HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-15-EDAC-min Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
Minutes of Meeting May 15, 2019
A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. in the Parker Room of the
Town Office Building.
Members Present: John McWeeney, Chair; Narain Bhatia, Vice Chair; Sig Tullman; George Burnell;
Charlie Minasian; Rick DeAngelis; Jill Hai, BOS liaison; Charles Hornig, Planning Board liaison
(remote)
Staff Present: Melisa Tintocalis and Casey Hagerty
MEETING MINUTES
1. Commercial Solar Panel Ordinance Discussion
a. The EDAC members were asked by the Board of Selectmen to review and comment on
Watertown's ordinance that would require solar panels on commercial buildings.
b. The members reviewed the ordinance and discussed the merits. The group generally agreed
that more information would be needed to determine if a similar ordinance would be viable
for Lexington's commercial districts. In addition, the group agreed there they should hear
from practitioners who implement and pay for renewal energy projects.
c. Rick DeAngelis recommended that the EDAC invite Ben Myers the Director of
Sustainability at Boston Properties to the next meeting.
d. Charlies Minasian also recommended connecting with a contact he knows in the renewable
energy space.
2. Presentation: Proposed Economic Development by Charles Hornig
a. Charles Hornig was present over a conference call and shared his proposal for allowing more
density in the CM District.
b. Charles Horning reported to the committee that he was present at the Metropolitan Planning
Organization meeting where the Town Manager discussed the proposed road improvements
on Hartwell Ave. Charles stated that the MPO had a positive reaction to the proposal and the
Town will continue to move forward on this project.
3. Review next steps regarding Hartwell Ave Project
a. Melisa reported that the Town Manager had invited the Secretary of Housing and Economic
Development, Mike Kennealy, to attend the next Hartwell Property Owners meeting, and
based on his availability, there would be another follow up meeting with the property owners.
4. Project Review
a. The committee discussed the proposed project at 186 Bedford Street. It was suggested that
the owners of the property be invited to a future EDAC meeting to present the proposed
project to the committee.
5. Status of Comprehensive Plan
a. Melisa reviewed the presentation for the Comprehensive Plan's Economic Development
Trends Report. The Committee provided feedback and suggestions on the slides.