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Town of Lexington
Community Preservation Committee
Report to 2012 Annual Town Meeting
Article 8 (a-m): Community Preservation Committee
Community Preservation Act Projects
Submitted by:
Wendy Manz, Chair
Marilyn Fenollosa, Vice Chair
Joel Adler
Norman Cohen
Jeanne Krieger
Leo McSweeney
Sandra Shaw
Betsey Weiss
Richard Wolk
Nathalie Rice, Administrative Assistant
Released April 2, 2012
Community Preservation Committee
Annual Town Meeting 2012
Summary of Recommended Community Preservation
Act Funding for FY 2013
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is recommending ten projects to the
2012 Annual Town Meeting for funding. Described on the following pages, each of these
projects was evaluated by the CPC in light of the articulated criteria for eligibility and
appropriateness under the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The projects have been
presented at a public hearing held on December 19, 2011, at a League of Women Voters
First Friday forum on March 2, 2012, and at a Town Meeting Members Association
Information Session on March 22, 2012. The total cost of all projects proposed for FY
2013 is $3,448,792.
The CPC also recommends approval of three additional allocations: (1) $930,300 for
Busa Farm debt service, (2) $1,000,000 for Cotton Farm debt service, and (3) $150,000
for CPC administrative expenses. Therefore, the total of requested CPA allocations for
FY 2013, including both projects and additional allocations, is $5,529,092.
Community Preservation Act
The CPA is a state statute which individual communities in the Commonwealth may
choose to adopt; Lexington adopted the statute by a vote of Town Meeting in 2006. CPA
communities impose a surcharge on their own property taxes of up to 3%, and funds
raised from the surcharge are restricted to use for projects in four categories: community
housing, historic resources, open space and recreation. To support expenditures in these
areas, the state matches the funds raised by the community surcharges.
Lexington elected a 3% surcharge on both residential and commercial taxpayers. Mindful
of the burden on homeowners, however, the Town also adopted provisions which exempt
the first $100,000 of home value from the surcharge, and grant a total exemption from the
surcharge to lower income residents. In 2011, the annual surcharge averaged $264 per
Lexington household. Our commercial taxpayers contributed $683,923 last year,
representing over one-fifth of our CPA surcharge revenue.
The State match, originally 100%, has declined since 2006 as additional communities
have adopted the statute and joined the funding pool, and as registry fees which feed the
State fund have suffered in a weak economy. However, the match is currently estimated
at 22%, still a healthy return on investment.
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Community Preservation Committee
The CPA requires each adopting community to appoint a Community Preservation
Committee. By statute, the CPC comprises nine members, of whom three are appointed
by the Board of Selectmen as at-large members and six are appointed by the following
boards and committees: Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical
Commission, Housing Partnership, Housing Authority, and Recreation Committee.
Currently Wendy Manz serves as Chair of the CPC and Marilyn Fenollosa serves as
Vice-Chair.
The CPC is responsible for reviewing applications for funding under the CPA and
recommending to Town Meeting expenditure of CPA funds on those projects it approves
each year. Committee decisions are made within the framework of a CPC planning
document, Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan: A Needs Assessment,
which is updated annually after the Committee receives comments at a public hearing.
This document can be found on the CPC website at the reference below. The CPC works
closely with the Finance Department staff and the Capital Expenditures Committee and
Appropriation Committee in tracking CPA fund balances and expenditures, projecting
available funding for future years, and planning fund allocations for each of the areas
eligible for CPA funding: community housing, historic resources, open space and
recreation. CPC Administrator Nadie Rice currently tracks 28+ ongoing CPC projects,
for which updates are given in this report after the FY 2013 Project Descriptions.
Since Lexingtons adoption of the Community Preservation Act in 2006, the CPC has
recommended and Town Meeting has approved a total of $25,336,810 for CPA projects.
These funds have supported 45 historic preservation projects, preserved 52.4 acres of
open space, created or preserved 8 recreational facilities, and created or supported 173
$7,288,652, or 28%, has been received from
units of affordable housing. Of this total,
the State as matching funds.
Through its membership in the statewide non-profit Community Preservation Coalition,
the CPC supports An Act to Sustain Community Preservation, which is now before the
State legislature. The proposed law makes a number of improvements to the CPA,
including expanding the definition of eligible projects and allowing communities to opt in
to the statute by using existing municipal funding sources rather than imposing the
property tax surcharge. Most importantly, the bill proposes to fix the State supplemental
matching funds at no less than 75% by adjusting real estate recording fees. The bill has
the support of 114 legislators, a majority of both houses, and is now under consideration
(as HB 765) in the House Committee on Ways and Means.
For further information about the CPC, visit the CPCs page of the Towns website,
http://lexingtonma.gov/committees/cpc.cfm.
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
General Criteria for Project Selection
The Lexington Community Preservation Committee reviews proposals that are eligible for funding
under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), specifically projects for:
·
The acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space;
·
The acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources;
·
The acquisition, creation, and preservation of land for recreational use;
·
The creation, preservation, and support of community housing (including items such as annual
payments to the housing authority to preserve or expand the affordable housing supply); and
·
The rehabilitation and restoration of open space, land for recreational use, and community
housing that is acquired or created using monies from the fund.
Preference will be given to proposals that:
·
Preserve or utilize currently owned Town assets;
·
Preserve the essential character of the Town as described in the Comprehensive Plan;
·
Are consistent with other current planning documents that have received wide scrutiny and input
and have been adopted by the Town;
·
Receive endorsement by other municipal boards or departments;
·
Save resources that would otherwise be threatened;
·
Benefit a currently under-served population;
·
Serve more than one CPA purpose (especially in linking open space, recreation and
community housing);
·
Demonstrate practicality and feasibility to be implemented expeditiously and within budget;
·
Produce an advantageous cost/benefit value;
·
Leverage additional public and/or private funds; and
·
Provide long-term contributions to the Town.
Category Specific Criteria
Open space
proposals that receive preference are those which:
·
Preserve and/or restore threatened or deteriorating public lands;
·
Permanently protect important wildlife habitat, and areas containing diverse vegetation, geologic
features, and habitat types, particularly those supporting threatened or endangered species;
·
Promote connectivity of habitat and protect or enhance wildlife corridors;
·
Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education;
·
Provide connections with existing trails or potential trail linkages;
·
Preserve scenic views and those areas which border a scenic road;
·
Provide flood control/storage;
·
Preserve important surface water bodies, including wetlands, vernal pools or riparian zones; and
·
Preserve priority parcels identified in the Open Space Plan.
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Historical Resources
proposals that receive preference are those which:
·
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate historic, cultural, architectural or
archaeological resources of significance, especially those that are threatened, including those
within a Lexington Historic District, on a State or National Historic Register, or eligible for
placement on such registers, or on the Lexington Historical Commissions Comprehensive
Cultural Resources Survey;
·
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate Town-owned properties, features or
resources of historical significance;
·
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate the historical function of a property or site;
·
Provide permanent protection for a historic resource;
·
Support the adaptive reuse of historic properties; and
·
Demonstrate a public benefit.
