Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-17-EDAC-min Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Committee Minutes of Meeting of September 17th 2014 A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, September 17th at 8 30 a.m. in the Parker Room in the Town Offices Building at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. Members Present: John McWeeney, George Burnell,David Pronchick,Bob Richards,Rick DeAngelis,Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Sig Tullman, Kevin McGuire Liaisons Charles Hornig(Planning Board),Joe Pato (Board of Selectmen) Staff Melisa Tintocalis, Melissa Jones Members Absent:Tom Dusel Action Items • Send a list of EDAC candidate members to Joe Pato (John McWeeney) • Request the Assessor to give a presentation to the EDAC (Melisa T) • Invite Bob Buckley to the next EDAC meeting(John McWeeney) • Meet with Melisa T and Melissa J to review tax data(Larry Smith) • Set up a meeting for Carl and Building Commissioner for resolution on CofO for Shire (John McWeeney) The meeting was called to order at 8 35 a.m. and acted on the following items Approved previous minutes. Rick moved,Larry seconded,minutes from June 18th 2014 Committee membership. The Committee discussed ideas for candidates to replace Bruce Embry on the EDAC. Several names were suggested, the general consensus was that more diverse perspectives be represented, such as woman with a strong commercial real estate. Some consideration was given to the following people Gloria Gutierrez, Sharon Spaulding, Marci Loeb,Ada Wong,and Don Briggs. The committee also suggested that there be follow- up with Bruce Embry to see if he had a recommendation for his replacement. Discuss economic development issues and related assistance from the Town of Lexington and EDAC in further pursuit of fulfilling the non-profit mission of Mass Relief. Ethan Handwerker, President of the Foundation for Mass Relief Inc.,presented his intention to locate a medical marijuana facility in Lexington. He expressed difficulty in finding a suitable space along Hartwell Avenue in the CM district. Ethan and the Committee discussed various elements of Massachusetts'medical marijuana regulations and the criteria the Department of Health demands in order to issue a license an interested entity Ethan also explained that sales are projected based on 2-3%of the expectant population base per the Department of Public Health. Projections on the quantity of the product to produce are based on a 10-ounce supply lasting approximately 60 days. Ethan stated he is looking for approximately 10,000+/- square feet of space and anticipates the creation of two dozen jobs. Currently Ethan is the principal of the non-profit with a two additional financial partners. Ethan inquired about what type of assistance the Town may be able to offer such as a Tax Increment Financing(TIF) agreement The Committee shared with him that the state-regulated TIF program is typically reserved for large-scale projects. Middlesex 3 membership. Melisa T reported that the Middlesex 3 Coalition, a regional economic development organization primarily focused on the Route 3 corridor,has invited Lexington to be a community member Melisa T reported that the Middlesex 3 Coalition is a public-private organization organized to create a strong voice to advocate on various issues that impact regional economic development,such as transportation and infrastructure as well as workforce development The cost to be a community member is $3,000 annually Rick DeAngelis moved to support Lexington being a community member of the Middlesex 3 Coalition,Larry seconded the motion,and the motion passed unanimously John McWeeney suggested inviting Bob Buckley who is a member of the Middlesex 3 Coalition to speak at the next EDAC meeting. Update on Hartwell Ave Activities. Melisa Tintocalis reported that the REV provided nearly 1,000 rides in August.The commuter shuttle has strong growth trend with ridership up over 350% since its launch 12 months ago Melisa said she would be working to submit a Community Innovative Challenge grant for the REV's third year of funding. Melisa T stated the Jug Handle Landscape is currently out for bid and hat next spring DPW anticipates they will begin work on the project. Melisa T said there is no Hartwell Association Meeting scheduled in the next month. Update on status of the Peer Tax Review Melisa Jones reported on the data gathering effort from local assessors and commercial property owners. Melisa T reminded the Committee the effort to review the taxes is to see if Lexington's level of taxes was higher than the adjacent communities and if it create a competitive disadvantage. Melisa asked if an EDAC member would meet to review the data collected and discuss their insights. Larry Smith offer to meet over the next month. Other Matters. Bob Richards raised an issue face by Shire, that they have not received their certificate of occupancy for building 200 He recommended that the Town focuse on the issue and solved it.John McWeeney stated he would set up a meeting to help resolve the issue. Decide the next steps to take on TIF Policy (Tabled) Meeting Adjourned. 9 45 a.m. Next meeting:Wednesday, October 15th in the Parker Room at 8 30am.