HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-06-SBFRC-min RECEIVED
Ad Hoc Stone Building Feasibility/Reuse Committee
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Town of Lexington, MA TOWN
CLERK
May 6, 20218:00 AM LEXINGTON MA
MINUTES
1. Roll Call & Reading of Statement on Use of Virtual Meetings
Attending: Jill Hai (Select Board Liaison), Cristina Burwell, Lester Savage, Anne
Grady, Melinda Nasardinov, Mark Manasas, Paul Smyke, Carolyn Goldstein, Jeff Howry
(Chair), Meg Muckenhoupt (Appropriations Committee Liaison), Claire Feingold Thoryn
(Cary Library Trustees Liaison)
Absent: Devin Marks
Recording Secretary: Cristina Burwell
Community Observers: Jaclyn Anderson, Elaine Ashton, Sabine/Ken Clark, Hien
Nguyen
2. Approval of Minutes (April 15 & 26, 2021)
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - none
4. DISCUSSION OF 4/29 PUBLIC FORUM
a. Review of process (for repeating next time)
There was an overall feeling that the process went well, and the format
Likewise. It was felt that there was a good number of people (about 50 at each
session) as well as a wide variety of thoughtful responses. The format seemed
to go well, as well as the length. Claire's moderation was lovely and seamless,
and the timekeeping helpful - with much thanks to Melinda's preparation.
b. Review of public comments (forum, and emails)
Carolyn and Paul have taken committee emails (through 4/28) as well as forum
comments and synthesized them into a document (see attached) that called out
both themes that were identified in the public comments, as well as other ideas
and some issues/concerns that surfaced. Mark has been able to assemble all
the committee's emails into one document that they assemble into a master
document, and will continue to do this as we receive more emails.
It was noted that it will be helpful for the committee to be aware that the
number of responses for one idea is not necessarily the larger community view,
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and there was discussion about the value of weighting ideas vs.just gathering
ideas.
It was commented on that the task of this committee is to discern what is
meaningful - including those ideas that may or may not be filled elsewhere in
the community.
c. Next steps
Mark presented a list of potential tasks that lie ahead for the committee (see
attached) which the group massaged, and moved to identify members to
spearhead some of these tasks.
Next steps before the next committee meeting include reaching out to groups
and individuals as they relate to the aforementioned synthesized document to
gather more information. Cristina, Lester, and Jaclyn volunteered to develop this
List and reach out to them. Melinda volunteered to read through the Community
Needs Assessment and to contact the Community Center/Rec. Dept. for details
as they relate to the Stone Building.
Committee members were asked to revisit their "dreams and visions" paragraph
to see how it may have evolved since the forum and email feedback has come in.
Members are to send this to Cristina to compile and send out prior to the next
meeting, during which time the committee will have a more robust conversation
about some of the ideas presented.
June 10th was set forth as a goal for the next forum. However it was noted that
there is much to be defined regarding where we need to be and what we need
to do before the forum. This date will be reviewed again at the next meeting.
5. MASSDEVELOPMENT GRANT - something we should be aware of as a potential
funding option. Jeff will be reaching out to Sandhya Iyer, in the Town Economic
Development office, to find out more. Lester and Cristina volunteered to help support
the grantwriting.
a. Application deadline - June 4:
Ian tate-.seirviice.s u.airndeiru. t
The 2021 Econor nuc Development BuU. aujthorze.s 40M for the 9nderutul.ized
IDroperde.s IDrograr n, to be aclr nono.stered by Ma.s.sDevel.opr nent, for the purpose
of furling "projects that witt improve, rehabiti ate or redevelop blighted,
abandoned, vacant or underutilized properties to achieve the public purposes of
eliminating Wight:, increasing housing production, supporting economic
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development:projects, increasing the number of commercial buildings acces sibte
to persons with di sabiti ies." For the first year of the prograr n, the focus will be
on furling capotai. 4 nprover nents and code compliance projects, ai.ong woth the
design of these 4 nprover nents.
6. Other -
The group is hopeful that all is well with Devin and his family, but are concerned that
he has missed a few months of meetings and has not been able to be reached. Jeff will
try again, and document his efforts to submit to the Select Board if he remains
unsuccessful.
Mark brought up the interior sign of the Stone Building, and suggested temporarily
displaying it at the Library. Claire will be following this up with the Library.
Public comments - Hien mentioned that she has been in conversation with the
Economic Development office regarding Lexington's part in a local Rapid Recovery
Grant, and how that involves East Lexington and the bike path. She offered to share
what she learns as it applies to the Stone Building project. Elaine inquired about any
developments that came out of the Master Plan process by the Planning Board.
7. Adjournment - Anne motioned to adjourn, Cristina seconded, with unanimous
committee approval at 9:22 (Paul and Jill had to leave t 9:15)
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