Community Housing
proposals that receive preference are those which:
·
Add affordable units to the Towns Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) so as to maintain at least
10% of Lexingtons housing as affordable;
·
Intermingle affordable and market rate housing at levels that exceed state requirements for
the percentage of affordable units;
·
Ensure long-term affordability;
·
Give priority to local residents, Town employees, and employees of local businesses;
·
Promote use of existing buildings or construction on previously developed or Town-owned sites;
·
Provide housing that is harmonious in design, scale, setting and materials with the surrounding
community; and
·
Promote a socioeconomic environment that encourages diversity;
Recreational Resources
proposals that receive preference are those which:
·
Support multiple active and passive recreation uses;
·
Serve a significant number of residents;
·
Expand the range of recreational opportunities to serve Lexington residents of all ages;
·
Jointly benefit Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee initiatives;
·
Maximize the utility of land already owned by Lexington; and
·
Promote the creative use of railway and other corridors to create safe and healthful non-motorized
transportation opportunities.
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OPEN SPACE HISTORIC RECREATIONAL COMMUNITY HOUSING
RESOURCES USE
DEFINITIONS Land to protect existing and Buildings, structures, Land for active or passive Housing for low and moderate
future well fields, aquifers and vessels, real property, recreational use including, but income individuals and families,
recharge areas, watershed documents or artifacts not limited to, the use of land including low or moderate income
land, agricultural land, listed or eligible for for community gardens, trails, seniors
grasslands, fields, forest land, listing on the state register
and noncommercial youth and
fresh and salt water marshes, of historic places or Moderate income is less than
adult sports, and the use of
and other wetlands, ocean, determined by the local land as a park, playground or 100%, and low income is less than
river, stream, lake and pond historic preservation athletic field 80%, of US HUD Area Wide
frontage, beaches, dunes and commission to be Median Income
other coastal lands, lands to significant in the history, Does not include horse or dog
protect scenic vistas, land for archeology, architecture racing or the use of land for a
wildlife or nature preserve and or culture of the city or stadium, gymnasium or
land for recreational use town similar structure
ACQUIRE YES YES YES YES
Means obtain by gift, purchase, devise, grant,
rental, rental purchase, lease or otherwise
CREATE YES NO YES YES
PRESERVE YES YES YES YES
Means protect from injury, harm or
destruction, not maintenance
YES
SUPPORT NO NO NO ,
including funding for
communitys affordable housing
trust
YESYESYES
REHABILITATE/RESTORE , YES , ,
Means remodel, reconstruct or extraordinary if acquired or created with CP if acquired or created with CP if acquired or created with CP
repair (not maintenance) to make property fundsfundsfunds
functional for their intended use,including
improvements to comply with federal, state or
local building or access codes or work to
comply with U.S. Secretary of the Interiors
Standards for Rehabilitation (36 C.F.R. Part
68)
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION FUND ALLOWABLE SPENDING PURPOSES
(Adapted from the DOR, Div. of Local Services)
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ARTICLE 8 (a)
Project: Archives, Records Management/Conservation, Phase 5
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $150,000
Amount Recommended: $150,000
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
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This 5 year request for conservation and preservation of historic municipal documents and
records continues to address the need to protect and secure the permanent vital records
created by municipal departments for proper retention, archiving and perpetual access.
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Previous conservation efforts have been directed toward early 17, 18, and 19 century
municipal records. Efforts for year 5 will complete microfilming and digitization of some of
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the previously treated records and target early 20 century municipal records requiring
conservation, preservation, microfilming and digitization for ready access. Included are voter
registers, records of the Selectmen, cemetery records, registers of vital records, and deed and
agreement files. These records will contribute to the development of an archives portal, in
conjunction with Cary Library and the Lexington Historical Society, for a virtual exhibit in
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celebration of Lexingtons 300 anniversary.
Although this phase completes the original 5-year project, it is anticipated that smaller
periodic appropriations of $20,000 will be sought in fiscal years 2014 to 2016 for treatment,
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digitization, microfilming of newly historic records of the mid-20 century.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The goal of this multi-year project is to properly document Lexingtons history for future
generations and to preserve, conserve and protect its historical documents, and make them
available through digital media.Emphasis will be given to microfilming of bulky records that
require permanent retention.
Project Benefit:
The preservation, conservation, and archiving of these types of records provides
documentation of Lexingtons history in perpetuity. The virtual exhibit for the celebration of
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the 300 anniversary of Lexingtons incorporation will provide access to the repository of
digital images of important documents and materials preserved through this project.
Funding Request:
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The funding request for the 5 and final year of this project is $150,000.
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ARTICLE 8 (b)
Project: Paint Mine Barn Preservation
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $34,770
Amount Recommended: $34,770
CPC Vote: (8-1)
Project Description:
This project requests funding to preserve a former horse barn that sits on conservation land
between the end of Mountain Road and Hennessey Field near Estabrook School. Once
restored, the barn will be used by the Conservation Stewards and Staff as storage for tools,
lumber, supplies, and equipment for conservation land management and care. The project
entails replacing the roof, doors, and windows; installing electricity and a phone line for
security; installing a crushed stone ramp for access; and several other minor building code
repairs.
The Paint Mine Barn, located on Town of Lexington Conservation Land (Map 86 Lot 1),
was acquired by the Town in 1961 and transferred to Conservation in 2000. In the distant
past, it served as a horse barn to stable horses that grazed in the meadow that is now the
Hennessey Field. The building is 80 feet long by 20 feet wide and contains seven old stalls, a
space that apparently was used as an office and a hallway space. At its meeting on September
15, 2011, the Historical Commission voted to designate the Paint Mine Barn a significant
building for consideration for inclusion in the Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey
(the Inventory).
Project Goals and Objectives:
·
To restore a historic building that would otherwise fall further into disrepair and
ultimately require demolition;
·
To retain a link to Lexingtons agricultural past by preserving a barn that abuts the
Hennessey Field (an open field maintained by the Conservation Commission); and
·
To improve the capabilities of the Conservation Division to maintain Lexingtons
1,400 acres of conservation land by providing sufficient storage for tools, lumber,
equipment and supplies.
Project Benefit:
This project restores a structure that would otherwise continue to fall into disrepair and
eventually need to be demolished, incurring a significant cost to the Town and the loss of a
potentially historic barn. It also solves a storage problem for the Conservation Division by
providing a space for land management tools and equipment.
Funding Request:
The funding request for this project is $34,770 to replace the roof, doors, and windows;
install electricity and phone line for security; install a ramp for access; and complete other
minor building code repairs. Carpentry work will be provided by students at the Minuteman
Career and Technical High School at no cost.
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ARTICLE 8 (c)
Project: Muzzey Senior Center Upgrades
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $561,518
Amount Recommended: $561,518
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
The Muzzey Senior Center Upgrades project addresses critical building improvements in the
areas of accessibility, safety and energy efficiency at the Lexington Senior Center located in
the Muzzey Junior School Building at 1475 Massachusetts Avenue. Schematic level
drawings were completed in 2011 by Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype (BH+A) for these
improvements. Funds are requested this year for design development and construction
documents for the scope of work recommended. This request also seeks construction funds to
replace the communicating staircase, install a Limited Use Limited Access (LULA) Lift and
upgrade lighting. It is anticipated that FY 2014 funds, estimated at $478,962, will be
requested to implement the second phase of this project, completing the recommended scope
of work.
Project Goals and Objectives:
·
To eliminate the barriers that limit the use of the Senior Center by persons with
disabilities and/or limited mobility and to create a safe and welcoming access for all
users of the building;
·
To improve outdated lighting and increase energy efficiency;
·
To eliminate life safety and code-compliant issues at the Muzzey Senior Center that
now result in decreased comfort, safety threats and increased accident and liability
potential; and
·
To achieve compliance with Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB)
specifications.
Project Benefit:
The current system of access to the Senior Center results in a long and inconvenient passage
to the elevator for users who must first be buzzed into the shared space. The installation of a
LULA Lift and MAAB compliant staircase will result in improved accessibility and
increased safety. Adequate, appropriate and updated lighting will improve safety for users
with disabilities or age-related low vision.
