2022-07-21-EDAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the July 21, 2022 meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Board The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) held a meeting on Thursday, July 21th, at 8:00 a.m. via Zoom. AGENDA Discussion Following the opening of the meeting and introductions by the Chair, the Committee welcomed Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (15th-Middlesex). She provided an update of the status of various legislation sharing that the climate issue is staying front and center on the Legislative agendas for not just this session but future sessions. She shared that the Stretch Energy Code policy should be in place by year end and that a new draft should be out for comment in August. Mr. McGaw asked if she could share her thinking on efforts around transportation investment to support economic development in Lexington. With 42% of emissions coming from transportation sector, Rep. Ciccolo stressed that some of the Better Bus services are being changed and that is impacting workers doing shift work across the day. There is not the level of focus on this by the Governor to improve the operational funding AND the capital funding to support more flexible busing to support getting people out of their cars. She stressed the importance of local communities investing in transportation planners and the Private Sector needs to get in the game differently to focus on getting their workers to work in a way that reduces emissions. A lot more focus is needed because the Gas Tax is going down as more people buy electric cars which is hampering transportation funding streams. The Bond Bill that is moving forward does have more funding in there for transportation, transparency in reporting, and establishment of a new Commission for tolls, congesting pricing, and new revenue identification. She shared that the Economic Development Bill approved $75K for converting lawn equipment to electric power which was new information. Mr. Hornig asked about status of Home Rule surcharges which she stressed were still being considered. Mr. Pato brought up pilots on electrification and that all of the state should ‘pilot’ so that everyone can learn and push forward with this important initiative. Next the Committee heard from Abby McCabe regarding the MBTA multi-family housing plan and zoning changes. Mr. McGaw asked about the timing and energy of the town would be directed on this and when the zoning would need to be implemented. Ms. McCabe noted the implementation was expected to need to be completed by end of 2023. Ms. McCabe also provided and update on the status of the plan and responded to Mr. McGaw’s request for specifically where EDAC comments could be helpful the effort in reviewing the draft plan. She stressed providing comments in the next 2 weeks (By August 3) would be ideal by the end of month would work. Ms. McCabe also requested formal comments on the Economic Vitality or other parts of the Comprehensive Plan draft. Mr. Hornig would love to hear can the EDAC advise The Planning Board on the mixed housing approach and what advice would it offer on value and positive impact for where it could be located. He was also interested in our thoughts around changing uses of Commercial to Mixed use housing and where should the mixed-use housing ideally be located and supported. Separately, Mr. Pato shared that the Select Board would like input from the committee regarding the 25% design plans for Hartwell Avenue including should we allow charging for parking, adding a ramp from