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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-09-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee Lexington, Massachusetts Minutes for the Meeting of Wednesday, November 9, 2022, held remotely, beginning at 5:35 PM Members present: Vinita Verma (Chair), Pamela Lyons, Sally Castleman, Kunal Botla, Elaine Dratch, Liaison- Neeshanth Veerangandham Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager, Town of Lexington Ms. Lyons read the Governors statement allowing remote meetings. The single issue on the Agenda was the discussion of a proposed Development at 12-18 Hartwell Avenue and possible recommendations to the Planning Board regarding Transportation Demand Management for the project. Ms. Barrett brought this issue to TAC because of its history with the original TDM plan of 1988. The Hartwell project is very large and represents an increase in space and a 600 space garage parking lot. The building will be 4-5 stories. It is expected to generate 2800 one way trips per day. (There has already been approval of another development where the Margarita’s restaurant was.) Ms. Barrett stated that, at present there is a very weak TDM plan, which goes to the Planning Board on Nov. 16. She suggested that TAC might want to promote further recommendations to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles. Here are some of the discussions and recommendation which ensued: TAC felt the PB policy was not ready to deal with an appropriate set of TDM issues. Do we agree that a Structured Garage is necessary. 1. At a minimum- PB should require full participation in a shared shuttle program, such as the Rev TMA. NOT run their own- but one which coordinates services with the rest of Hartwell. 2. Instead of Free parking, there should be incentives to discourage driving, such as: a. Require employees to pay for parking, or b. Conversely, give a cash bonus to those who do not drive c. Special benefits to employees who carpool or vanpool d. Put in the infrastructure for future pricing incentives e. Give free transit passes for those who do not drive 3. Require that the parking be available to other developments on Hartwell. Shared parking space would discourage other developments from building their own garages and reduce the number of spaces overall on Hartwell. 4. Provide long term and short term bicycle parking and locker/shower facilities. There was considerable discussion about what the PB could require, both in terms of structural changes and financial obligations. The most recent official Town policy about TDM can be found in the 2010 Hartwell Avenue Overlay TDM policy. This requires a developer to pay a one-time fee of $5.00 per square foot for every sq. foot over the original building on the area. It also suggests voluntary participation in a TDM plan. Right now, that is what is required. In addition, the Selectboard (?) has contracted with the consultant, Ngaard , to update the Town’s TDM policy. This is due to be submitted on Nov. 18, two days after the Hartwell filing, which may make it unenforceable for this project. TAC members suggested that we recommend to the planning Board, further: 5. Follow the recommendations of the Nygaard report. in firming up the requirements for this new development. 6. Include some of the same requirements as are in the 1050 Waltham St. MOU. 7. Annual Monitoring and Goal setting for SOV reduction 8. . Programs to continue, regardless of Lessee or employer. In other words the commitments go with the building, not its occupants. 9. Some discussion about whether PB can ask to reduce the parking structure and put maximums on the number of spaces. Ms. Castleman said that we should stress that the purpose should be to reduce traffic, mitigate road use, and emphasize sustainability. It was agreed that Ms. Dratch would submit the minutes, based on the discussion and Mr. Botla would draft a letter to the Planning Board, so that a vote can be taken at our next meeting on November 15, 2022. Respectfully submitted, Elaine Dratch.