Town Of Lexington : Link To Lexington - February 17, 2023

Government and Politics

February 20, 2023

Link To Lexington - February 17, 2023

Annual Town Election is Monday, March 6

The Annual Town Election for candidates running for local elected office is Monday, March 6.

The deadline to register to vote in the 2023 Annual Town Election is Friday, February 24, 5 PM. Check your voter registration status.

There are a number of elected positions that voters will decide on. View the official list of candidates for the March 6 election.

Early Vote by Mail

Massachusetts voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required. To request your vote by mail ballot, submit a signed application to the Town Clerk's Office.

The deadline to return the application is Monday, February 27 at 5 PM. Additional details on the application process are available on our website.

Additional Voting Information

Additional information, including sample ballots, finding your polling locations, and information about absentee ballots can be found on our website.

Learn About Proposed Zoning Amendment to Diversify Housing Options in Lexington; Info Session February 23

At the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, Town Meeting Members will consider an amendment to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to incentivize the creation of smaller, more diverse, and sustainable home options, as an alternative to large single-family developments.

An information session is scheduled for the public on the proposed zoning bylaw amendment:

February 23 at 7 PM

Community Center, 39 Marrett Rd.

Via Zoom

About the Article and the SPRD Ad Hoc Committee

This article is the result of the work of the Select Board's Special Permit Residential Development (SPRD) Zoning Bylaw Amendment Committee (Ad Hoc). It was created in response to the 2018 Town Meeting vote to refer a citizen petition to amend this same zoning bylaw back to the Select Board. The Committee was charged with developing a zoning proposal to revise or replace the SPRD section of the Zoning bylaw to allow and encourage more affordable and diverse home types.

The work of the Committee is separate, but complementary to, the Planning Board’s effort to develop new multi-family zoning to be in compliance with the State’s MBTA zoning requirements.

The Select Board’s SPRD Ad Hoc Committee will present its proposal to a number of Town boards/committees in the coming weeks. That schedule, as well as additional information about the work of the Committee, is available online at LexingtonMA.gov/SPRD

Lexington Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2019 Crime

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lexington Chief of Police Michael McLean have announced that Hongyan Sun has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Justice Patrick Haagan after a jury found him guilty of Murder in the First Degree on February 3, 2023 in the Lowell Superior Court.

"Although we are pleased with the outcome of the verdict and sentencing in this case, we realize it can never fully heal the pain and trauma suffered by Shen Cai’s friends, family, and the community," said Chief Michael McLean. "We hope that this small step towards closure can bring some comfort and peace to all those affected by this tragic and senseless crime," he added.

Read the full press release.

Share Your Thoughts on Climate Action and Resiliency, Take the Resilient Lexington Survey

The Town of Lexington is developing a Climate Action & Resilience Plan, called Resilient Lexington. The Plan will build upon a solid foundation of climate leadership and complement ongoing efforts to create a sustainable future.

You can get involved today by taking the Resilient Lexington survey. Your participation will help the planning team understand public priorities and ensure the proposed strategies are actionable.

Take the Resilient Lexington Survey

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- Screen reader-accessible version

Learn more about the Resilient Lexington planning process at LexingtonMA.gov/ResilientLexington or through the Resilient Lexington Summary.

Get Involved in Patriots' Day this April!

Patriots' Day is fast approaching, with our annual festivities taking place this year between Sat., April 15 and Mon., April 17. The Town Celebrations Committee is looking for Parade Sponsors and Parade Ambassadors to help make the events even better!

Parade Ambassadors

Parade Ambassadors are volunteers that march in teams of two or three in front off a parade unit, carrying a banner naming the unit's sponsor. No experience necessary, but you must be at least 12 years old. High school students earn 4 hours of community service credit.

Learn more about being a Parade Ambassador.

Parade Sponsorship

Help underwrite the costs of bringing wonderful bands, marching units and floats to Lexington for our parade. Individuals, families, groups and businesses are welcome to be parade sponsors.

It's a great way to show your support for our community while getting recognition for your contribution.

To support the parade as a Sponsor, please complete our online form or use the fillable PDF form.

Sponsorship deadline is March 17, 2023.

Learn more about parade sponsorship.

Youth Commission Seeks Nominations for Outstanding Youth Award

The Lexington Youth Commission is seeking nominations for the Pat Flynn Outstanding Youth Award.

The Outstanding Youth Award is designed to applaud a graduating Lexington senior who demonstrates those qualities exemplified by the original award founded in 1979. The Outstanding Youth Award in Lexington showcases our youth and their excellence.

Learn more and nominate someone by visiting our website.

COVID-19 Data; New Test Kits Available at Town Buildings; Old Test Kit Expiring Soon

The Lexington Office of Public Health will update weekly COVID-19 case numbers each Friday. The data represented on the dashboard DOES NOT include at-home test results. The data only represents results of PCR and antigen tests verified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

View Lexington’s case numbers

View the State’s COVID-19 dashboard

Test Kits Available

Free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits are available at Town buildings across Lexington. Town buildings received a new shipment of tests that expire in August 2023. Old test kits that were picked up prior to mid-January 2023 are set to expire on January 26, 2023. Be sure to check the date on your test kit before using.

You can pick up a test at the following locations:

- Town Office Building (Health Office) - 1625 Massachusetts Avenue

- Fire Department - 45 Bedford Street

- Police Department - 173 Bedford Street

- Community Center - 39 Marrett Road

- Visitors Center - 1875 Massachusetts Avenue

- Public Services Building - 201 Bedford Street

Test kits are available during regular business hours (Police Dept. open 24/7) while supplies last.

For questions, contact the Office of Public Health at 781-698-4533.

SCHOOLS NEWS
Staying connected to the Lexington Public School

School Superintendent Dr. Julie Hackett's latest Superintendent's Report is available online. Topics covered include:

- Congratulations and celebrations