Funding Request:
The funding request for this project is $561,518 and is based upon estimates submitted to the
CPC in November, 2011.
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ARTICLE 8 (d)
Project: Cary Memorial Building Upgrades
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $550,000
Amount Recommended: $550,000
CPC Vote: (8-1)
Project Description:
This project is requesting funds for design development of Cary Memorial Building
improvements, based upon recommendations made in the Isaac Harris Cary Memorial
Building Evaluation conducted by Mills Whitaker Architects LLC, dated June 1, 2011. The
report included a comprehensive evaluation of the building and summarized improvements in
several areas including; accessibility, support spaces, structural, electrical, mechanical,
plumbing, stage, and acoustical and audio visual improvements. A single project to
implement all recommended improvements (beginning in FY 2014) was presented to the
CPC at an estimated $7.2M.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The goal of this project as submitted to the CPC is to develop design and construction
drawings for the improvements recommended in the study.
Project Benefit:
The Cary Memorial Building is arguably the most significant historical building in
Lexington. Since it was dedicated in 1928, it has hosted a range of community events,
including Town Meetings, Town Elections, the Cary Lecture Series and countless arts
performances. Though the building has recently been well-maintained, it requires significant
improvements including accessibility, interior structural repairs and modifications, fire
protection improvements, HVAC improvements, acoustical improvements, stage
modifications, and auditorium and support space improvements.
In many cases, these improvements are proposed to replace systems that have remained
unchanged since 1928 and that now affect the functionality of the spaces and detract from the
publics enjoyment of the building. In addition, utilization of most meeting rooms in the
building is very low due to poor acoustics, lack of accessibility, and lack of appropriate
systems.
Implementing this project will make more space available and more functional for the
community and its many meeting and performance needs.
Funding Request:
This project request is for $550,000 to fund the design development process for
improvements to the Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Buildingas submitted to the CPC in
November of 2011.
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ARTICLE 8 (e)
Project: Center Playfields Drainage, Phase 3
CPA Category: Recreation
Amount Requested: $605,718
Amount Recommended: $605,718
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
This project is Phase 3 of a three-year plan to improve drainage at the Center Playfields. The
project consists of implementing drainage mitigation solutions (surface drainage, sub-surface
drainage, grade changes, swales, etc.) as outlined by Stantec in its engineering report of
October, 2009. The areas to be addressed in Phase 3 are the Little League baseball field and
practice field along Worthen Road and the Center Track area. This work will consist of re-
grading, installation of subsurface drainage structures and restoration work.
The Center Playfields host a number of youth, adult, recreation and school activities
including football, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and track (both active for sports and
passive for numerous walkers of all ages). In addition, there is a playground structure, a skate
park and a basketball court. The site also hosts the annual Lions Club Carnival.
Unfortunately, this recreation site was constructed on a peat marsh which is very poorly
drained and holds water for extended periods. It is a normal occurrence for the grass field
areas and the playground to have standing water after storm events. This creates unsafe
playing conditions and leads to a deterioration of the turf, which in turn is costly to repair and
maintain. Events regularly need to be cancelled or delayed and use of the site can become
very limited.
Project Goals and Objectives:
·
Correct the surface and sub-surface drainage issues at the Center Playfields;
·
Bring the fields and play areas into a more safe and playable condition;
·
Install drainage systems that keep surface runoff away from the fields and play areas;
·
Install drainage systems that move water more quickly off the fields and play areas;
·
Provide safe, quality turf and play spaces for all participants;
·
Reduce number of game cancellations;
·
Reduce costly repairs and maintenance by properly draining the turf and play areas; and
·
Provide long-term protection for this valuable resource.
Project Benefit:
This project is of significant importance to the community. The Center Playfields host
Lexingtons Little League, Girls Softball, 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 mitigation measures proposed will
greatly benefit hundreds of children and adults who use this valuable Town resource. The
Lexington Recreation Committee, the Recreation Department, the School Athletic
Department, Lexington Little League, Lexington Blue Sox, Lexington Babe Ruth and the
Department of Public Works support this project.
Funding Request:
The FY 2013 funding request for this project is $605,718.
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ARTICLE 8 (f)
Project: Battle Green Area Master Plan Implementation, Phase 2
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $143,845
Amount Recommended: $143,845
CPC Vote: (8-1)
Project Description:
This is Phase 2 of a three-year project to address the area around the Battle Green. This phase
will focus on the repair of the paths around the Battle Green and Belfry Hill, granite work at
the Obelisk, and fence work at Ye Olde Burying Ground. Details of future phases are under
review by the Selectmen.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The goal of this project is to repair, update and restore key elements on and around the Battle
Green in order to make them accessible, safe, aesthetically pleasing and viable for current
and future generations.
Project Benefit:
This project will enhance the Battle Green area by restoring and preserving the various
historic aspects of the area. It will also help to improve access and safety when visiting the
area.
Funding Request:
The funding request of $143,845 is based on the scope of work developed in the Battle Green
Area Master Plan.
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ARTICLE 8 (g)
Project: LexHAB Set-Aside for Housing Acquisition
CPA Category: Community Housing
Amount Requested: $500,000
Amount Recommended: $450,000
CPC Vote: (6-3)
Project Description:
LexHAB submitted a FY 2013 request for $500,000 in set-aside funds for the acquisition
and/or creation of affordable housing units in Lexington as opportunities arise, rather than
seeking funding after a property has already been identified. The units which LexHAB
acquires or builds will be subject to specific standards (listed on the following page) set in
place by the CPC and agreed upon by LexHAB and the Board of Selectmen. All units
acquired with CPC funds will receive affordable housing deed restrictions, and will become
part of the Towns Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). This is the second year that
LexHAB has requested set-aside funds for affordable housing acquisition. CPA funding
approved for FY 2012 was used to purchase a home at 1 Wilson Road, which is now under
renovation by LexHAB. After review of this application, and in light of the fact that
LexHAB will have approximately $45,000 left over after the purchase and rehabilitation of
the Wilson Road home, the CPC voted to approve $450,000 for this application.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The goal of this project is to streamline the process by which LexHAB acquires and creates
affordable housing units and receives State approval for them.
Project Benefit:
In the past, LexHAB identified a property, made a down payment and obtained a mortgage to
purchase the property. It would then apply to the CPC the following November for an
appropriation to retire the mortgage, and would wait until spring Town Meeting for approval
of the funding. If approved, the funding became available July 1, but by that time, LexHAB
had been carrying the property for several months. The average time between borrowing
funds and completing the purchase was ten months, and the average mortgage interest which
accrued during this lag time was $16,000. In addition, since tenants couldnt move in until
the deed restrictions were approved and recorded, there was typically $4,000 lost in rental
income to LexHAB (average rent being $400 per month). The former process, with its two
closings, also resulted in higher than necessary legal fees.
Up-front CPA funding, will enable LexHAB to move promptly to purchase properties and
avoid costly and duplicative closings and legal fees.It will bring affordable units online in
a cost-effective and timely manner and make them available as quickly as possible to the
long list of applicants waiting for affordable housing in Lexington.
Funding Request:
The FY 2013 funding request to Town Meeting for this project is $450,000. Funds which are
not expended in a given year may be carried over and used for affordable housing
acquisitions the following year.
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ARTICLE 8 (g)
(cont.)
Guidelines for the Use of CPA Funding by LexHAB
The following are guidelines agreed upon by the Community Preservation Committee, LexHAB and
the Board of Selectmen for the acquisition of affordable units with Town CPA funds.
