2022-02-17-EDAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Todd Rhodes jointed the EDAC as a guest to present information to the EDAC on Article 31 that is focused on Energy Use Disclosure. Ben Myers, Boston Properties Sustainability Expertjoined the conversation and noted more specificity at places in the presentation. He also advised that this Article can be a first step to achieving Building Performance Standards. Mr. Rhodes did not see creation of Building Performance Standards as the goal, instead the Article was a focus on the energy use, sourcing, and availability of renewable energy. Mr. Myers stated the reporting on this issue is easy to do and actionable. Speaking for Boston Properties, we are supportive of this pending a final review Questions for Mr. Rhodes surrounded the rollout of the bylaw if adopted, the "good faith effort"for not penalizing submitters, and if Town Staff would be determining the demonstration of"good faith effort." The Article asks for $70K in one year appropriation to cover implementation costs and consulting with the building owners in town and assist with the rollout. A question was asked about challenges associated with gathering tenant specific data or if aggregated data and that working with utilities would lower the burden for many property owners. Advice was offered that additional context around the buildings that were reporting would be needed to ensure they were not listed as "polluters"for compliance. The EDAC voted in support of Article 31 noting: "The EDAC recommends approval of Article 31 at ATM 2022. The Motion was moved by Bridger McGaw and Seconded by Rick DeAngelis and Approved by Roll Call vote: 5-0 (Minasian/Pronchick/Murray/McGaw/DeAngelis in affirmative) (Orytl —Absent). Mr. McGaw presented on Article 25 and laid out the strategic intent of the article and the hope that$175K being requested would support the collaborative process necessary to build the largest capital project the Town has undertaken in a generation. The EDAC decided not to take a vote on this article at the time while waiting for the outcome of the MSBA notification for this round. Mr. Hornig presented on Article 36 noting that a hearing was scheduled for 2/23. The Article focuses on changing the zoning to allow development of mixed-use residential construction up to 6 stories. Mr. McGaw offered that there may be lessons we can learn from similar effort in Belmont(Cushing Square) effort due to the extensive complaints by abutters regarding a similar effort. Ms. Murray offered that while we have had challenges in the past, we needed to have the community conversation about this development and activation of Lexington Center. Mr. Hornig will provide the feedback to the Planning Board. The meeting closed with a quick discussion of note taking and agendas for 2022. Mr. McGaw volunteered to take on documentation of meeting minutes from the Economic Development staff which had been supporting this function during the pandemic. All members of the EDAC thanked the staff for their continued support and efforts. The Chair recognized that the Chair, Mr. McGaw and Ms. Iyer would work together to get calendar meeting invites and agendas out earlier. The appreciation of Town Staff for this change was expressed by Ms. Iyer. The EDAC agreed to move the March meeting to 3/9 in order to better align with potential requests from the Select Board to support Town Meeting articles. A motion was made by to close the meeting by Lisa Murray and seconded by Mr. Pronchick The motion was Approved by Roll Call vote: 5-0 (Minasian/Pronchick/Murray/McGaw/DeAngelis in affirmative)