As Lexington gears up for large-scale multifamily developments, we’d like to call residents’ attention to conservation compliance issues that would affect the future of our neighborhoods and environment.  

Pulte Homes is proposing a 150-unit, 3-building, by-right development under legacy MBTA zoning at 475 Bedford Street, (the old Boston Sports Club). 

About half of the 9-acre site is covered by gas, electric, and sewer easements, where no building can be erected. The other half contains protected wetland. The existing single-story structure, built before current wetland protection rules, encroaches on the wetland and its buffer zones.  

We appreciate the many merits of the current proposal:

  • It expands the diversity of Lexington’s housing stock, especially by providing 22 affordable condo units. 
  • It decreases impervious area by 1.3 acres by using pervious pavement, and by moving building #3 away from the wetland. 

However, we agree with concerns expressed by both Conservation Commission members and residents that, as it now stands, the application fails to comply with Lexington’s Wetland Protection Code Rules, Section 5(5)3, in a number of ways:

  • Building 2: Infringes on the 50-foot buffer zone. This building is also closer to the wetland than the existing structure by around 50 feet, which is not allowed. 
  • Building 3: Infringes on the 50-foot buffer zone, with the fire lane in the 25-foot buffer zone.
  • Gas Fire Pit: proposed to sit in the floodzone.

According to Lexington’s code, buffer zones are vital because they prevent and control flooding and erosion, protect water quality and wildlife habitat, and promote climate resilience. A building can encroach on the 50-foot buffer only when the developer proves that other options are “impracticable”. 

Pulte has yet to provide a complete analysis fulfilling that criterion. The developer could comply by reducing the size of the two encroaching buildings. That might cut into their profit, but profitability is not an interest protected by the Lexington Code for Wetland Protection. 

The Planning Board has approved this application because it complies with zoning bylaws and regulations. However, the project cannot move forward without Conservation Commission approval. We urge the Conservation Commission to require developers of this and other large-scale projects that pose significant risks of flooding and storm damage to adhere to the Town’s wetland bylaws.

To share your concerns, please email conservationcomm@lexingtonma.gov;  cc:KMullins@lexingtonma.gov. 

Please also attend the next virtual hearing on May 19: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/AgendaCenter/Conservation-Commission-CONCOM-5/?.

Thank you. 

Lisa Newton, Town Meeting Member Precinct 8

Sandra Hackman, Town Meeting Member Precinct 7

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