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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-17-EDAC-min Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Board January 17, 2013 Legion Room- Cary Hall 8 00am-9 30am MINUTES Present: John McWeeney, Chair;Narain Bhatia, George Burnell, Rick DeAngelis;David Pronchick; Bruce Embry;Peter Kelley;Larry Smith, Sig Tullmann, Melisa Tintocalis; Carl Valente, Maryann McCall Taylor Meeting called to order at 8 am. Hartwell Avenue Update• Mr Burnell was encouraged by the new emphasis in the Hartwell Business District. He discussed that it has been a long time since anything has happened in the area. There was discussion regarding the MBTA route The general consensus was that getting the MBTA to route down Hartwell Avenue during the weekdays would be optimal, however, it is perceived as a challenge to make that request a reality by MBTA. The Chair, Mr McWeeney, reminded the group to think critically and identify recommendations for Hartwell. Mr Embry asked if the EDAC supports a specific plan. Mr Burnell reported that there is the larger Hartwell Transportation Plan. There was general consensus that the long-term efforts and short-term efforts should be on parallel tracks so that they are both advancing. The group also discussed building a broad spectrum of support for Hartwell -bike, transportation, planning-to generate support for future investment. The group discussed the need to "sow seeds to nurture growth" Mr McWeeney reported on Joe Zink's new projects in Marlboro -the emphasis has been on mix-use development- residential &retail. Hartwell Short Term David Kucharsky and Jeanette Rubiski presented their preliminary research on the process to install a bus shelter in response to the Town Manager's request regarding adding a bus shelter at Bedford and Hartwell at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center They reported that any shelter would have to be ADA accessible and there would have to be collaboration with MBTA. However, it is unlikely that the MBTA would pay for the shelter The cost is approximately $10K and that would likely have to be paid by the Town or the private business owner Ms. Tintocalis reported that she is working with a representative from Beth Israel to discuss the installation of the shelter as condition for expanding the parking lot- a project they have inquired about. Mr Smith discussed that the Duprey Brothers are exploring options with the Kiln Brook site He mentioned that there is a ground lease separate from the buildings. Since IBM departure the debt service/lease on building has not been paid. It was also reported that Rain Dance was moving from Lexington to Billerica. Town Manager Report The Town Manager, Carl Valente, reported on the funds allocated for Hartwell's first phase of sidewalk and for landscape improvement at the jug handle. He also reported that the Kilnbrook bridge needs to be updated at a cost of approximately $300K—this cost would replace the bridge without expanding it. In addition, Mr Valente reported that the Hartwell sidewalk funding would be timed for this year as well as the 1st phase engineering for culvert and McGuire Rd. Other Items Ms. Tintocalis asked the group if we should participate in BIO this year and if there was a recommendation to host a Brokers open house. Meeting adjourned at 9 45am.