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Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
Minutes of Meeting March 16, 2016
A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 8:12 a.m. in the Parker Room of the
Town Office Building at 1625 Mass Ave.
Members Present:
John McWeeney, George Burnell, Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Sig Tullman, David
Pronchick
Liaisons Present:
Charles Hornig (Planning Board)
Staff Present:
Melisa Tintocalis, Megan Zammuto
Members Absent:
Lelani Foster, Tom Dusel, Bob Richards, Rick DeAngelis, Kevin McGuire,
Approval of Minutes:
The committee members approved the minutes of the EDAC meeting on January 20th. The vote to
approve the minutes was unanimous.
Net Zero Task Force:
Mark Sandeen spoke to the Committee about the Net Zero Task Force. Getting to Net Zero Emissions is
the natural next step in Lexington’s commitment to addressing climate change. The scope includes
commercial, residential, municipal and school buildings. The goal is to reduce overall emissions by 80%
by 2050. Greener buildings are healthier buildings, and they dramatically lower the total life cycle cost of
ownership for the buildings. Creating higher performing buildings will give Lexington the competitive
advantage for attracting businesses. Mark Sandeen discussed the stakeholders including business and
community leaders, large commercial property owners, residential property owners, nonprofit leaders,
architects, Town committees, Selectmen and Town staff. The EDAC discussed the project, and members
discussed the value in working to reduce emissions, as tenants are now looking for healthier buildings.
A motion was made to support the Net Zero Task Force. This motion was seconded and unanimously
approved.
Hartwell Meeting Highlights:
Melisa Tintocalis discussed the recent Hartwell Property Owners Meeting. The meeting was well
attended, and it included an update by the 128 Business Council on the Rev. Ridership has increased to
about 13,000 rides per year. $50,000 was allocated for year four of the Rev at Town Meeting. The
committee discussed the funding of the Rev and gave a recommendation to reach out to tenants as well as
property owners to collect funding. Representatives from Park and Pedal presented at the meeting to
discuss the idea of allocating parking so that people can ride their bicycle for half of their commute. The
meeting also included an update on new lab buildings at the Hanscom Air Force Base.
Other Business:
The committee discussed the Belmont Country Club property. The Town has first right of refusal to
purchase the property. The planned development would require a zoning change.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
th
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, May 18 8:00 a.m.
Approved on:
June 15, 2016