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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-01-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2020 Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board Held on December 1, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker's Order at 7:00 pm Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Ginna Johnson, Clerk; Richard Canale; and Charles Hornig. Also present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director. Robert Creech, Chair, introduced the Planning Board and Planning Department Staff members and called the meeting to order at 7:03pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Mr. Creech explained that the Planning Board's quorum participated in the Hartwell Innovation Park Discussion: Market Feasibility and Design Guidelines public meeting. Mr. Creech read a statement relative to Governor Baker's Executive Order of March 12, 2020, suspending specific provisions of MGL. c. 30A, §18 due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth due to the outbreak of COVID-19, this meeting of the Lexington Planning Board is being conducted remotely. December 1, 2020, included a discussion on Market Feasibility and Design Guidelines.  Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development Director, welcomed the attendees and provided a brief introduction of Daphne Politis, Community Circle, who moderated the meeting. Ms. Politis provided a brief introduction and provided ground rules for the forum.  Amanda Loomis, Planning Director, provided a brief overview of the Hartwell Innovation Park (HIP) project. Ms. Loomis further offered a recap of previous HIP Meetings.  Ms. Iyer presented on market feasibility in Lexington via a PowerPoint presentation (Life Science Industry Overview; Initial Public Offering; Market & Asking Rent; Net Absorption, Net Deliveries & Vacancies; Availability & Vacancy Rates; and Property Analysis).  Robert Buckley, a Senior Partner at Riemer & Braunstein, presented on market feasibility in Lexington and regionally via a PowerPoint presentation (Current Market Demands; What is Driving Industry in the Suburbs?; Amenities are Critical, and Municipalities Receptivity).  Ted Brovitz of Brovitz Community Planning & Design presented an overview of the Design Guidelines through a PowerPoint presentation (Hartwell Innovation Park Design Guidelines, Current Zoning (as amended); From Vision to New Zoning & Design Guidelines; A. Purpose & Principles; B. Applicability/Review Process; C. Site Improvements; D. Building Design; E. Signage).  Ms. Loomis presented on the draft HIP Zoning Bylaw via a PowerPoint presentation (General Amendments; Hartwell Innovation Park (HIP); and Design Standards).  Ms. Politis and Ms. Iyer opened the floor for public discussion.  Ms. Politis and Ms. Iyer closed the meeting, provided an overview of the upcoming meetings, and thanked everyone for attending. Mr. Creech, Chair, adjourned at the end of the public meeting at 9:10 pm Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board