Comprehensive Plan

Welcome ….To this Virtual Public Forum:

An opportunity to help shape the future of Lexington

June 15, 2021

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEAMCPAC MembersAmenani, DeepakBhatt, HemaDagget, MattFelton, Sarah, Co-chairFenollosa, MarilynMorse-Fortier, LeonardSenna, ChristianSullivan, PatrickHerbert, Chris, Co-chairYuan, RuixiFreeman, Larry

Consultant Team

Daphne Politis, PrincipalCommunity Circle

Martha Lyon, Principal Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC

VIRTUAL PUBLIC FORUM

Everyone WAVE!!

WELCOME!

VIRTUAL PUBLIC FORUMLucky to have access to technology

Limitations:• Excludes those without computer/internet access

Advantages:• Convenience• No need to travel• No need to dress up

Let us know if you need technical assistance:

Type TECH HELP in CHAT

Practice CHAT(not anonymous)

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Practice POLL(anonymous)

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION

Where have you been going (over the last year) to get some FRESH

AIR ?

Let’s practice the CHAT feature

Type your response in the CHAT

Which of these is among your favorite colors?

Let’s practice the POLL function

PURPOSE OF TODAY’S FORUM • Share key findings from the

INVENTORY and assessment of existing conditions

• Share key themes from STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS

• Validate what we haveheard in terms of GOALSfor the future

• Identify any new PRIORITIES due to the impact of COVID-19

Who is here?

We would like to understand who our audience is and …

Because we can’t see you… we’d like to know

How old are you?

Who is here?

Because we can’t see you… we’d like to know

What is your gender?

Who is here?

Because we can’t see you… we’d like to know

Do you currently have any children in Lexington schools?

Who is here?

Because we can’t see you… we’d like to know

Where do you live?

TONIGHT’S PRESENTATION

TONIGHT’S PRESENTATIONINTRODUCTION

Purpose of Comprehensive Plan

Process

PRESENTATION• Key Findings of Inventory &

Assessment of Existing Conditions

• Key Themes from Stakeholder Interviews

• Master Plan Goals and Objectives for the Future

OPTIONAL:Small Group Discussions in Break Out Rooms

INTRODUCTION:WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ?

What to preserve?

What to change?

Concerns?

Improvements?

Ensure that Lexington’s desirable features are preserved and challenges are addressed.

A basis for decision-making for future development

A process leading to a plan of action based on a town’s shared values and goals

A set of priorities for addressing the full range of issues facing a town

A Comprehensive Plan is an important opportunity to think

about:

How can we make Lexington an even better place to live,

work and play?

WHY PLAN?

Changes since last Comp Plan (2003)

• Significant investment in town facilities

• Major redevelopment of existing housing stock

• Significant demographic changes; increase in:– Asian population– Aging population– Young children– Median income

• Addressed topical issues:– Public Information

Officer– Sustainability Director– Chief Equity Officer – Human Rights &

Disability Commission

• Stepped up to meet sustainability goals

Other changes?TYPE IN CHAT

Plan Process to DatePHASE I (2018 – 2020)

• World Café public forums

• Trends Reports

• Presentation of Key Findings to the public

PHASE II (2021)

• Working Vision and Goals

• 56 Stakeholder Interviews/Focus Groups

• Update and Revise Inventory and Assessment of Existing Conditions

• Public Forum tonight

Devastates:• Individuals• Families• Communities• The planet

COVID-19 IMPACT

Interruption…

Municipalities are re-imagining downtowns

Corona Created OPPORTUNITIES

Closed streets for outdoor seating: Tampa, FL

Reallocating paved space:• pedestrians• bicyclists• outdoor seating

(Seattle, Milan announce changes are permanent)

Corona Created OPPORTUNITIES

Expanding pedestrian & bike infrastructure: Milan, Italy

• Area employers announce Work From Home and hybrid policies will be permanent (post-COVID)

• MassDOT, MBTA and area employers Task Force:• WFH policies• Staggered schedules

Corona Created OPPORTUNITIES

Prior to COVID-19 Boston was behind other cities in # of companies with WFH policies

• Increased interest in and use of open space, trails, fresh air and fitness

• At least in short run suburbs are seen as more desirable adding heat to an already hot housing market

Corona impacts related to LEXINGTON

New Questions to Consider:

• What has / should remain the same?

• How and in what ways does the pandemic affect goals?

• How can we envision an improved post-COVID future?