1.)All units purchased with CPA funds shall be submitted for inclusion on the Subsidized
Housing Inventory (SHI).
2.)Each acquisition shall increase the affordable housing stock. Monies shall be spent only on
acquisition or rehabilitation of a unit that results in an addition to the pool of affordable units.
3.)Units to be purchased shall be one or two family (single, duplex or
condominium unit).
4.)The size of the units may be up to 1,500 square feet of habitable space.
5.)If LexHAB builds the unit, the size may be 3 bedrooms, expandable to 4.
6.)LexHAB shall try to purchase dwellings on public bus routes, including Lexpress Routes.
7.)Total CPA funds expended for a unit of housing, including legal and professional services,
whether built new on purchased land or purchased and renovated, shall not exceed $525,000.
8.)Efforts shall be made to maximize energy efficiency in each unit.
9.)As a general policy, CPA funds shall not be expended for the demolition of any houses listed
or pending listing on the Cultural Resources Inventory.
10.)When LexHAB identifies a housing unit or land for acquisition, it shall submit a proposal to
the CPC and the Capital Expenditures Committee for comment prior to submittal to the
Board of Selectmen. Approval by the Board of Selectmen is required for any LexHAB
purchase of a unit or of land.
11.)CPA funds appropriated to LexHAB by Town Meeting shall be identified in a specific
MUNIS account. Expenditures against the account shall be submitted to the Town Manager,
with a copy to the CPC Administrative Assistant.
12.)Funds remaining in the LexHAB account may be carried over from year to year for
subsequent acquisitions of affordable housing units.
13.)
(Approved February 17, 2011)
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ARTICLE 8 (h)
Project: Historical Society - Buckman Tavern Historic Structure
Report/Needs Assessment
CPA Category: Historical Resources
Amount Requested: $65,000
Amount Recommended: $65,000
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
This project is requested by the Lexington Historical Society (the Society) to commission a
Historic Structure Report, building needs assessment and restoration plan for the Buckman
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Tavern, an early 18 century building owned by the Town and on long-term lease to the
Society. A definitive study of the Taverns architectural and human history is needed to
provide a solid foundation for undertaking restoration and renovation work.
Project Goals and Objectives:
This project would involve selecting an architect with historic preservation experience and an
architectural historian who would produce the following products:
·
A report on the human and architectural/structural history of the Tavern, to better
understand the historic fabric and features that are essential to the character of the
building;
·
Definitive dating of the building with dendrochronology (tree ring dating). This
technique has established the construction dates of the Hancock-Clarke House and
Munroe Tavern, aiding in the accurate interpretation of the buildings;
·
Building needs assessment to determine what the restoration and renovation needs are
in order to accommodate the thousands of visitors from around the world who tour the
Tavern, as well and to safeguard the historic fabric of the building and the artifacts it
contains; and
·
Construction plans and specifications for the actual restoration project.
While the Tavern is structurally sound and has been well maintained, the Historical Society
is aware of the following needs for the building:
·
Improved accessibility for those with physical limitations;
·
Repair of historic fabric, and particularly window and door restoration;
·
Replacement of the outdated fire suppression system and wiring;
·
Installation of a visitor restroom;
·
Climate control for preservation of period artifacts;
·
Creation of additional exhibit space; and
·
Improved landscaping of the grounds to make them more period-appropriate.
Project Benefit:
This project will provide construction plans that would permit construction to begin in the
fall of 2013 if funds are available. It would follow successful restoration projects at Munroe
Tavern and the Hancock-Clarke House, which significantly improved their condition and
accessibility.
Funding Request:
The funding request for this project is $65,000.
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ARTICLE 8 (i)
Project: Historical Society Historical Records Preservation
CPA Category: Historic Resources
Amount Requested: $77,268
Amount Recommended: $77,268
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
The Lexington Historical Society (the Society) is one of the principal repositories of historic
records held in stewardship for the community, along with the Town Clerk and the Cary
Library. Over the past few years, the Society has made great strides in organizing and
cataloging these records, and its archives are in increasing demand by researchers, students
and genealogists.
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In anticipation of the Towns 300 anniversary, and in collaboration with the Town, the
Society proposes a project to conserve and digitize some of the most important historic
records that it holds, including those that are of high public interest. The Town Clerks office
is creating a virtual records portal that would be a point of entry to all of the Towns
historic documents. The Society supports this effort and would like to contribute to it.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Highly significant documents in the Societys collection dating back to the first settlement in
Lexington include:
·
The bound church records of the First Parish Church in Lexington 1696-1845 owned
by the Church but on deposit with the Society. This is an extremely fragile and
important document as it is the only original record of births, marriages and
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deaths in the early years of 17 and 18 century Lexington;
·
Approximately 650 individual records of early Lexington, including early records of
military service, slave records, letters resolving boundary disputes with neighboring
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towns, Town and State celebrations in the 18 century, petitions regarding the
establishment of Patriots Day as a holiday in the Commonwealth, and a number of
documents bearing on the events of April 19, 1775; and
·
Two Paul Revere engravings.
The goals of the project are as follows:
·
To engage professional conservation services to conserve these documents;
·
To re-house the documents in archivally appropriate materials;
·
To digitize these records;
·
To microfilm the early vital records as additional back-up; and
·
To make the records available through the Towns virtual records portal.
Project Benefit:
Important community records would be preserved for posterity, and through digitization,
made available to townspeople, researchers, scholars, and interpreters of Lexingtons history.
Funding Request:
The funding request for this project is $77,268.
1 5
ARTICLE 8 (j)
Project: Greeley Village Accessible Housing Project
CPA Category: Community Housing
Amount Requested: $810,673
Amount Recommended: $810,673
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
This project seeks CPA funding for a portion of the funding needed by the Lexington
Housing Authority (LHA) to build four one-bedroom handicapped accessible units at one of
its state funded public housing developments, Greeley Village. Greeley Village consists of
100 one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. It is
currently out of compliance with State and Federal requirements that 5% of its units be fully
accessible.
Project Goals and Objectives:
Concurrent with its application for CPA funding, the LHA applied to the Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for financial assistance for this project and
was awarded $300,000 from the State in supplemental funding for the construction of these
units. The project is planned to be completed within two to three years of receiving project
approval and funding. The LHA plans to take advantage of building expertise in Lexington,
including construction assistance from the Minuteman Career and Technical High School.
This project will bring the Town near the compliance point of 5% accessible housing with
State and Federal local access codes, and will allow handicapped residents to reside in units
designed for their needs. It will also further the LHAs general goal to provide safe, decent
and affordable housing in Lexington.
Project Benefit:
The proposed fully accessible units will add an important component to the diversity of
housing options available to low income citizens wishing to maintain their residency in
Lexington. Without these options for housing, many Lexington residents will not be able to
stay in the community. Upon completion, these units will be added in perpetuity to the Town
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), and will be protected through permanent deed
restrictions.
Funding Request:
The Lexington Housing Authority is requesting $810,637 in CPA funds for this project.
1 6
ARTICLE 8 (k)
Project: Busa Farm Debt Service, Year 3
CPA Category: Not yet determined
Amount Requested: $930,300
Amount Recommended: $930,300
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
The 2009 Town Meeting approved the purchase of the Busa Farm for a total of $4,197,000 in
CPA funds. Pursuant to the recommendation of the CPC and the Town finance committees,
the Town has committed to retire this debt in three years. This article seeks Town Meeting
approval for the third and final payment on the Busa Farm debt service. The total payment
due in FY 2013 is $930,300.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The purpose of this funding request is to meet the Towns obligation to pay its debt service
on the purchase of the Busa Farm.
