that they cannot be fully
implemented on the Busa land alone.
Since the 1970s the Town has owned and, by action of the Conservation Commission, leased
to individuals parts of two separate farm fields on Waltham Street, termed the “Waltham Street
Farms.” Given the three worthy proposals submitted, this presentation suggests that use of some
of this farm land in tandem with the Busa land would provide a path to the most fair and wise use
of the Busa land. That is, it would allow full implementation of the proposals of each group.
This committee is required to carefully evaluate the three proposals received and to make the
particular report described in the Selectmen’s charge. This presentation requests that the
Committee also: [a] mention in its report the possible use of the Waltham Street land, [b]
suggest that this concept is worthy of consideration by the selectmen and Conservation
Commission, and [c] transmit this report to the Board. This will not finally decide anything. It
will not prevent any of the Board of Selectmen from choosing to focus on only the three detailed
proposals and this Committee’s analysis of them and report. It will, however, be consistent with
the Selectmen’s overall intent “to get this right.”
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