HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-11-TOUR2-minTown of Lexington
Tourism Committee
Tourism Committee Minutes
March 11, 2021 3:30 pm
Conducted Remotely
Members Present: Dawn McKenna, Margaret Coppe, Sarah Boulos, Jon Himmel, Bebe Fallick,
Wim Nijenberg, Kerry Brandin
Staff Present: Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Coordinator , Sandhya Iyer, Economic
Development Director
Liaisons Present: Fred Johnson, Center Committee and Jill Hai, Select Board
Economic Development Coordinator Report
Town Staff provides an update on Tourism Operations. The Visitors Center Manager and
Assist ant Manager are working to get the Visitors Center open for an April opening date. The
Liberty Ride schedule is still being discussed and will operate once it can safely do so. Ms.
McKenna asked about renewing the Liberty Ride Trademark which expires on 5/6/2021.The
Towns of Lexington and Concord were awarded a joint marketing campaign from MOTT. The
campaign will run through the end of June. There has been a change of staff at the Greater
Merrimack Valley CVB. Possible use of the new funding for tourism from the American Rescue
Plan Act is being reviewed for opportunities.
Touri s m Goals Implementation Discussion
The rebranding campaign is nearing completion. The Committee will vote to recommend
the design at a future meeting. Themes for future marketing c ampaigns suggested
included the open space with walking/biking outdoor trails, variety of international
restaurants, and the USS Lexington.
Ms. Coppe informed the Committee that she has held the first meeting of stakeholders
who are interested in the Cultural Districts designation initiative. There will be future
meetings of which she will inform the Committee .
Steve Poltorzycki from the Lexi ngton Council for the Arts was present to explain a new
project on which they are working. The G o Outdoors project started in Concord. Artists
will paint old doors and they will be placed along the bike path. His group is going to the
Select Board to ask f or permission to install the doors.
A motion was made and seconded to endorse Go Outdoors project to the Select Board and to
encourage the Lexington Council for the Arts to continue to do outdoor arts. The motion passed
6-0 by roll call vote.
Town of Lexington
Tourism Committee
Erin Sandler -Rather, the Director for the Chamber of Commerce, was present to explain a
trivia, scavenger hunt on which she is working. The scavenger hunt will encourage
visitors to stop in multiple stores. The Committee was generally supportive. She will
come back to the Committee when she has more information about the project.
Completing Outstanding Projects with DPW
John Livsey, the Town Engineer, explained that he is currently reviewing the bids for the Center
Streetscape project. They also are review ing bids for Owners Project Manager. More information
and details about the project can be found on the Town Website. Mr. Livsey mentioned that there
will be significant signage directing tourists and residents about where to park and how to access
certain locations that are under construction.
Dave Pinsonneault, the Director of Public Works, explained that the Battle Green Master Plan is
getting ready to go out to bid. They are working on the final bid package and will go out in the
next few weeks. Work will start this year and have no impact on the Streetscape project.
Options for short term parking in the Depot Lot are being discussed by staff. They hope to have
something implemented this year.
Antony Park is anticipated to be completed this Fiscal Year.
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The Motion passed by roll call vote 6-0.
Submitted by Casey Hagerty, Economic Development Coordinator
Approved: July 14, 2022