Project Benefit:
The Busa Farm was acquired by the Town upon the CPCs recommendation for one or
multiple uses consistent with the CPA. The Busa Land Use Plan Committee submitted a
report to the Board of Selectmen in March, 2011, regarding potential uses for the land. On
March 19, 2012, the Selectmen voted to designate and deed restrict the greater part of the
land for open space and an as yet unspecified area along the Lowell Street perimeter of the
land for community housing. They also voted to issue a Request for Proposal for use of the
open space portion as a community farm.
Funding Request:
The FY 2013 funding request for this Article is $930,300. This is the final payment needed to
retire the debt service on the acquisition of the Busa Farm.
1 7
ARTICLE 8 (l)
Project: Cotton Farm Debt Service, Year 3
CPA Category: Open Space
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Amount Recommended: $1,000,000
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting approved the purchase of the Cotton Farm property for a
total of $3,857,000 in CPA funds. Pursuant to the recommendation of the CPC and the Town
finance committees, the Town has committed to retire this debt in three years. This debt
service amount of $1,000,000 represents the third and final payment on the acquisition costs
of the Cotton Farm property. In the fall of 2010, an initial payment of $1.5 million was made
on the total acquisition cost of $3.857 million. The next payment in FY 2012 was
$1,300,604, which was offset by a $500,000 LAND (Local Acquisitions for Natural
Diversity) Grant from the state.
The final FY 2013 payment of $1,000,000 will complete the debt obligation for the
acquisition of the Cotton Farm property.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The purpose of this funding request is to meet the Towns obligation to pay its final debt
service obligation on the purchase of the Cotton Farm property.
Project Benefit:
The Cotton Farm property was acquired by the Town, upon the CPCs recommendation, for
conservation land. It links substantial areas of open space in the Town and is open to passive
recreation.
Funding Request:
The FY 2013 funding request for this Article is $1,000,000.
1 8
ARTICLE 8 (m)
Project: Administrative Expenses
CPA Category: Administrative
Amount Requested: $150,000
Amount Recommended: $150,000
CPC Vote: (9-0)
Project Description:
The Community Preservation Act permits up to 5% of annual CPA funds to be spent on the
operation and administrative costs of the Community Preservation Committee. The
Committee is allowed to use this money to pay for staff salaries, mailings, public notices,
overhead, legal fees, membership dues, and other miscellaneous expenses related to CPA
projects. Five percent of anticipated FY 2013 revenue from the surcharge and the State
supplemental match, is $212,300. However, as in past years, the CPC is only requesting an
appropriation of $150,000 for FY 2013. This money will be used to fund the Committees
part-time Administrative Assistant, to pay membership dues to the non-profit Community
Preservation Coalition, to cover administrative expenses, to cover legal and miscellaneous
expenses related to CPA-sponsored projects, and to pay for land planning and legal fees for
open space proposed to be acquired using Community Preservation Funds.
The CPCs part-time Administrative Assistant tracks and monitors all Town Meeting
approved CPA projects; monitors draw-downs and financial transactions in conjunction with
the Finance Office; reviews agreements; drafts and updates CPA reports and correspondence;
completes State-mandated reporting; oversees the annual CPA project application process;
posts meetings and schedules public hearings; takes minutes of the CPC public meetings and
hearings; works with numerous departments, communicates with project applicants; and
assists the CPC and others, as needed, with all CPA related activities and agreements. The
three-day a week FY 2012 salary cost for the administrative position totals $43,347 including
benefits.
Membership dues of $7,500 are paid to the Community Preservation Coalition
(www.communitypreservation.org.) A non-profit statewide organization, it responds to legal
and technical questions, provides CPA news and information to participating communities,
and engages in legislative advocacy and lobbying. The Coalition is currently working in
support of bill HB 765, An Act to Sustain Community Preservation, pending in the State
Legislature, which provides, among other proposed changes, for State matching funds to be
fixed at 75% of surcharge funds collected by municipalities.
The CPC has designated $50,000 of its administrative budget for the planning, conceptual
plan development, legal, survey and appraisal work associated with the acquisition of open
space. Such funds enable the Town Conservation Department to complete in a timely fashion
the due diligence required to prepare for a land acquisition.
Funding Request:
The FY 2013 funding request for CPC administrative costs is $150,000. Funds appropriated
for administrative expenses but not spent in a given fiscal year revert to the CPA
Undesignated Fund Balance at years end.
1 9
Applications for FY 2013 CPA Funding
Not Recommended to Town Meeting
Two applications for Community Preservation Act funding failed to receive a majority vote from
the Community Preservation Committee:
White House (Barnes Building) Stabilization
(1) . This Town request was for $381,000 of
which $232,410 was eligible for CPA funding, to stabilize and preserve the White House and to
make cosmetic repairs to its exterior. The application was defeated (3-6).
Visitor Center
(2) . This application from the Tourism Committee and the Chamber of
Commerce requested $117,731for FY 2013, with a projected additional request of $647,750
for FY 2014, to renovate and expand the Visitors Center. Town Counsel advised that renovations
intended to preserve the existing building, but not those to expand the present structure, were
eligible for CPA funding. Since the Visitor Center is a Town-owned building, the CPC preferred
to see the application come directly from the Town Facilities Department so that it could be
reviewed in light of the Towns building priorities. The application was defeated (0-9).
Two additional applications for Community Preservation Act funding, were deemed ineligible
for funding under the Community Preservation Act after review by Town Counsel:
(1) An application from Cary Library for $34,151 to fund renovations to the book return portal at
the rear of the building. This portion of the building is part of the new library built in 2004 and is
not deemed historic.
(2) An application from the Tourism Committee for a non-specified amount of funding for the
creation of Antony Park, an area of Tower Park near the Minuteman Bikeway to be dedicated to
Lexingtons sister city of Antony, France. The park was not deemed to be historic and did not
involve the acquisition, creation or preservation of recreation land.
2 0
Status Report on FY 2012 CPA Projects
Archives and Records Management/Conservation
The 2011 Annual Town Meeting approved $150,000 in CPA funds for this project and work is
underway for contractual services for indexing and cataloging collections through the Pastperfect
collection management software, and for completing the Archives Portal and Virtual Exhibit for
2013. Year 4 project emphasis was on preservation, conservation and digitization of Assessors
land boom, valuation records, tax books, cemetery records, records of the Overseers of the Poor,
Selectmen record books, agreements, deeds and manuscripts. Upon installation of the Town IT
server and the upgrading of Laserfiche, images of the conserved/preserved records will be made
available for internet access at the culmination of the 5-year project.
East Lexington Fire Station Doors Replacement
The 2011 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $60,000 to enlarge the door openings at the East
Lexington Fire Station to better accommodate the Departments equipment. The design has been
completed and approved by the Historic Districts Commission. As of this writing, the project is
going out to bid, with planned completion in the summer of 2012.
LexHAB Set-Aside for Housing Acquisition
The 2011 Annual Town Meeting approved the set-aside of $450,000 to be used by LexHAB for
the purchase of one or more units of affordable housing. This appropriation was approved by the
CPC with the understanding that LexHAB would comply with Guidelines approved by the
Committee in February of 2011 (see page 13 of this report.). The Guidelines establish restrictions
on size and purchase price, and require all units acquired by LexHAB with CPA funds be placed
on the Towns Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI).
