HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-09-LCC-minTown of Lexington
Lexington Center Committee
Minutes for the meeting of February 9th, 2023 in Estabrook Hall, basement of the
Cary Hall Building, Lexington, Massachusetts in person and on Zoom beginning
about 8:30 am.
Members Present: Richard Brown, Upasna Chhabra, Katherine Huang, Frederic
Johnson, Pamela Lyons, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson (Chair), Pamela
Shadley
Liaisons present: Doug Lucente, Select Board, Sandra Shaw, Council on Aging,
Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development, Heather Hartshorn, Chamber of
Commerce, Captain Christopher Barry, Lexington Police Department, David
Pinsonneault, Department of Public Works, Charles Hornig, Planning Board and
Abby McCabe, Planning Director
Guests: Sharon Spaulding, 1666 Mass Avenue, Wes Ullrich, Conte Bikes, Remon
Karian, Fiorella’s
We began with a parking update with Captain Barry. With full enforcement of
parking beginning on March 1, LPD initiated informational outreach to businesses
and employees regarding the restart of parking enforcement. Jimmy Cataldo will
be stationed at the Depot Lot kiosk. Light enforcement began on February 1.
Parking passes expire on March 1 and registration information has been mailed
out. Jerry suggested that AnneMarie Kelleher (who manages parking
administration) could have a temporary office in the Center during the rebuild of
the Police Station.
Wes Ullrich – a local resident, is the manager of Conte’s Bike Shop. Came to
Lexington Center for its strong biking culture, Minuteman Bikeway, and one of
two main routes out of Boston for cyclists. Conte’s has 18 stores, mainly in the
southeast. No rentals (very different business model) and free coffee. Open seven
days/week.
Sandhya noted that bike rentals are under discussion. Sable Boutique (new pop-
up) is doing well and plans to open ongoing store in the same space. The LaDolda
space has a new tenant. Fiorella’s is doing well. Sharon notes that Art Specialties
at 1666 Mass Ave is off to a good start. So far the Sanyo and Bulpan spaces are
not generating interest. Arrangements for a ramen shop to go into the old
Starbucks space have fallen apart.
Abby gave some background on the Planning Articles coming to Town Meeting.
The current plan for the Center is to have four stories in Lexington Center. The
Planning Board does not like setbacks, while some members of the Center
Committee support setbacks. The public façades will require non-residential uses.
Jerry inquired about the intentions for the Depot Lot – which is a gov’t owned lot
and is considered a side yard under the zoning code. Underlying by-laws (bank
and real estate for example) will stay in place. Lexington Place is governed by an
MOU so the new zoning will not affect that lot.
Remon Karian, a Lexington resident, opened up Fiorella’s recently. Has
establishments in Newton and Concord. Hybrid restaurant model – both full serve
and takeout; beer and wine; “casual elegance”; geared toward families. Noted
extended timeline for construction from 15 weeks to 30 weeks. It was helpful to
have Casey Hagerty (since moved to Woburn Economic Development) guide them
through the various Town processes. He discussed parking issues for employees
(and was not aware that there is free parking nearby which Pam L. mentioned and
provided him with a map.)
Dave Pinsonneault mentioned that the Engineering staff was reviewing the Conte
Bike Shop bus stop situation and would be making a report to the Select Board.
The new parklet is on order. Not sure where this is going to go – will be
determined later. Some repainting needs to be redone at the Mass Ave/Woburn
Street intersection. This was done late in the season last year so did not cure
properly (?)
The Economic Development, Tourism and Center Committees have a shared
subcommittee which will be looking at the Center’s economic development
issues. Innessa Manning will be the Center Committee liaison to the
subcommittee.
And with that we ended the meeting.