2021-12-09-LCC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jerry discussed the new appointments process We have one open seat (once Howard Levin submits a formal resignation.) Jerry asked our view of the effect of the new lowered traffic speed in the Center. The consensus was that traffic has slowed down. Having waited for a quorum of members of the Tourism Committee Dawn called a joint meeting of the Center and Tourism Committees to order for the purpose of discussing the use of ARPA funds. Lexington will receive a total of just under $10 million which must be fully spent by December 21 (should that be 31?) 2026. Doug noted that the Select Board will make the final decisions. The purpose of ARPA funds is to support immediate economic stabilization to households and businesses and address unequal impacts and provide direct support to small businesses. Sandhya described her department’s (Land Use Housing and Development) requests for ARPA funds. See attached spreadsheet. Doug pointed out that the purpose is to stimulate the economy and combat the effects of COVID. He noted that there was still time for “great ideas.” About $1 million has been set aside for participatory funding. There was some discussion of the redesign of the CVS lot. The redesign is included in this year’s budget. (And so might not be really appropriate for ARPA funds.) Elsie talked about marketing Lexington to Boston’s substantial foreign student population based on her experience as a foreign student in Boston. Erin discussed a plan to subsidize rents for incoming business owners and creating an incubator space in the Center. Mike cautioned that we want to help businesses, not property owners. “What can be done to change the mix of businesses so that the Center can be more vibrant and family friendly?” We need grant programs that incentivize certain uses - this might be a chance to affect what comes into the Center. Kerry Brandin told us that years ago the Design Advisory Committee did a report on the CVS lot; the back of buildings; the NSTAR lot; and the privately owned area behind Gordon Optical/Upper Crust. Could this area become a parklet? Also the alley off Waltham Street (privately owned.) Katherine said that in order to turn good ideas into action we need a “recovery strategy.” Sandhya noted that some of these ideas have already been implemented while other ideas need a larger process. Also, some results take time. Dawn said that there is no shortage of ideas. “We need to ask the Select Board – what is the process for that money?” Dawn suggested that the Tourism and Center Committees issue a joint