In 2011, LexHAB purchased a single family dwelling at 1 Wilson Road for $365,000, with an
estimated $40,000 needed for upgrades and repairs. As of this writing, improvements to the unit
st
are 75% complete and LexHAB expects to have a tenant by April 1. The CPC has agreed that
any remaining funds can be applied by LexHAB to future acquisitions and renovations.
Battle Green Monument Restoration
This project was approved for $50,000 at the 2011 Annual Town Meeting to address the
rehabilitation and repair of existing monuments in and around the Battle Green. Monuments to
be restored and repaired include the Obelisk, Minuteman Statue, Minuteman Monument and the
Common flagpole. A conservator will be hired in the spring of 2012 to oversee this work and to
develop plans and specifications. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2012 with
th
celebration.
completion in time for the 300
2 1
Battle Green Master Plan Implementation, Phase 1
This project was approved for $50,000 at the 2011 Annual Town Meeting to repair and upgrade
the pathways leading up to and in the immediate area around the existing monuments on the
Battle Green. A conservator will be hired in the spring of 2012 to oversee this work and to
develop plans and specifications. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2012 with
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completion in time for the 300 celebration.
Center Playfields Drainage Implementation, Phase 2
This project was approved for $911,863 at the 2011 Annual Town Meeting to address the
drainage issues at the football field and JV baseball field areas. It will include re-grading the
area, installing subsurface drainage structures and restoration work. This project is currently out
to bid and construction is anticipated to begin in late spring 2012.
Vynebrook Village Drainage Improvements, Phase 2
This project was funded at the 2011Annual Town Meeting for $364,800. It is currently being
reviewed by DHCD to determine if the Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) will be required to
go to Designer Selection before proceeding with the construction phase. LHA anticipates going
out to bid by late spring with an anticipated completion date of fall 2012.
2 2
Status Report on FY 2011 CPA Projects
Minuteman Bikeway Preservation
At the 2010 Annual Town Meeting, $320,000 was approved for necessary drainage work to
preserve the Minuteman Bikeway . The Towns Engineering Division has hired GCG Associates
to survey and design the preservation project. Design plans for this work were received in
February of 2011 and permitting has been completed. At this time, all pipework has been
completed at the following locations; Bow Street, Maple Street, south of the Four Seasons
Nursery, and south of Revere Street. Restoration work is now underway at the Revere Street
location, and the project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2012.
Old Reservoir Project Stormwater Mitigation, Phase 2
Funding for Phase 2 of this project in the amount of $190,047 was approved at the 2010 Annual
Town Meeting. Phase 2 addresses the water quality from runoff in the southwest corner of the
Old Reservoir. This work will be combined with the proposed Phase 1 work which addresses
three outfalls along Marrett Road. The Louis Berger Group is currently developing plans and
specifications and working with MA DEP, the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to secure the
proper permits for this work. It is anticipated that the project (both phases) will be ready for bid
in the summer/fall of 2012.
Center Playfields Drainage, Phase 1
This project was approved for $875,173 at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting to address the
drainage issues at the baseball and softball field areas along Worthen Road. The project
consisted of re-grading the area, installing subsurface drainage structures and completing
restoration work. A contract was awarded to Heimlich Landscaping and construction is now
substantially complete. A final completion date of spring 2012 is anticipated.
Greeley Village Siding Replacement
This project was funded at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting for $386,129. It is currently under
construction with an anticipated completion date of May 2012. The Lexington Housing
Authority was able to obtain additional funding from the Department of Energy through a DHCD
(Department of Housing and Community Development) ARRA (American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act) Grant. This grant enabled an innovative insulation material to be applied on
the buildings before the siding was installed, which will enhance the buildings insulation factor,
providing added heat retention and energy savings.
2 3
Archives and Records Management/Records Conservation
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting approved $150,000 for the third year of this project for further
preservation, conservation, microfilming and digitization of Town record books. This includes
preserving vital records and Selectmen records along with books of licenses, perambulation,
Annual Town Reports and Historic Districts Commission records of historical importance.
Additional Assessors records of tax and valuations from the 1700s and 1800s and the records of
the Overseers of the Poor will be treated, filmed and digitized. Digitization and migration to
Laserfiche, with related expenses, is underway and will continue for eventual access at the
culmination of this 5-year project. Completion of this third phase of preservation work is
anticipated in the fall of 2012.
Cary Library Preservation Project
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting approved $100,000 to renovate an existing storage space in the
Cary Library into a climate-controlled room, with fire suppression, in order to preserve historic
library archives. The project was put out for bid in the summer of 2011 and all bids were rejected
due to insufficient funds. An additional $35,000 in Community Preservation Funds was approved
at the 2011 Special Town Meeting and the work is now planned to be undertaken during the
spring and summer of 2012.
Cary Memorial Building Improvements/Upgrades Study
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting approved $60,000 for the Cary Memorial Building
Improvements/Upgrades Study. Mills Whitaker Architects issued the final report in June of
2011. The report concluded that though the building is well maintained, it requires several
important improvements including: accessibility upgrades, interior structural repairs, fire
protection improvements, plumbing improvements, HVAC updates, acoustical treatments, and
enhancements for performances. The conclusion of the report was that the most cost effective
approach for the Town to implement the improvements is through a single $7.2M project. Fiscal
2013 CPC funds are being requested to initiate design development of the identified scope of
work.
Cary Memorial Building Signage
The Cary Hall signage project is being coordinated with the Cary Hall Improvements Study. Don
Mills, the architect for the Improvements Study, consulted with the Cary Hall Sign Team to
ensure that interior signs are consistent with the historic nature of the building and any potential
improvements. Specifications have been developed, and several vendors have been asked for
quotes. The goal is to have the interior signs fabricated and installed by the summer of 2012.
Exterior signage for the Cary Memorial Building will be part of a larger plan for the campus
that also includes the Police Station and the Town Offices. Identification and directional signage
will be developed as part of an overall landscape and lighting plan for the site.
2 4
Municipal Building Envelope
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $73,000 to implement extraordinary repairs to the
Cary Memorial Building and the Town Office Building. Two replacement fan ornaments were
constructed, installed, and painted with historic colors for the Cary Memorial Building and three
copper valleys for the Town Office Building slate roof were installed during the summer of
2011. It was also determined that 1,350 square feet of built up roof at Cary Memorial Building is
not required at this time. This project is now complete, and the funds for the roof work,
approximately $34,000, will be returned to the CPA fund.
Town Office Building Renovation
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting supported the continuation of the Town Office Building
Renovation with an authorization of $1,825,000 ($1,185,000 in CPA funds). The project includes
accessibility improvements at all entrances, accessibility improvements at restrooms and
transaction counters, extension of the fire suppression system into the 1971 portion of the
building, and realignment of departments to increase efficiency. The project is substantially
complete with punch list items and finishing touches in their final stages. Elevator improvements
are scheduled for implementation during the summer of 2012, which will complete this project.
Cary Memorial Building/TOB HVAC
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $35,000 to upgrade the HVAC controls in the
Cary Memorial Building and Town Office Building to accommodate zone controls, night
setback, and better energy utilization of the shared chiller and boilers. The project has been
completed with energy savings estimated at $13,400. An additional $19,000 of improvements
was funded from utility rebates.
Police Station Ventilation System
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $31,700 to replace the Police Station lower level
ventilation unit with a higher-rated fan and motor and air conditioning to control conditions and
deliver required ventilation. The project is currently 95% complete and construction is expected
to be completed in the early spring of 2012.
