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currently are, the benefits of the Ride specifically, and how the private operator fits into this. ED Staff <br />also announced they are working on with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on an ROI for tourism <br />investment. <br />i. <br />The ED Staff provided an update on ARPA grants. $250K first round grants were distributed as well as <br />$350K in a second round mainly focused on small businesses, arts and cultural organizations. The $100K <br />investment in Project Pop-up was still seeking space. The state awarded Lexington $150K from State for <br />East Lexington wayfinding signage to identify East Lexington and make storefront improvements. <br /> <br />The EDAC members receive a brief update on New Development Projects in Lexington and were <br />saddened to hear that Catch a Falling Star was closing. It was noted that rents were up by 30% and <br />profits at this location were down. The old Panera building will soon be Conti Bikes and the Starbucks <br />will soon be replaced as well. An EDAC member requested what actions were being taken or <br />investigated to recruit tenants that actually provided services that tourists would use? The EDAC <br />members discussed the upcoming MBTA law and zoning change and how should we begin preparing to <br />re-envision the Lexington Center. Additional projects that are at different parts of the process with <br />Town Staff include development of 91 Hartwell, 12-18 Hartwell; 131 Hartwell; 424-430 Bedford Street. <br /> <br />EDAC members acknowledged interest in pursuing different option memos for the Select Board: <br />- Are we at a point where we need to look at re-development options for Lexington Center and <br />the various parking lots there? <br />- Should we look at the mixed use development opportunities/challenges and options that the <br />Town may have for development of mixed use housing/retail in the Center? Other locations? <br />- What the incentives and goals for getting more development underway, specifically on Hartwell <br />Ave.? <br />- What is the transportation plan and how does that fit into our housing/business development <br />efforts? <br /> <br />The Meeting ended with a discussion to bring Secretary Kennealy in to the EDAC in June if possible.