2001-02-13-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2001 The Comprehensive Plan Workshop hosted by the Lexington Planning Board, held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, began shortly after 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Colman, members Bridge - Denzak, Chase, Davies, Planning Director Garber, and Assistant Planner McCall- Taylor present. Mr. Galaitsis was absent. Philip Herr and Sarah James, of Herr and James and Associates, planning consultants, were also present and co -led the evening's discussions. Members of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee - Larry Belvin, Tom DeNoto, Elaine Dratch, Marilyn Fenollosa, Tom Harden, Karl Kastorf, Jeanne Krieger, Joe Marino, Jerry Moloney, and Lee Sinai, and other interested residents also took part. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING WORKSHOP: CLARIFYING STRATEGIC STEPS FOR THE TOWN 7 AXTTl TTCR Land Use — Lexington Center - Should the Center be more oriented to serve nearby residents? • Yes, be more community based. • Yes, many would like to go back to "old days." • Maybe: more convenience orientation desirable but may be infeasible. • No, build on stores that are here — understanding their needs better. • No, Center is transforming itself well, so support that, including evening leisure uses. • No, market is defining the center as regional leisure center, so put efforts there. • No, more day use, achieved through links to Hayden/Hartwell employment nodes. • No, "Village" is no longer viable: Center can't much serve residents. • No, tourism should be built upon. • No, promote tourism. • No, but can we really lure more tourists? -Other Suggestions regarding Center Land Use: • Residential uses could make community businesses feasible. • Right, include housing and affordable housing. • Right, promote housing. • No, residential is not a good idea. • Too many banks, coffee houses, utility and communication uses • Too few or no attractions in center, Farmers markets - Possible actions • Target specific businesses. — Focus on land changes that are do -able by government. Subsidize rents for some businesses. Chamber of Commerce should be more unified, proactive. • Accommodate tour buses. -Other Observations re Lexington Center. • Business circumstances — Center is healthy. — Center is very pleasant for outsiders. — Locally owned businesses turn over a lot.