Muzzey Senior Center Improvement Study
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting authorized a $45,100 appropriation to develop improvements to
the Muzzey Senior Center. The architectural firm of Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype completed
the report in September of 2012 with recommendations to upgrade the HVAC system and
lighting, improve space utilization, install a limited use/limited access two stop elevator, and to
implement improvements for accessibility. These identified improvements totaling $1,040,444
are planned to be implemented over two years, beginning with a $561,518 request for FY 2013.
2 5
Stone Building Exterior Stabilization
$202,933 was appropriated at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting to fund construction repairs to the
building envelope of the historic Stone Building. Stabilization of the building envelope is
complete, including removal of aluminum siding and lead based paint. A new finish of historic
colors was applied over restored siding and shutters, and a new roof added.
Munroe Tavern Capital Improvements
This $820,000 project (funded with $400,000 in CPA funds) was approved at the 2010 Annual
Town Meeting, and completed in June, 2011. Key elements of the restoration and renovation
included:
·
complete handicapped accessibility, including to the second floor;
·
restoration and repair of historic fabric in the preserved portions of the building;
·
completely new systems throughout - climate control, wiring , sprinkler systems;
·
new reception room for visitors, including an accessible public restroom; and
·
re-roofing with period appropriate materials.
The house was re-opened for public tours on July 1, 2011. In September 2011, a grand re-
opening and open house for the Lexington community was hosted by the Historical Society
Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey of Lexington
The 2010 Annual Town Meeting approved a supplementary appropriation of $5,300 in CPA
funds for this project, to enable the preparation of a thematic nomination to the National Register
of Historic Places of the Mid Century Modern Architecture movement in Lexington and a
specific nomination for the Peacock Farm neighborhood. The CPA funds were combined with
the remaining FY 2008 CPA funds ($4,875) and a grant from the Massachusetts Historical
Commission ($15,000), enabling the Town to hire a consultant to research and document the
nominations. The nomination forms were completed and submitted in July, 2011, and approved
by the State Review Board of the Massachusetts Historical Commission in March, 2012. Formal
listing by the National Park Service is expected to occur in mid 2012.
Completed FY 2011 Projects: Amount Appropriated/Amount Spent
1. White House Historic Structure Report. $18,000/$18,000
2. Vynebrook Village Drainage Study. $10,000/$9,999
3. LexHAB Purchase of Two Properties. $695,000/$695,000
4. Battle Green Master Plan. $25,000/$25,000
Cotton Farm Land Acquisition. $3,857,000/$2,846,793 (final debt service payment yet to be
5.
made in FY13, and land management expenses yet to be expended)
2 6
Status Report on FY 2010 CPA Projects
Storm Water Mitigation at the Old Reservoir and Marrett Road
At the 2009 Town Town Meeting, $55,000 was approved for the reconstruction of the gate
control structure, and the dredging of the large existing retention basin at the Old Reservoir. The
reconstruction work has been completed. The dredging work will be undertaken with $569,000
in Phase 1 stormwater mitigation funds approved at Annual Town Meeting for FY 2010 and
$190,047 in funding for FY 2011 (Phase 2). The Louis Berger Group is currently developing
plans and specifications and working with MA DEP, the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to
secure the proper permits for this work. It is anticipated that the project (both phases) will be
ready for bid in the summer/fall of 2012.
Pond Drainage Improvements to Pine Meadows Golf Course
The 2009 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $200,000 for the remediation of drainage
problems at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. The Towns Engineering Division issued an RFP
for qualified engineers to develop engineering plans and specifications for the pond/drainage
improvements and awarded the contract for $35,500 to Hoyle, Tanner and Associates, Inc. The
design work has been completed, the project has been bid and a contract awarded to J.N. Sacca.
Construction has begun with a target completion date of spring 2012.
Police Station Space Needs Study
A space needs study of the Police Station was authorized by the 2009 Annual Town Meeting for
$45,000. The study includes: (1) a program of space needs, (2) building and site conditions
assessment and systems evaluations, (3) historical evaluations and criteria, (4) a report on the
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) opportunities with selected building
design, (5) schematic design options, (6) design review, (7) recommended schematic design,
(8) projected construction costs and project budget, and (9) a projected project schedule. A
contract for professional architectural services to complete the scope of work outlined above was
awarded to the architectural firm of Donham & Sweeney Architects in February of 2010. Their
completed study was received in February, 2011. It is likely that when a preferred design is
selected, CPA funds will be sought for renovation/preservation costs.
Fire Headquarters Renovation and Redesign
The 2008 Annual Town Meeting authorized $40,000 for a study on the needs of the main Fire
Headquarters (not a CPC project). This initial study resulted in three options: (1) selective
renovations costing $3.3M, (2) the construction of an addition plus renovations costing $8.1M,
and (3) the construction of a new fire station costing $10.2M. During public review of the
options, it was determined that additional details were needed in order to make an informed
decision.
2 7
The 2009 Annual Town Meeting subsequently appropriated additional monies to conduct a more
detailed evaluation of the three options and to allow for more public discussion and input on the
various attributes of the plans. This 2009 appropriation totaled $100,000, with $70,300 funded
from the General Fund and $29,700 from CPA funds (for the historic portion of the project).
Donham & Sweeney Architects was hired to complete additional design work, and submitted
their final report to the Town in February 2011. Their recommendations will now be considered
by the Selectmen and the Town.
Completed FY 2010 Projects: Amount Appropriated/Amount Spent
1.Stone Building Renovation. $180,000/$52,093
2.Center Playfields Drainage Study. $70,000/$70,000
3.Archives and Records Management/Records Preservation. $150,000/$150,000
4.Town Office Building Renovation Design. $30,000/$30,000
5.Greeley Village Roof Replacement. $320,828/$320,828
6.Munroe Tavern Historic Structure Report. $50,000/$40,000
7.Purchase of Three Properties by LexHAB, $845,000/$845,000
8.Purchase of the Leary Property off Vine Street. $2,763,100/$2,727,291 (land
management expenses yet to be expended)
9.Purchase of the land off Lowell Street (the Busa Farm). $4,197,000/$4,192,903
10.Short term bonding costs appropriated at 2009 Special Town Meeting for purchase of the
Busa Farm. $98,000/0
.
2 8
Status Report on FY 2009 CPA Projects
ADA Accessible Bathrooms and Appropriate Signage at the Town Office Building,
The 2008 Annual Town Meeting approved $70,000 in CPA funds for these improvements at the
Town Office Building. An employee signage team worked with a design consultant, Pat Fisher,
to develop specifications for a flexible signage system for the Town Office Building that meets
ADA/AAB Accessibility Standards. The new signs were installed in April 2009, completing this
portion of the project.
The installation of the ADA bathrooms (approximately $49,000) was done as part of the Town
Offices Renovation Project; this project was funded in March of 2010 with $1,185,000 in CPA
funds and the borrowing of $640,000. Now that the building renovations have been completed,
new/additional signs needed as a result of space reallocation will be installed by the same vendor
using the same sign system. This work is planned for completion in the spring or early summer
of 2012.
Completed FY 2009 Projects: Amount Appropriated/Amount Spent
1.Hancock-Clark House Restoration. $600,000/$600,000
2.Archives and Records Management/Records Conservation. $150,000/$150,000
3.Reconstruction of the Gatehouse/Pond Dredging at the Old Reservoir. $55,000/$21,947
4.Window Replacement at Vynebrook Village. $158,686/$155,155
5.East Lexington Fire Station Storm Window and Central Air Conditioning.
