2020-03-02-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

DRAFT--Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes March 2, 2020 5:00 p.m. Town Office Building, Parker Room Members Present: Sally Castleman, Co-Chair; Sara Arnold; Pamela Lyons, Vinita Verma Members Absent: Hank Manz, Co-Chair; Elaine Dratch Liaisons: Sudhir Jain, COA Staff: Susan Barrett Guests: Kevin Johnson, Town Meeting Member, South Lexington Association, Richard Canale, Planning Board; and Member of Sustainable Lexington Committee Public Comment: There were no public comments other than those associated with items included on the agenda. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and 1050 Waltham Street: Ms. Castleman reviewed the letter that she had shared with the Select Board (SB) on February 24th regarding the TDM proposal that the Town is negotiating with Greatland, developers at 1050 Waltham St. She wanted to update the SB at their meeting tonight, providing additional TAC input. Using the most recent draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town and Greatland, there was discussion about the measures identified in the draft MOU. It was noted that the developer needs to have a transportation coordinator, who manages implementation of the MOU, and transportation amenities, such as designated parking for those who carpool, bicycle racks, and sidewalks. Regarding a lump-sum payment that is being negotiated for traffic/transportation, it was noted that the developer would not control whether the funds go into the Transportation Demand Management Fund or the Traffic Mitigation Fund. This would be determined by the Town Manager and the SB. After input from Mr. Canale and Mr. Johnson and considerable discussion about other TDM agreements and the need for measures to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles (SOVs), a motion was made and seconded asking Ms. Castleman to urge the SB to support the following: • Shuttle service between Alewife Station and the development site with a provision that, at least on a trial basis, it would serve Lexington residents on the reverse commute for a nominal fee; • Tenants be required to provide, or 100% reimburse employees for, MBTA passes or comparable non-automobile transportation passes/fees; • A written measurable plan to reduce SOV use by at least 15% to be submitted as part of the MOU; • An annual contribution of more than $5,000, with an annual CPI adjustment, to be specified for the operational costs of Lexpress or a comparable transportation service. VOTE: 4-0 FY2021 Lexpress Routes: While Ms. Castleman attended the SB meeting for about 15 minutes, Ms. Barrett provided information on potential routes for the coming school year. When Ms. Castleman returned, these were reviewed and discussed. Next Meeting: it was agreed to meet on March 12 at 5 p.m., with an agenda focusing on Lexpress routes.