2012-10-Bos-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Selectmen’s Meeting – October 1, 2012 Presentation by Vistaprint – Proposed Expansion Mr. Valente explained that Vistaprint is considering expanding its corporate headquarters in Lexington. They currently occupy the Ledgemont 2 building. In 2009 the Town approved a CD rezoning for a new building adjacent to this site, currently identified as Ledgemont 3. Vistaprint is evaluating whether to lease this proposed building for its expansion. Vistaprint is also requesting that the Town consider granting them property tax relief through a Tax Increment Financing Agreement (TIF). Vistaprint representatives included: Chris Connors, Vice President, Capabilities; Michael Grenier, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer; John Love, Senior Director of Real Estate, Construction and Facilities; and Lynn Tokarczyk, Government Incentives Consultant. They made a power point presentation that provided a company overview, community involvement, local economic impact, proposed expansion plans, proposed job creation plans (300 new permanent full-time jobs), proposed investment plans ($45 million in construction costs and $7 million for leasehold improvements); and why they will be requesting a TIF. Mr. Valente is putting together a team that includes Selectman Mauger; Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance; Ms. Tintocalis, Economic Development Director; Ms. McCall- Taylor, Planning Director; Mr. McWeeney, Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Committee; Mr. Canale, Chair of the Planning Board and Ms. Krieger, to review the TIF request. Ms. Bohart, Executive Director for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, spoke about two great business symposiums that Vistaprint put on that were well received by Lexington businesses. Also, Vistaprint provides the opportunity for residents to live and work in the same town. Mr. Hartzell, Complex General Manager Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (aloft and Element Lexington Hotels), considers Vistaprint a true partner. They have hosted new hires and large corporate clients at the aloft/Element, which generates revenues for the aloft/Element and also local businesses. Ms. McKenna, Tourism Committee, believes Vistaprint is the kind of business wanted in Lexington by bringing in cultural tourists, which provides a benefit to Lexington businesses. Presentation on Town Meeting Electronic Voting Article Mr. Pato, Town Meeting Member, made a presentation on a proposed article for the November 19 Special Town Meeting to permit an Electronic Voting system. The objectives of the electronic voting system would be to improve transparency for members and residents, integrate with official voting process, speed up the conduct of meetings, unambiguous, accurate and ease of use. The goal of revising the bylaw is to enable electronic voting and clean up existing language, making sure the existing system is preserved, the bylaw is specific enough to ensure confidence and leaves the details to the operating rules.