HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-15-LCC-min.pdf LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE
March 15, 1990
Present: M. Battjni,,,.D. Wel_ls , M. Powell, R. Ossman,
C . Fortmann, F. Bussgang, W. Bowen, M. Kahan,
E. Barsamian. , Also attending were Richard
White, Town Manager, Capt. James Kilmartin,
Lexington Police, John Theriault, Chamber of
Commerce.
Minutes of Feb. 8 , 1990 approved.
Re: Letter from Elizabeth Whitman:-
L.C.C . agrees the span from Clarke Street to
the Visitors Center, crossing Mass . Av. and
Bedford Street, is too long and should be
reviewed.
Bushes on the side of the Minute Man obscure
pedestrians ready to use crosswalk. Mr. White
commented there are plans to trim the hedge for
safety.
Parking - Mr. White brought a map showing the locations of
existing parking meters -and their time allowed.
The 10 hour meters are not being used efficiently.
Employees should be encouraged to use long term
parking. There are now 68 10 hour meters .
C. Fortmann suggested some of these meters be
changed to 4 hours.
Mr. White suggested the Chamber of Commerce
merchants could give a complementary validation
for parking to customers for the Meriam St. lot.
This would get cars off the streets and promote
good will.
1/2 hr. Parking -
L.C.C. is not in favor of 1/2 hr. parking.
Selectmen thought it would help create a faster
turnover of cars.
Retail Mix - Mr. White asked the Chamber of Commerce to identify
what business/Industries are represented in Lexington
and which are not.
E. Barsamian voiced concern over the vacancy rate in
town. Small shops are having difficulty meeting
expenses. Rents are high.
The Manager wants to know what can the Town do to
help. Will an abatement to business help?
J. Theriault stressed a need for an economic plan.
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Parking Violations -
Capt. Kilmartin is in favor of a traffic control
person to help solve our parking problem. The
Town now has over 100, 040 . 00 outstanding parking
fines. The Town is now taking violators to court.
The police have started to tow cars with over 5
tickets .
D. Wells suggested using the boot. Mr. White will
investigate the use of the boot, but wonders what
kind of message this might send to the towns people?
Lighting - B. Ossman - Our first priority is better lighting
at the crosswalk at the Minute Man and Mass . Ave.
A letter was sent to the Selectmen requesting the
crosswalks be painted at least 3 times a year.
B. Ossman and J. Marino are evaluating the wattage
of bulbs, longevity and shields for existing lights
to cut glare.
B. Ossman speaking for the Design Advisory Committee
The Island at Clarke St. and Mass . Ave. is
unacceptable. The committee is now trying to
identify the problems this space will have on
students, visitors, visually, traffic and
pedestrians.
J. Bateson, a Chamber board member, brought up the issue of a
meter minder person. The Chamber is opposed to such a person.
What would this persons role be?
Mr. White was called back to the meeting. The Town Manager stated
that the Town in the past has not been aggressive in meter control;
but is now taking an active role in parking violations . Police in
the Center are there for safety concerns and can not leave their
posts, therefore enforcement is spoty.
Mr. White made a Proposal:
To enable the 2 existing officers in the Center to
handle the safety problems of the Center - Hire a
person to handle parking enforcement.
L.C.C. voted on this proposal
7 in favor
1 against
B. Bowen presented to Mrs. Battin a leather appointment book from
the members of the L.C.C. Her years of leadership are much
appreciated.
David Wells has assumed the position of Chairman.
Next L.C.C. meeting will be April 19 , 1990 in the Selectmen' s
Meeting Room, at 12 : 00 Noon.
Marian Powell