We, residents of Lexington, Massachusetts, are deeply concerned about the proposed 51-foot-tall, four-story residential and retail building planned for 16–16 Clarke Street, directly across from our Lexington Public Library and within the Battle Green Historic District.

This project — brought by North Shore Residential Development, Inc. — would introduce 52 new condo units and retail space into one of Lexington’s most historically and culturally sensitive areas. It threatens the quiet, family-friendly environment that defines the heart of our town.

As parents and local residents, we spend many afternoons walking our children to the library, the playground, and the town green. The library is one of Lexington’s most cherished spaces — a place where kids read, seniors gather, and families connect. We cannot imagine a 51-foot-tall structure rising beside it — bringing months (if not years) of construction noise, traffic, and dust, followed by permanent increases in congestion, parking overflow, and safety risks.

⚠️ Why We Oppose This Project
 1. Loss of Historic and Community Character:  The property lies within the Battle Green Historic District, the symbolic heart of Lexington. A 51-foot modern building would tower over the existing streetscape and conflict with the low-rise colonial architecture that gives our town its unique identity.
 2. Safety and Traffic Concerns: Clarke Street is already congested, especially during library hours and school dismissal. The project’s traffic study estimates over 200 additional daily car trips, creating new safety risks for children and pedestrians.
 3. Parking and Infrastructure Strain: On-site parking will be limited, causing overflow into residential streets and library lots. Local infrastructure — including water, sewer, and drainage systems — is not designed to support such a dense addition.
 4. Environmental Impact: Replacing green areas with impervious surfaces increases runoff and flood risks. Construction noise and light pollution will degrade nearby residential and public spaces.
 5. Public Process Transparency: The Planning Board approved the preliminary subdivision with little public notice. Many residents learned about this project only after the vote. Greater transparency and community involvement are urgently needed.
 6. Disproportionate Benefit to Developer: The proposal benefits a private developer — while residents bear the cost in safety, congestion, and lost quality of life. It does not offer any public benefits to offset the impact.
 7. Ripple Effects Across Lexington
 • Approving such a large project here sets a dangerous precedent for future high-density developments in Lexington Center and beyond.

📊 Facts and Statistics
 • 52 residential units + retail at 16 Clarke Street
 • 51 feet tall — significantly higher than surrounding buildings
 • Located directly across from Lexington Public Library
 • Within Battle Green Historic District
 • Proposed by North Shore Residential Development, Inc.
 • Preliminary approval granted April 17, 2025 — without broad public input
 • Potential for 200+ additional vehicle trips per day (based on traffic impact estimates for similar multi-unit developments)

🧭 What We Are Asking
We urge the Lexington Planning Board to:
 • Reject this project during the definitive subdivision review process.
 • Preserve the historic and cultural character of the Battle Green District.
 • Require comprehensive environmental, traffic, and safety impact studies.
 • Engage the public meaningfully before advancing further approvals.

🧡 Who We Are
We are Lexington residents — parents, homeowners, teachers, and local business patrons — who care deeply about the town’s safety, livability, and heritage. We want to preserve a balanced, sustainable Lexington that grows thoughtfully, not recklessly.

Our Community Deserves Better

Let’s protect our historic town center, preserve its safety and beauty, and ensure Lexington’s growth reflects our shared values, not outside profit.