2023-02-09-EDAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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i. We are interested in EDAC position on the MBTA Zoning initiative and there is a lot of interest in our point of view on this. (Art 34, 35, 36). Doug will not be participating on the discussions regarding zoning change on two of the zones due to conflicts. ii. SPRD Committee presented last night but is not something the Select Board is expecting a formal EDAC position on. iii. Regarding the Specialized Energy Code – yes iv. Positions on the Stone Building / Fire Station are welcome v. The Chair requested members to review the MBTA recommendations and information available on the Planning Board web page as well as published hearings. 4. EDAC Committee Discussion a. Comprehensive Plan Action Planning Members discussion around possible priorities – we reminded members to identify their priorities. b. Center Revitalization – This was not covered beyond the discussion on the charette 5. Items that may come before March Town Meeting a. MBTA Multifamily housing Zoning Changes (Articles 34-35-36) i. Mr. Hornig provided a briefing as these items which go further than the State Law requirements in an effort to meet our Comprehensive Plan goals. ii. Link to the MBTA Zoning Change Briefing iii. To meet density requirements we need 3 stories of residential development (40ft in height); if there is a non-residential (commercial/retail) on the first story then an additional story of residential can be added. (1st floor commercial/retail; 2-4th floor would be residential. Planning Board wanted to incentivize the extra story so that we cannot lose retail spaces) iv. The large district by requirement is envisioned at Bedford/Worthen Road v. An active conversation took place around the height of the buildings in Lexington Center. The plan is to have 4 stories and the amount of residential is hampered by the amount of parking. The Committee Members expressed some reservations around messaging and lack of more specific design intentions in this Center District to build a better case for why the building heights, parking, setbacks are essential to both allowing more housing while protecting central business district and how it works within the historic district. vi. Added a district at Southern end of Hartwell vii. Looking more at 4 floor buildings instead of 5 along Bedford Street corridor as well. viii. Mr. Ang and Ms. Murray referenced the importance of telling the story of mixed-use development stronger with relevant local community images (before/after) to Town Meeting. b. The Future of LexPress and Mobility in Lexington i. Informed the EDAC members that the a Select Board Ad Hoc Transportation Committee is being appointed at 2/13 Select Board meeting. Members will include: 1. Sally Castleman - Member of Transportation Advisory Committee 2. Howard Cloth - Member of Senior Community 3. Sharon Gunda - Human Services Designee 4. Varda Haimo - Business Representative 5. Carolyn Kosnoff - Assistant Town Manager for Finance 6. Bridger McGaw - Member of Economic Development Advisory