VISION AND GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE

PART II:

See reports on CPAC website

Based on: - Key findings of Inventory of Existing Resources- Stakeholder input

Working Vision and Goals based on stakeholder input

STAKEHOLDER INPUT:

• Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event (June 4, 2018)SWOT Analysis

• Lexington World CaféSeptember 25, 2018October 23, 2018November 27, 2018

• Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups: June 8 and 9, 2021

LEXINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORKING VISION STATEMENT

The Town of Lexington prides itself on being a vibrant community where residents place a high value on learning at all ages. Lexington’s historic buildings and landscapes, many open spaces and trails, excellent schools, high quality public facilities and services, and proximity to Boston make it an attractive place to live, work and play. Lexington is committed to fostering a sense of community and maintaining and expanding social and civic connections for all.

This Comprehensive Plan Update envisions a town that fosters a sense of belonging for all. By actively engaging in dialogue to balance issues related to housing, access and transportation, climate change, economic vitality, open space, natural resources, and more, we strive to create a community that:• provides an environment that enables a diverse population of people to live,

work, and thrive• encourages a flourishing business community that contributes to the town’s

financial stability and offers excellent local employment opportunities• cultivates a wide range of exceptional recreational, cultural, educational, and

social opportunities that support creativity and innovation.• sustains our natural resources and fosters an ecologically balanced community.• offers a variety of safe, accessible, and sustainable mobility options.• models stewardship and sustainability of the town’s financial, human,

information, and physical assets.

LEXINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Historic and Cultural Resources: What tools has Lexington adopted help preserve its historic and cultural resources?

• 3 National Historic Landmarks

• 4 Local Historic Districts• 6 National Register Districts• Demolition Delay Bylaw• Demolition by Neglect

Regulation• Neighborhood Conservation

Districts• Comprehensive Cultural

Resources Inventory• Community Preservation

Act

POLL: Lexington was a leader in the development of what style of architecture?

POLL: Lexington was a leader in the development of what style of architecture?

CORRECT RESPONSE: MID-CENTURY MODERN

Historic and Cultural Resources: What tools has Lexington adopted help preserve its historic and cultural resources?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Historic and Cultural Resources

• Make more of the town’s history– Better connect to tourist economy

• Community Assessment survey: community wants more cultural and arts events

• Increase awareness regarding various epochs of historic resources, especially those buildings outside of historic districts

• Demolition Delay provision has not been very successful in protecting historic houses

• 25% of homes are historic – how can preserve but also update (renewable energy, etc.)?

NATURAL AND OPEN SPACE RESOURCES

Natural and Open Space Resources: What measures has Lexington taken to protect its natural resources and conserve open space?

• Established 27 named conservation areas

• Formed Conservation Stewards

• Developed formal management plans for conservation areas

• Purchased several farms to maintain agricultural tradition

• Adopted the Community Preservation Act

• Adopted tree protection measures

POLL: Open space and conservation land represent what percentage of Lexington’s total acreage?

POLL: Open space and conservation land represent what percentage of Lexington’s total acreage?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 12%(approximately 1,300 acres)

Natural and Open Space Resources: What measures has Lexington taken to protect its natural resources and conserve open space?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Natural and Open Space Resources

• Connect open space with neighborhoods through trail development

• Create universal access to all open spaces

• Balance environmental protection and development through stronger environmental regulations and land management planning

• Address tree removal on private property and tree loss due to installation of 5G technology

• Address dog use of conservation areas to mitigate effects on wildlife

• Balance open acquisitions with town needs to develop affordable housing

GOAL 1.0To acknowledge and respect Lexington’s

HISTORIC and NATURAL RESOURCES and protect its OPEN SPACES

Respect and promote the Town’s HISTORIC buildings, places and stories.

Protect and connect OPEN SPACES and NATURAL RESOURCES

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

SUSTAINABILITY AND FUTURE RESILIENCE

Sustainability & Future Resilience: What is Lexington doing to promote the health of residents & protect the environment?• Sustainability Action Plan• Sustainability Director• Sustainable Lexington

Committee• Getting to Zero emissions

Plan• Designated Green

community in 2010• Town Meeting

commitment to consider impacts on climate change in all decisions

POLL: What percent of Lexington’s emissions are produced by residential homes?

POLL: What percent of Lexington’s emissions are produced by residential homes?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 55%

Sustainability & Future Resilience: What is Lexington doing to promote the health of residents & protect the environment ?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Sustainability and Resilience

• Should weave themes of sustainability and public health throughout all elements of the Plan

• Town has made a commitment to zero emissions but now needs to take action towards the goal

• Need to encourage businesses and residents to institute more sustainable practices

GOAL 2.0To protect the ENVIRONMENT and

enhance long-term SUSTAINABILITY and RESILIENCE

Implement the SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Protect NATURAL FEATURES and promote wellness for all living creatures

LEAD by EXAMPLE and ENCOURAGE more SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIORS

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

POPULATION

Population: Who lives in Lexington?• 33,340 people – 60%

moved here since 2000• 45.7 median age• 11,811 households• 2.8 persons per household• 57% post-graduate degree• 34% speak other than

English @ home• 29% foreign born• 30% Asian• 1% Black• 2% Latin@• $186,200 median income

Source: ACS 2019

POLL: What percent of Lexington’s population will be 60 years or older by the year 2030?