$47,500/$46,287
6.Replacement of Munroe School Fire Prevention System. $579,550/$344,803
7.Harrington School Playground. $75,000/$75,000 and supplemental appropriation of
$35,135/$19,278
8.Acquisition of the Goodwin Parcels. $181,517/$181,517
9.Town Office Building Use Study and Renovation Design. $80,000/$80,000
10.Building Upgrades to the Old Harrington School. $330,000/$330,000
11.Town Office Complex Building Envelope. $95,000/$95,000
12.Purchase of Three Condominium Units at Parker Manor - LexHAB. $652,800/$652,800
13.Survey and Define Affordable Housing Study LexHAB and Lexington Housing
Authority. $25,000/$25,000
14.Belfry Hill Restoration Project. $9,850/$9,362
2 9
Status Report on FY 2008 CPA Projects
Historic Preservation at Ye Olde Burial Ground and Munroe Cemetery
The 2007 Annual Town Meeting voted $367,000 in CPA funds to hire a qualified stone
conservator and a qualified stone preservation contractor to preserve and repair the grave
markers at Ye Olde Burial Ground and Munroe Cemeteries. Ivan Myjer, of Building Monument
Conservation, was hired as the stone conservator and project overseer. He also performed repairs
to the tabletop markers at Ye Olde Burial Ground. ConservArt LLC was hired to perform
preservation and restoration work at Ye Olde Burial Ground, Munroe Cemetery and Robbins
Cemetery. A total of $136,443 has been spent or is encumbered to date.
Based upon reports from Ivan Myjer, a majority of markers and stones at Ye Olde Burial
Ground, Munroe Cemetery and Robbins Cemetery has been repaired and restored. Attention will
now turn to the final phase of the project. This will include any final restoration work at these
cemeteries, and the development of a map of each cemetery. This final phase of work will be put
out to bid in the summer of 2012.
Tourism Signs
At the 2007 Annual Town Meeting, $18,360 was voted for directional and storytelling signage in
Lexington. The directional signage from local highways to the Town's historic sites has been
created and nearly all are installed. The few remaining signs will be installed in the spring of
2012.
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One remaining sign is still in progress, the storytelling sign about April 19, 1775, which will be
installed on the Battle Green. A Lexington artist has donated his time to produce drawings for
the sign and it will soon be presented to the Tourism Committee. The remaining $6,500 in CPA
funds will be used for the final fabrication of his design and for the installation of the sign.
West Lexington Greenway Corridor
The 2007 Annual Town Meeting voted $125,000 in CPA funds to hire an engineering firm to
create a Master Plan for the entire West Lexington Greenway Corridor with a focus on creating a
new pedestrian and bicycle trail through conservation land by connecting the Minuteman
Bikeway with the Battle Road Trail. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) was hired and, to
date, VHB has completed a Draft Master Plan and Draft Preliminary 25% Design Drawings for
the proposed Minuteman Bikeway and Battle Road connector trail. The Final Master Plan and
25% Design Plans are pending incorporation of final comments from the West Lexington
Greenway Task Force by VHB.
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Completed FY 2008 Projects: Amount Appropriated/Amount Spent
1.Improved Fire Monitoring/Historic Houses. $18,120/$17,175
2.Boiler and Oil Tank for Buckman Tavern. $10,685/$9,900
3.Greeley Village Window Replacement. $228,404/$221,115
4.Cary Hall Restoration and Rehabilitation. (Assessment of Cary Hall as a Performance
Center) $147,130/$68,257
5.Douglas House - Rehabilitation of 7 Oakland Street (Rehabilitation of the former
Minuteman Press Building for affordable housing for brain-injured adults).
$300,000/$300,000
6.Muzzey High Condominium Building Study. $53,500/$53,500
7.East Lexington Branch Library (Stone Building) - Historic Structure Report.
$43,000/$43,000
8.Center Playfields Drainage Engineering Study. $40,000/$40,000
9.Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey. $90,000/$90,000
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Status Report on FY 2007 CPA Projects
Completed FY 2007 Projects: Amount Appropriated/Amount Spent
1.Main Fire Station/Bedford Street Renovations. $100,000/ $100,000
2.Police Station - Interior Renovations. $100,000/$100,000
3.Hancock-Clarke House Pre-Restoration Project (Historic Structure Report, Building
Usage Study, Accessibility Evaluation and Construction Specifications).
$25,000/$25,000
4.Lexington Depot - Elevator Project. $44,000/$44,000
5.Cary Vault Shelving. $60,000/$50,000
6.Cary Memorial Building Vault Climate Control. $60,000/$56,437
7.Open Space and Recreation Plan. $20,000/$20,000
NOTE: All unspent project funds are returned to the bucket from which they were
originally appropriated.
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CPF ACCOUNT BALANCES
2012 Annual Town Meeting
APPROPRIATED TO DATE
(by category as of 7/01/11)
CATEGORY
Community Housing $5,552,441
Historic Resources $6,232,678
Open Space $6,483,017
Recreational Resources $2,749,674
Pending assignment to proper category
(Busa Property and its related
expenses) $4,319,000
$25,336,810
TOTAL
Administrative Expenses $580,000
$25,916,810
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS TO DATE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION JULY 1, 2012
UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCES
Community Housing Reserve $30,001
Historic Resources Reserve $491,896
Open Space Reserve $0
Unbudgeted Reserve $1,229,513
Undesignated Fund Balance $1,015,507
$2,766,917
TOTAL
ESTIMATED REVENUES FY 2013
Property Surcharge $3,478,000
State Match $768,000
Investment Income $17,000
TOTAL $4,263,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED CPF FUNDS
AVAILABLE FOR FY 13 $7,029,917
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FY 2013 COMMITMENTS, PROJECTS/ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
CPA COMMITMENTS
COMMITMENTS REQUESTEDRECOMMENDED
$930,300
Busa Farm Debt Service $930,300
$1,000,000$1,000,000
Cotton Farm Debt Service
TOTAL COMMITMENTS $1,930,300$1,930,300
CPA PROJECTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
COMMUNITY HOUSING
LexHAB Set-Aside for Housing Acquisition $450,000 $450,000
Greeley Village Accessible Housing Project $810,673 $810,673
Total $1,260,673 $1,260,673
HISTORIC RESOURCES
Archives and Records Management/Conservation $150,000 $150,000
Paint Mine Barn Preservation $34,770 $34,770
Muzzey Senior Center Upgrades $561,518 $561,518
Cary Memorial Building Upgrades $550,000 $550,000
Battle Green Area Master Plan Implementation, Phase 2 $143,845 $143,845
Buckman Tavern Historic Structures Report/Restoration Plans $65,000 $65,000
Historical Society - Historical Records Preservation $77,268 $77,268
Total $1,582,401 $1,582,401
OPEN SPACE
Purchase of Land off Grove Street
tbd tbd
RECREATION
Center Playfields Drainage Implementation - Phase 3 $605,718 $605,718
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $3,448,792$3,448,792
ADMINISTRATIVE
Administrative Expenses (including $50,000 for
open space planning) $150,000 $150,000
TOTAL PROJECT AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
$3,598,792 $3,598,792
SUMMARY
$2,766,917
UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCES
$4,263,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED REVENUE
TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR FY 13 $7,029,917
TOTAL COMMITMENTS $1,930,300
PROJECT AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS $3,598,792
TOTAL COMMITMENTS, PROJECTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS $5,529,092
UNUSED BALANCE OF CPF AVAILABLE FOR FY 2014, ASSUMING ALL
RECOMMENDED COMMITMENTS, PROJECTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE $1,500,825
COSTS ARE APPROVED BY TOWN MEETING*
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