Board of Selectmen
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts


31 March, 2003. 

Dear Members of the Board, 

The BHNA applauds the objectives and enthusiasm of the
proponents of a Youth Center program in Lexington. 
However, we believe that the Christian Science Church
building on Forest St is not an appropriate location
for this purpose. 

A permanent youth center would substantially increase
traffic, parking, and noise, in a manner that is grossly
unfair and dangerous to our already stressed residential
neighborhood.  Moreover, such a center will generate
additional expenses to the town, such as increased
parking and noise enforcement, not to mention the loss of
tax revenues that would result if the building were
converted to residential use. 

We believe that Lexington should follow the example of
other towns, like Wellesley, whose youth programs make
use of various local churches, synagogues, and schools. 
By holding their activities at existing facilities on a
rotating basis, costs are kept minimal and the impact on
traffic and noise is shared between all neighborhoods in
the town. 

Sincerely,



Joseph Lehár, 33 Parker St, Lexington,
for the directors of the BHNA, after a vote on 30 March 2003.