Population: Who lives in Lexington?

POLL: What percent of Lexington’s population will be 60 years or older by the year 2030?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 30%

Key Stakeholder Themes: Demographics

• Significant changes in demographics– Large increase in Asian (Chinese, Indian,

Japanese and Korean) residents– Schools are majority minority– Very few Black and Latin@ residents– Increase in number of young children– Increase in number of older adults– Increase in median income

• More effort needed to bring newcomers socially closer and included in town governance

– Some multi-cultural programming at Library and Community Center

– Some increase in Town Meeting and Committee and Board participation

– Use multi-lingual welcome signage– More collaboration on programming across

cultural groups

GOAL 3.0To increase DIVERSITY of people living

and working in LexingtonBe equally welcoming and remove barriers for people of all backgrounds to live in Town

Foster a sense of belonging and promote interaction amongst residents of all backgrounds

Support older adults to age in communitySupport teenagers to be independent

Support people of different abilities

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

HOUSING

Housing: What is the housing stock like in Lexington?

• In 2019, Lexington had 12,154 units of housing:– 97% of units were occupied– 82% of units were owner-

occupied– 83% of units were single-family

• The median value of owner-occupied units was $889,700:– 52% $500,000 - $1,000,000– 23% Over $1,000,000

• Approximately 75-100 tear-downs per year, mostly of post WWII homes

POLL: How much larger (%) are new houses than those they are replacing by tearing down?

Housing: What is the housing stock like in Lexington?

POLL: How much larger (%) are new houses than those they are tearing down and replacing?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 258%

Key Stakeholder Themes: Housing

• Lack of variety in housing types and significant loss of moderately-prices housing; also need housing for:– Older adults; empty-nesters– Starter homes– Disabled individuals– Lower income families– Town staff

• Opportunity to provide housing above retail in Center and other commercial

• Size of houses is tied to size of lots (setbacks, floor area ratio)

• State calculates Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) at 11.2% of total units; actual SHI is closer to 5.7%:

–1,334 units–669 affordable rental units (5.6%)–13 owned units (0.1%)

GOAL 4.0To provide a wide range of HOUSING

OPTIONS

Increase supply of housing attainable to a wide RANGE OF INCOMES and all stages of the LIFE CYCLE

Increase supply of housing oriented to OLDER ADULTS

Preserve the existing stock of MODEST HOMES

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic Development: What activities contribute to Lexington’s economy?

• Split tax rate • Commercial districts

include:– Town Center– Hartwell Avenue– Hayden Avenue– Route 2A/Forbes Road– East Lexington

• Over 30 biotech • Numerous tourist

attractions attract 120,000 visitors per year

POLL: How much of the Town’s land is zoned for commercial use?

POLL: How much of the Town’s land is zoned for commercial use?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 6%

Economic Development: What activities contribute to Lexington’s economy?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Economy• Need for increased

commercial development to help pay for capital projects, provide local jobs, and create more retail and restaurant options

• Opportunities to upgrade commercial corridors including:– E. Lexington– Marrett Square– Hartwell & Hayden areas

• Desire for a more vital Town Center

• Current lack of diversity in retail

East Lexington

GOAL 5.0 To promote ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RETAIN existing and ATTRACT additional COMMERCIAL development

Make the TOWN CENTER more of a destination

Improve COMMERCIAL AREAS in various locations

Continue to promote TOURISM

Support WORKING FROM HOME population

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

TRANSPORTATION AND

CIRCULATION

Transportation & Circulation: How do people get around in Lexington?• Town owns:

– 212 miles of roadway– 5 miles of separated

multimodal trails– 46 miles of trails

• Transit options:– Lexpress– MBTA buses– Alewife shuttles– LexConnect

• Minuteman Bikeway

POLL: How many miles of sidewalks does the Town own and manage?

POLL: How many miles of sidewalks does the Town own and manage?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 84 miles

Transportation & Circulation: How do people get around in Lexington?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Transportation

• Bikeway used more than ever during COVID-19 pandemic

– Make more of it connecting to commercial areas, creating gathering spaces

• Significant increase in car ownership• Added bike lanes/bike racks• Need more options to reduce car

dependency– More/better sidewalk connections– Safe bike connections– Public transit (and 1st /last mile)

• Traffic congestion at schools• Increase in economic development

needs traffic mitigation• New emphasis on e-vehicles (will

not reduce SOV)

GOAL 6.0 To make entering, leaving and getting around Town safe and pleasant

with TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Reduce TRAFFIC CONGESTION on local roads

Improve infrastructure for WALKING and BIKING

Improve PARKING, especially in the Town Center

Explore additional TRANSIT options

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

RECREATION RESOURCES

Recreation Resources: What types of recreational activities do Lexington residents enjoy?

