HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-11-TAC-min
Minutes of TAC Meeting- May 11, 2015
Present
TAC Members: Bill Levison, co-chair, Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Hank Manz,
Francine Stieglitz (absent Peter Levy, Matt Zhang);
Liaisons- Richard Canale (Planning Board), Nancy Adler,(COA)
Staff- Jeannette Rebecchi, David Kucharsky (Planning Dept.)
Public- Weidong Wong, Ed Li, Elizabeth Xu
Minutes of April Meeting were approved
Bus Shelter Presentation
Three members of the public gave a presentation for a Bus Shelter Proposal. They wished to gain
support for a project to build shelters along the MBTA Routes 62 and 76. Reasons for needing shelters
include environmental concerns, promoting public transportation, convenience and comfort, and
attractiveness. They also hoped to get young students involved in projects which could take off some of
the academic pressure and involve them in helping others. Discussion focused on:
Where Shelters might be appropriate: (Center structures might need HDC approval) Marrett
Road near the Community Center, Greeley/Stop and Shop. Right of way- private vs. public
needs to be considered.
Sources of funding- Cemusa- state contractor requires ads in exchange for free shelters- Town
doesn’t allow. Fundraising is a possibility. No ads allowed along the Scenic Byway.
MBTA approval
Who would implement the project?
Who would maintain the shelter?
Ms. Rebecchi will research this and then get back to TAC before referral to Selectmen.
Proposed Route changes to Lexpress.
Ms. Rebecchi reported that the Town Manager, Carl Valente is concerned about the proposed Route 3
change. The change would divide service between Lexington Ridge (currently served all day) and
Brookhaven (proposed to have mid-day service). Much discussion pro and con for this change-
Brookhaven has their own bus, is a private Corp. would be getting special service, but “donates” $1,000
annually to Lexpress; elderly residents, need independence. Lexington Ridge is an Avalon Bay facility,
which makes a large annual payment as part of its Met State residential facilities in Lexington (although
none specifically for Lexington Ridge). Ms. Rebecchi will be meeting with Brookhaven to explore this
issue further. At this time, the change will not go into effect, nor be presented to Selectmen.
Discussion of Mass Ave. Projects
- at Pleasant St. and at Maple/Marrett-
Proposal has been for Sidewalks, crosswalk improvements, and signalization.
Public comment period will end soon.
TAC members offered many reasons to support this:
Improvements to sidewalks and bikeways
Better flow-through of traffic
Helps Lexpress run on time
Prevent backups on key routes- Pleasant St., Maple, Marrett, Mass Ave.
Improved safety for walkers and bikers
Reduces cut-through of traffic on side streets
Possibly allows Lexpress to expand routes (or at least reach Depot on time)
Better crosswalk markings and locations.
Ms. Rebecchi was particularly enthusiastic about the bi- directional crosswalk near the Community
Center, which is being installed on an immediate basis for pedestrian safety.
Much discussion about whether TAC needed permission to write a letter of support. It was finally
agreed that TAC would attend this evening’s BOS meeting to endorse the concept, and express our
support to the Selectmen. We also said that individuals could write the TIP with our supportive
comments. If, after the Selectmen’s meeting, it seems appropriate, Mr. Levison would write a letter
from TAC.
Flex Pass Policy
The "Flex Pass" policy for Lexpress was reviewed in response to a request to extend the policy to
Lexington students of private schools who do not have the option to ride a school bus. TAC concluded
that the current policy of offering the policy only to school bus riders was appropriate.
Selectmen's Annual Goal Setting for FY 2016-2017
TAC reviewed the current Goals. We agreed to eliminate some goals which had already been achieved.
An important new goal is to achieve more public transit in Lexington. And, to do that, to increase the
number of vehicles in the Lexpress system. There have been more and more transit commitments, with
the same number of vehicles. Look at both additional Lexpress bus and door-to-door service.
Mr. Levison will summarize the suggestions for new goals, and submit them to TAC members for
further comments.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM
Materials used at the meeting
Agenda
Minutes of the March 13 meeting
Lexington Bus Stop Shelter Proposal
Transpiration Advisory Committee Input to Selectmen Goal Setting for fiscal years 2015 and
2016
Respectfully submitted
Elaine Dratch