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

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128 to McGuire, and the addition of mixed-use housing to the corridor. FOR ACTION: A formal briefing was requested from Town Staff after which the EDAC will provide some analysis on the 25% design for Bedford Street/Hartwell study. Ms. Iyer added that the Select Board was interested in if the MIT Lincoln Labs and USAF had been engaged about these projects. Mr. Pronceck stated that new buildings are 7-10 years away. Traffic still feels normal at this point which is not a good thing. Agrees that the land at Hartwell is really under- utilized for development. The group continued to discuss that multiple uses will be needed in Hartwell to support Housing and Commercial development. Mr. Hornig stressed that a lot of residents feel that housing and life science don’t mix. Mr. Pato stressed that this is actually about changing use of a residential zone to a commercial zone, not that creating a new space – where the two could co-exist. The Chair noted that there are hundreds of examples of where life science and residential space are being built and it is not a new thing. Ms. Ortyl stressed that Hartwell Ave. doesn’t have the road access, nor does it have the density of housing to support a retail area – like the 5 condo buildings in Burlington’s 3rd Avenue development. Ms. Ortyl pointed out that density in Lexington Center is more supportive and may be easier to be successful as a retail/housing development area. Ms. Iyer is happy to talk to King Street about their recent successes of housing/commercial/lab mixed construction. Mr. McGaw asked that all of EDAC members could identify projects that could help Mr. Pato and Mr. Hornig’s question about informing Select Board and residents. FOR ACTION: The Chair affirmed that all EDAC members should do research to identify better examples of mixed life science/housing/ light manufacturing so as to better contextualize the future for residents. There was no discussion on the TMOD as presented to Planning Board and Ms. Iyer planned to schedule a briefing for the EDAC with the consultants. Ms. Iyer provided an update on new Commercial Development in Lexington. “The Rev” (shuttle bus) is adding 3 new headways starting in August. Ms. Iyer asked for the topline budget of the Rev. She stressed that she needs to get more details from her colleagues on how this is funded and what specific sources the town pays for. The Chair noted the importance of addressing the amount of money developers pay to fund buses that no one rides. Mr. McGaw agreed that this is counter to our climate and economic development work and should be looked into further. Ms. Iyer provided an oral briefing of new developments in Lexington including: i. 4 MaGuire Ave. the tenant is moving from Cambridge to Lexington. ii. 95-99 Hayden is scheduled for Planning Board for 8/17 Public Hearing on their plans. iii. 1707 Mass Ave has now opened. iv. Economic Development providing funding for free advertising in town paper and $150K for hosting events leading up to Discovery Day in October. Planning is still underway and expect to hear more at. The EDAC also expressed its interest in the importance of investigating and understanding the opportunity to rezone Lexington Center for our future housing needs. This Committee has raised the importance of having a more strategic conversation quickly about how the municipal land in Lexington Center could be used. Much like the Belmont Cushing Square effort or Waltham Street 3 story units there is opportunity to better develop an approach to housing to meeting the needs of Lexington and our business sector. The Chair Moved adjournment and seconded by Mr. McGaw. The motion to adjourn was unanimously approved.