HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-08-2020-min
Lexington 2020 Vision Committee
March 8, 2007 Meeting Minutes
7:45 am – Ellen Stone Room
Members Present
: Fernando Quezada, Peter Enrich, Mollie Garberg, Stacey Hamilton, Charles
Hornig, Ann Redmon
Others
: Candy McLaughlin, Stephen Hodson, Carl Valente, Ingrid Klimoff, Greg Zurlo, Toby
Sackton, Adam Sacks, Larry Smith, Richard Canale, Steve Kropper
The minutes from the February 8 meeting were approved.
Fernando reviewed discussions regarding Task Force next steps at a Process Subcommittee
meeting with Carl.
Economic Development Task Force
. Gregory Zurlo and Mollie Garberg distributed an interim
report. Greg noted that there is no one solution, and a diverse toolkit will be needed to address
the issues. He reviewed the Task Force’s charge to:
1. Engage the community in education and discussion about existing and potential business;
2. Conduct a modeling exercise to provide information concerning tradeoffs associated with
various commercial-development choices vs. affordability of current and expected public
services;
3. Examine regulatory issues affecting prospects for the current business sector in town and
for future commercial development; and
4. Coordinate its work with that of the 2020 Vision Task Force on Sustainability.
Mollie summarized recent Task Force activity:
1. The Permitting /Regulation sub-group is currently interviewing businesses in Town.
2. The Communications sub-group has developed a schedule for biweekly press releases.
3. The Financial Impact and Modeling sub-group seeks to answer the question, “Is there
potential to increase revenue through economic development initiatives in Lexington?”
Larry Smith of Cranberry Hill Associates undertook a Development Potential analysis of
all parcels in three presently commercially zoned areas – Rte. 2A, Bedford
Street/Hartwell Ave, Hayden Ave/Spring St. This analysis indicates that there is a
potential for an increase in revenue from additional development on these parcels. The
sub group is interested in obtaining validation of these results by hiring a consultant
group to examine them.
4. Recruitment of an Economic Development Officer is underway.
Richard Canale spoke about a study that is presently being done by the Metropolitan Area
Planning Committee. The information gained from the development analysis that the Modeling
Finance Impact group is working on may be beneficial to the MAPC. He also mentioned Smart
Growth initiatives funding from the State (Chapter 43D) and planning efforts by the four
Hanscom Area Towns.
The Economic Development Task Force then requested the approval of the 2020 Vision
Committee to go before the Board of Selectmen on March 12, 2007 in order to request $40,000
for consulting services. Adam Sacks objected that a broader look at commercial development is
needed first to identify where consulting effort should be directed. Richard Pagett expressed
concern that the $40K not determine the future direction of the Task Force’s work. Peter stated
that it will fund gathering of data necessary for these broader conversations to happen. When
Fernando noted that these broader conversations keep coming up, Mollie reassured the group that
they will continue to be discussed. Greg mentioned that a special session with the Planning
Board on the issues would be useful.
Charles added his hope that the Task Force not focus solely on increasing revenue, and that other
issues are important. Peter referred to a 3-year pro forma analysis done by Paul Hamburger, and
reminded the group that a short-term view is almost always more conservative and anxious than
reality turns out to be. Mollie responded that state legislators are facing an enormous deficit and
grappling with ways to increase revenue long term (evaluating the corporate tax loophole,
graduated income tax...etc.) so she doesn’t feel we are being overly conservative or anxious at
the local level. She also said that revenues are just one driver, and reiterated the Task Force’s
desire for a broad conversation, including serious consideration of sustainability issues.
The 2020 Vision committee supported the request for $40,000 in consultant funding. If the
Selectmen approve, it will need Town Meeting approval.
Sustainable Lexington Task Force.
Toby identified three recommendations that will be made
to the Selectmen at their March 12 meeting:
1. That Lexington join the Cities for Climate Protection organization.
2. That the Selectmen appoint an ad hoc committee with a charge to develop a Climate
Action Plan.
3. That the goal of establishing a Lexington Climate Plan be part of the Selectmen’s annual
goal setting process, to determine the best way to develop a Town liaison with this effort.
Toby also indicated the Task Force’s intention to continue work until the committee is
appointed, in order to develop a work plan and educational outreach effort for the climate action
plan. Fernando indicated that the 2020 Vision Committee will discuss this further at the next
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am.