• Golfing at the 9-hole Pine Meadows Course

• Swimming at the “Old Res” and Center Recreation Complex

• Playing baseball, softball, football, field hockey, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, tennis and pickleball sports at the numerous park and school fields

• Skateboarding at the skate park

• Hiking on conservation area trails

• Biking along the Minute Man Bikeway

POLL: How many miles of trails have been created on Lexington’s conservation areas?

POLL: How many miles of trails have been created on Lexington’s conservation areas?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 50 Miles

Recreation Resources: What types of recreational activities do Lexington residents enjoy?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Recreation Resources

• Parks and trails were overrun during COVID-19 pandemic

• Recreation Department lost $1.0 million during the pandemic from the mandated reduction in programming

• ACROSS Lexington trail network is becoming difficult to expand

• ADA Facilities Study: plan for playgrounds to be universally accessible

• 2020 Recreation Needs Assessment identified priorities for future programming, facilities, maintenance, marketing, financial planning and more.

GOAL 7.0 To provide and maintain facilities for RECREATION and

COMMUNITY GATHERING

Maintain and promote EXISTING OPPORTUNITIES for gathering

Explore possibilities for INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES for gathering

Maintain existing and create new RECREATIONAL FACILIITES / PROGRAMMING

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

PUBLIC FACILITIES

AND SERVICES

Public Facilities & Services: What are some key facility/service needs?

• Since last Comp Plan, many capital investments

• Remaining significant investments:– High school– Police station– E. Lexington Fire Station– Retrofitting with renewable

energy • Demand for increased

programming at Community Center and Library

POLL: How many homes can be powered by the solar arrays currently added to Lexington’s public facilities?

POLL: How many homes can be powered by the solar arrays currently added to Lexington’s public facilities?

CORRECT RESPONSE: 1,000

Public Facilities and Services: What are some key facility/service needs?

Key Stakeholder Themes: Public Facilities and Services

• Need to find ways to pay for remaining capital investments

• Goal to transition to zero emissions by 2035

• Need to weave themes of sustainability and public health throughout all elements of the Plan

• Need to find more ways to support residents who wish to age in community

Key Stakeholder Themes: Engagement

• More effort needed to include more diverse volunteers and town leadership positions

• Develop Communications Plan to reach all

• Continue to use virtual platforms to engage – Also identify who is left out

• Need to engage around future scenarios rather than focusing on the past

• Increase opportunities for connecting to the community beyond the schools

Over 300 volunteers on 80 Committees

GOAL 8.0 To provide state-of-the-art, well maintained and updated PUBLIC

FACILITIES AND SERVICESSupport continued EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Continue to maintain the Town’s INFRASTRUCTURE

Ensure that Town SERVICES continue to be state-of-the-art

Continue to improve COMMUNICATION with and ENGAGEMENT of residents

Comments?

Ideas forstrategies ?

TYPE in CHAT

• Competing Goals?

• Shared Values?

• Priorities?

We need to identify enough shared values in order to move forward…

Key Stakeholder Themes: Tension

TENSION between: – allowing redevelopment of very large

houses and goals of sustainability (reduction of energy usage and affordability/diversity)

– preservation of open space and creation of affordable housing

– historic preservation and affordable housing

– Desire to preserve small town character and need for increasing the tax base to pay for facilities and services

We need to identify enough shared values in order to move forward…

Do you see any other tensions and/or competing goals?

Type in CHAT

If you could do one thing…

If you could do one thing to improve Lexington, what would it be?

We need to identify shared priorities in order to move forward…

Type in CHAT

• Review and share (on CPAC website) your responses and input from today’s virtual forum

• Develop recommendations incorporating this input

• Present Implementation Plan for public input: November 9, 2021

NEXT STEPSStay Involved

Keep in the loop, check the Town website

NEXT STEPS:Develop Implementation Plan

“Low-hanging fruit”: relatively easy, low cost actions that

make a difference

“Ripe Apples”#1: Immediate – 1-5 Years

#2: Intermediate – 5-10 Years

#3: Future (Re-evaluate in 10 Years) – 10-20 Years

Ongoing: Continue to Support Action already in Progress

Priority/Timing

Identify responsible parties, existing resources, and partners

NEXT STEPS: Complete Plan

IMMEDIATE NEXT STEPS:Raffle

As a token of our appreciation, you have been automatically entered into a raffle for participating in this virtual public forum

IMMEDIATE NEXT STEPS:Small Group Discussion

Invitation to Join A SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION after a 5-minute break

POLL: Do you think you will participate in the small group discussions following the 5-minute break?

Small group discussions will focus on how to best recover and be resilient post-COVID

5-MINUTE BREAK