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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-08-2020ECON-min.pdf Lexington 2020 Vision Committee March 8, 2007 Meeting Minutes 7:45 am—Ellen Stone Room Members Present: Fernando Quezada, Peter Enrich, Mollie Garberg, Stacey Hamilton, Charles Hornig, Ann Redmon Others: Candy McLaughlin, Stephen Hodson, Carl Valente, Ingrid Klimoff, Greg Zurlo, Toby Sackton, Adam Sacks, Larry Smith, Richard Canale, Steve Kropper The minutes from the February 8 meeting were approved. Fernando reviewed discussions regarding Task Force next steps at a Process Subcommittee meeting with Carl. Economic Development Task Force. Gregory Zurlo and Mollie Garberg distributed an interim report. Greg noted that there is no one solution, and a diverse toolkit will be needed to address the issues. He reviewed the Task Force's charge to: 1. Engage the community in education and discussion about existing and potential business; 2. Conduct a modeling exercise to provide information concerning tradeoffs associated with various commercial-development choices vs. affordability of current and expected public services; 3. Examine regulatory issues affecting prospects for the current business sector in town and for future commercial development; and 4. Coordinate its work with that of the 2020 Vision Task Force on Sustainability. Mollie summarized recent Task Force activity: 1. The Permitting/Regulation sub-group is currently interviewing businesses in Town. 2. The Communications sub-group has developed a schedule for biweekly press releases. 3. The Financial Impact and Modeling sub-group seeks to answer the question, "Is there potential to increase revenue through economic development initiatives in Lexington?" Larry Smith of Cranberry Hill Associates undertook a Development Potential analysis of all parcels in three presently commercially zoned areas—Rte. 2A, Bedford Street/Hartwell Ave, Hayden Ave/Spring St. This analysis indicates that there is a potential for an increase in revenue from additional development on these parcels. The sub group is interested in obtaining validation of these results by hiring a consultant group to examine them. 4. Recruitment of an Economic Development Officer is underway. Richard Canale spoke about a study that is presently being done by the Metropolitan Area Planning Committee. The information gained from the development analysis that the Modeling Finance Impact group is working on may be beneficial to the MAPC. He also mentioned Smart Growth initiatives funding from the State (Chapter 43D) and planning efforts by the four Hanscom Area Towns. The Economic Development Task Force then requested the approval of the 2020 Vision Committee to go before the Board of Selectmen on March 12, 2007 in order to request $40,000 for consulting services. Adam Sacks objected that a broader look at commercial development is needed first to identify where consulting effort should be directed. Richard Pagett expressed concern that the $40K not determine the future direction of the Task Force's work. Peter stated that it will fund gathering of data necessary for these broader conversations to happen. When Fernando noted that these broader conversations keep coming up, Mollie reassured the group that they will continue to be discussed. Greg mentioned that a special session with the Planning Board on the issues would be useful. Charles added his hope that the Task Force not focus solely on increasing revenue, and that other issues are important. Peter referred to a 3-year pro forma analysis done by Paul Hamburger, and reminded the group that a short-term view is almost always more conservative and anxious than reality turns out to be. Mollie responded that state legislators are facing an enormous deficit and grappling with ways to increase revenue long term(evaluating the corporate tax loophole, graduated income tax...etc.) so she doesn't feel we are being overly conservative or anxious at the local level. She also said that revenues are just one driver, and reiterated the Task Force's desire for a broad conversation, including serious consideration of sustainability issues. The 2020 Vision committee supported the request for $40,000 in consultant funding. If the Selectmen approve, it will need Town Meeting approval. Sustainable Lexington Task Force. Toby identified three recommendations that will be made to the Selectmen at their March 12 meeting: 1. That Lexington join the Cities for Climate Protection organization. 2. That the Selectmen appoint an ad hoc committee with a charge to develop a Climate Action Plan. 3. That the goal of establishing a Lexington Climate Plan be part of the Selectmen's annual goal setting process, to determine the best way to develop a Town liaison with this effort. Toby also indicated the Task Force's intention to continue work until the committee is appointed, in order to develop a work plan and educational outreach effort for the climate action plan. Fernando indicated that the 2020 Vision Committee will discuss this further at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am.