HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-21-LCC-min Town of Lexington
Lexington Center Committee
Center Committee Members: Michael Boudett, Katherine Huang, Frederic
Johnson, Howard Levin, Pamela Lyons, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson (Chair)
Pamela Shadley
Liaisons: Jill Hai, Select Board, Melanie Thompson, Planning Board, Frank Smith,
Capital Expenditures Committee, Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development Director,
Casey Hagerty, Economic Development, Janet Perry, Commission on Disability,
Dawn McKenna, Tourism Committee, Sandra Shaw, Council on Aging, Melanie
Thompson, Planning Board, Melanie Tanionos, Erin Sandler-Rathe, Chamber of
Commerce, Joe Pato, Select Board, informally, Upasna Chhabra, Amanda Loomis,
Planning Director
Fred began with a question for Dave Pinsonneault regarding the bad surface at
the intersection of Woburn, Winthrop and Mass Ave. Innessa described the
progress of the Artwalk post installations — 60 posts of 3, 4 and 5 feet in height
have been distributed. These will be placed near the Visitors Center away from
the Battle Green side. Dawn noted that the Visitors Center will have additional
landscaping, including new grass. Upasna noted that the posts are easy to move if
necessary.
Amanda Loomis gave us an extended disquisition on Town Meeting Article 44.
The slides can be viewed on the 2021 Annual Town Meeting webpage. Both Fred
and Howard pointed out that the Center Business District is different from other
business areas and perhaps the CB District should be exempted. For example the
loading bay requirement would actually add loading bays to the Center. Also
rideshare and bicycle parking should not apply to the Center. Howard noted that
the goal is to reduce uncertainty for potential businesses in the Center. Fred
pointed out the scale at Harwell is very different.
Pam Shadley noted that the tree section would not work in the Center given the
challenging conditions for trees. Only one or two native trees would work in the
Center. Howard said that as a practical matter native trees won't thrive in the
Center and we don't want to end up with dead trees. Mike agreed with Fred and
urged that the Center Business District be exempted.
Joe Pato told us that the parking system is out to bid just for the Mass Ave
section. The expectation is that we will retain the posts on Mass Ave. 3G is being
phased out so we must upgrade.
Joe also described Article 29 regarding Clean Heat. This will apply to all new
construction and substantial renovations. We will be moving to non fossil fuel
installations. Jill talked about the Scenic Byways citizens article. This is more of a
work in progress.
Casey gave the economic development update: Les Petite Creperie is closing at
the end of March. The Boston Private Bank is leaving. The Bike Node is going out
to bid in April. The Visitors Center is reopening in April. Battle Green tours will be
given on weekends to start. Buckman Tavern has opened. Fees are waived for
outdoor dining permits. ED is working on initiative for outdoor dining, setting up
the back of restaurants, more picnic tables and benches, parklet might not go out.
There was some talk about the Bike Node coming back to the Center Committee.
Fred and Mike were on the original committee.
Jerry noted that the Select Board has approved an option for the EV fee structure.
Apparently, there are lots of variables to this calculation. Jill noted that this will be
reviewed on a regular basis by the Select Board.
Dawn noted that tourism is coming back and that it is important to encourage
businesses to encourage tourists.