HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-15-EDAC-min Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
March 15, 2012 * 8:00am-9:30am
Legion Room, Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair: John McWeeney, Vice Chair:Narian Bhatia, Larry Smith, Bruce Embry,
Liaison, non-voting: George Burnell(not present)
Staff present: Melisa Tintocalis, Economic Development
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am.
1. Approve Minutes of 2/16/12
The Committee approved Minutes from February 16, 2012.
2. Discuss Town involvement in BIO International Conference
Summary: (Moved to third item on the agenda) Melisa Tintocalis reported on how the Town could be
involved the BIO International Conference held in Boston June 2012. She reported on her discussions
with Peter Abair from Mass BIO; Bill Ciambrone from Shire; Amy Reilly from Cubist; Mark Winters
from Cushman and Wakefield; Estella Johnson from the City of Cambridge; and Margaret Core from the
BIO International coordinating team. Given Ms. Tintocalis's research, she recommended that the EDAC
advise the Town to partner with Mass BIO,participate in the Pre-BIO activities, and send a handful of
individuals to the conference. The EDAC members supported the Town's participation in Pre-BIO
activities, which would include hosting a tour to Lexington-based Shire and Cubist and getting local bio
firms to participate the Mass BIO panel discussions.
3. Dana Home Inn status update
Summary: (Moved to the second item on the agenda) Trisha Kennealy presented her proposal for a 22-
room inn and 58-seat restaurant located at the Dana Home, 2027 Massachusetts Avenue (previously the
site of a retirement home). She explained that the Conservation Commission meeting was to be held later
that night and she would be presenting revisions to her proposal at that time addressing the environmental
issues that had come up during the public process. Her proposal assumes an 80 percent occupancy rate
and includes market analysis of places like the White Barn in Rhode Island, the Inn at Washington, and
the Inn at Sandwich, MA. Ms. Kennealy also stated that her project would increase the Town's tax
revenue -noting that the proposed project would yield new commercial property, lodging, and meals
taxes. Dawn McKenna, the Tourism Committee Chair,presented favorable tourism data and indicated
that the proposed project would help to promote tourism and economic activity in Lexington Center. For
reference, Ms. McKenna noted that the Colonial Inn in Concord, MA has 58 rooms and over 400 seats for
dining.
Opponents of the inn and restaurant project were also present at the meeting. John Patrick spoke against
the project citing 1)precedent: concern over rezoning the area to a CD zone adjacent to an existing
residential zone; 2) concern that the scope of the project is too large for the area; 3) concern over the
impacts on the adjacent wetlands; and 4) a lack of outreach: he feels the proponent could have
communicated better with the existing neighborhood. Also speaking against the project was Jamie from
Global Insight. He stated there would be a net loss on tax revenue due to potential devaluation of the
V:AEDAC\2012-03-15-EDAC-min.doc
nearby residential homes. He stated that a multi-family residential development would be more
successful and a better fit with the existing community.
4. Review status of noise issues on Shade Street
Summary: Ms. Tintocalis reported on the status of the Shade Street neighbor's concerns about the noise
emanating from the Shire facility. She said in February Shire's noise consultants conducted a study and
found that the overall noise did not exceed the decimal level that is noted in the Town's building code;
however, there was a tonal level that exceeded the acceptable levels. The source of the tonal noise has
yet to be detected. The consultants' report stated the chillers where off when the tonal noise was detected,
suggesting that the chillers may not be the source of the tonal noise. Further study is recommended to
identify the sources of the tonal noise. John McWeeney stated that Shire has spent approximately $2
million to mitigate the noise. He suggested that the EDAC advise the Selectmen to ensure the by-laws are
being met, however, once it is proven that Shire has met the requirements the Town should not be
involved in further action.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 am.
V:AEDAC\2012-03-15-EDAC-min.doc