2008-07-30-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Meeting of July 30, 2008 Page 5 Mr. Zurlo said there is a hierarchy of intended uses in the various commercial districts and he felt the current distribution retains the character of the town. He felt the current life-style centers being developed in other towns abused the way things grow organically and stimulate suburban sprawl on a micro level. The real estate community incorrectly markets any mixed-use project as being compatible with smart growth principles. He suggested that the Center could actually be strengthened by looking at the LEXPRESS routes and having them serve Hartwell Avenue as well as the other large commercial districts. Mr. Canale suggested that frequency of transit service and fare price were major factors. He pointed out that Burlington was trying to increase the bus routes to the Mall for lunchtime uses. He noted that many Lexington workers come from Boston, Arlington and other neighboring towns might use local roads rather than the major highways. Since housing has apparently successfully been brought to the commercial areas of Bedford, he would not rule out residential uses. He said he would support services for those working in the CM zone that did not attract people from outside, as he did not want negative impacts on the retail in the Center. He suggested limiting the amount of floor space and types of uses. Mr. Henry said that what people seem to want is in conflict. They want to take cars off the street, yet don’t want to allow services. Mr. Zurlo said is inaccurate to say allowing retail uses of 7000sf, like a Panera Bread, would be a means to reducing traffic. Those types of businesses require a large customer base, which will only increase traffic. There was a discussion of the role of LEXPRESS and automobile traffic and the relative cost of each to Lexington taxpayers. Mr. Dick Thuma said that building owners want amenity services. These include cafes, health clubs (small scale), dry cleaning drop-off, and lobby convenience stores, and, possibly, private banking and brokerage services. He said the Charlie Card should be useable on LEXPRESS. ***************************REGIONAL, INTERTWINE ISSUES*************************** MetroFuture - Mr. Canale reported there are meetings to start implementation of the regional plan. He suggested as the Board moves forward they look at the contemplated commercial zoning changes in relation to the regional plan Hangar 24 – Comments on the demolition of Hangar 24 at Hanscom are due this Friday and the FAA will rule on the matter in the next four to six weeks.