1985-09-12-CRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Corrected Copy 10/21/85 CENTER RESITALI_ZATION COMMITTEE MEETING September 12, 1985 The Center Revitalization Committee (CRC) met at 12 00 noon in the Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Office Building Present from the CRC were Margery Battin (Chair) , Mary Hastings, Laura Nichols, David Wells and Jack Eddison, Also attending were Walter Tonaszuck, D P.W'. Director, and Norma Bogen, consultant Minutes from the meeting of June 20, 1985 were approved as pre- sented, Parking Issues; Parking Fee Structure Walter Tonaszuck presented a memorandum on parking rates which included a survey of rates in neighboring communities It showed Lexington to be in the middle between towns which do not meter on-street parking (Arlington, Bedford, Burlington) and those which charge 20 cents/hour (Belmont, Needham, Watertown) Lexington's current parking revenues of $150,000 per year cover its current expenditures for parking The cost of converting the Town's meters to charge higher rates would be $50/meter x 475 meters = $23,750 The prospective yield from doubling rates would be $150,000 if there were no resulting reduction in use of parking spaces Adequacy of Parking Spaces Norma Bogen observed that the Center has 1701 parking spaces available vs 1709 which are needed, based on Town zoning standards - a very close match For the Center as a whole, there appears to be adequate parking, with some shortage on the southwest side of Massachusetts Ave between Waltham and Muzzey Streets, and some surplus on the opposite side of Mass. Ave It was pointed out that parking prob- lems tend to occur between 6:00 and 8;00 p.m. when theater parkers com- pete with those patronizing commercial establishments Since many of the parkers are from out of town, they may not realize that parking spaces are available in the Meriam St lot It was suggested that the Town publicize the availability of the Mariam St. lot with flyers in the restaurants and "P"' signs on the street Mrs, Bogen noted that signs should be made to work together and that more attention should be given to their design Mrs Battin suggested extending the hours of metering of street park- ing to 8 00 p.m to make more spaces available to those patronizing local merchants. Mr. Wells asked if lighting was adequate in the lots Mr Tonaszuck believes it is but will continue to monitor it Crosswalks The need for additional crosswalks on Waltham St near the Vinebrook intersection and on the streets adjoining Depot Square was con- sidered It was agreed that a Waltham St crosswalk should be supported only if it did not involve the loss of 2 parking spaces It was recommended that crosswalks be painted parallel to Massachusetts Ave across the streets separa- ting Depot Square from the Mass . Ave sidewalks It was also recommended that a crosswalk be painted across the end of Muzzey St at Mass Ave Steps to discourage jaywalking were considered Mary Hastings agreed to find out whether the Chamber of Commerce would support the use of the "Welcome to Lexington Center - Please use Crosswalks" door signs proposed by Jack Eddison. It was agreed that, if we are to push for pedestrian use of crosswalks, we must get the police to enforce stopping by drivers for crosswalking pedestrians Mrs Battin will discuss this with the Town Manager