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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-16-EDAC-min Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) Minutes of Meeting of December 16, 2015 A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 8:05 a.m. in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building at 1625 Mass Ave. Members Present: John McWeeney, Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Rick DeAngelis, Kevin McGuire, Sig Tullman, Tom Dusel, David Pronchick Liaisons Present: Joe Pato (Board of Selectmen), Peter Kelley (Board of Selectmen) Charles Hornig ( Planning Board). Staff Present: Melisa Tintocalis, Megan Zammuto Members Absent: Lelani Foster, Bob Richards, George Burnell Action Items: Follow up with Johannes Fruehauf, Cofounder and President of LabCentral to assess demand for LabCentral “graduates” space in Lexington. Continue networking with Lexington property owners to promote interest in life science tenants – King Street and Merck Research collaborative office spaces for small tenants Follow up with Bryan Koop/BP regarding 17 Hartwell and other Boston Properties projects in Lexington- to encourage denser development Create a FAQ of what can be done in Hartwell under existing zoning Work with Bob Richards and Town executives to meet with Shire senior management to create co-operative atmosphere Approval of Minutes The committee members decided to postpone the approval of the November 2015 minutes until the January 2016 meeting. Discuss Lab Central Visit Melisa Tintocalis met with Johannes Fruehauf, Cofounder and President of LabCentral, a life sciences incubator in Kendall Square. The visit included a discussion of the business characteristics that inhabit LabCentral, along with a conversation regarding their needs when their businesses expand beyond the LabCentral capacity. The committee discussed the potential opportunities for Lexington to capitalize on this industry by attracting life science companies to Lexington real estate. Committee members were interested in exploring with property owners both the creation of collaborative lab spaces with smaller tenants, and for individual business tenants in town. The committee stressed the importance of continuing communication with Johannes Fruehauf to determine the potential demand for space in Lexington. The Economic Development office will also work on collecting information on available lab space in town to share with LabCentral businesses. Discuss Updates on 17 Hartwell Melisa Tintocalis reported that the 17 Hartwell lease has been signed. Currently, the tenant is interested in keeping control of potential additional square footage for potential further development. The committee discussed the trend of tenants leasing buildings with expansion rights, because they desire privacy and security. The committee encouraged the Economic Development Office to communicate to developers what can be done under our zoning as a matter of right or expedited review. A FAQ will be created to interest developers and tenants to the new zoning possibilities on Hartwell Avenue. Other Business Peter Kelley discussed the selectmen’s priority to encourage development and redevelopment in Lexington. He shared the Board of Selectmen’s goal to strengthen the partnership between the community and land owners. The committee also discussed the Brookhaven expansion of 43 new units.They are currently paying PILOTs. Melisa updated the committee on the new pilot parking program in the center of town. The goal is to address parking concerns in the center for residents, visitors and business owners. Meeting Adjourned:Next Meeting at 9:32 AM : Wednesday, 8:00 AM January 20, 2016