HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-16-EDAC-minTown of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Minutes of Meeting of April 16, 2014
A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, April 16 at 8:00 a.m. in the Legion Room in Cary Memorial
Building at 1605 Massachusetts Avenue.
Members Present: John McWeeney, George Burnell, Rick DeAngelis, Sig Tullman
Liaisons: Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Joe Pato (Board of Selectmen), Peter Kelley (Board of Selectmen)
Staff: Carl Valente, Mclisa Tintocalis, Melissa Jones
Members Absent: David Pronchick, Bob Richards, Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Kevin McGuire, Bruce Embry,
Tom Dusel
Action Items:
• Review the Economic Development component of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan (Committee)
The meeting was called to order at 8:10 a.m. and acted on the following items:
Approve previous minutes: tabled
Update on Hartwell Avenue Activities: Melisa said that we have not yet received confirmation regarding funding
for the second year of the Rev shuttle. According to the 128 Business Council, our chances are good that we will
again receive funding for 80% of this service. Melisa said that 40 Hartwell Avenue will be the first property to
redevelop under the new zoning. Charles reminded the group that the by -right FAR is 0.35, but that this is not
necessarily the maximum. The group should keep that in mind when speaking to developers.
Update on Town Meeting articles: The Committee discussed the potential reopening of Article 101, -- Traffic
Island Renovation at tonight's Town Meeting. Melisa explained that the paramount goal of this project is economic
development; this is not a simple beautification project, but rather a piece of the larger economic development
strategy. She said that the jug handle should signal what the Town is trying to do to promote Harwell Avenue and
set the tone for the biotech cluster. George said that the Bedford Street area is complex because it is partially
controlled by the State, and that the State gets in the way of the long -term vision for roadway improvements. He
said that this island renovation is something that the Town can actually take control o£ The Committee agreed that
the long -term vision for improvements should not be the focus; rather, the focus for this Article is on economic
development,
Discuss highlight presentation by Don Briggs: At the last meeting, the Committee heard from Don Briggs. Don
worked on the Assembly Square project with his company, Federal Realty, and he is also a Lexington resident.
Melisa said that Don understands current trends regarding retail, and that there has been a shift in retail that
emphasizes experience over simple transactions. She said that one major takeaway from Don's talk is that
amenities are important, and that Lexington Center should be understood to be an important amenity for all parts of
Town, including the larger commercial districts.
Banks in Town Center: Melisa explained that the Center Committee has been discussing policy issues around
limiting banks in the Center of Town. She said that the Center Committee and the Board of Selectmen would like
to have a conversation with the Planning Board regarding this issue. A representative from EDAC will plan to
attend that meeting once it is scheduled.
Report from Planning Board liaison: tabled
Discuss co- working spaces: tabled
Meeting Adjourned: 9;45 a.m.
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 21 in the Legion Room