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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-21-EDAC-min Minutes of the July 21, 2022 meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Board The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) held a meeting on Thursday, July 21th, at 8:00 a.m. via Zoom. AGENDA Discussion Following the opening of the meeting and introductions by the Chair, the Committee welcomed Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (15th-Middlesex). She provided an update of the status of various legislation sharing that the climate issue is staying front and center on the Legislative agendas for not just this session but future sessions. She shared that the Stretch Energy Code policy should be in place by year end and that a new draft should be out for comment in August. Mr. McGaw asked if she could share her thinking on efforts around transportation investment to support economic development in Lexington. With 42% of emissions coming from transportation sector, Rep. Ciccolo stressed that some of the Better Bus services are being changed and that is impacting workers doing shift work across the day. There is not the level of focus on this by the Governor to improve the operational funding AND the capital funding to support more flexible busing to support getting people out of their cars. She stressed the importance of local communities investing in transportation planners and the Private Sector needs to get in the game differently to focus on getting their workers to work in a way that reduces emissions. A lot more focus is needed because the Gas Tax is going down as more people buy electric cars which is hampering transportation funding streams. The Bond Bill that is moving forward does have more funding in there for transportation, transparency in reporting, and establishment of a new Commission for tolls, congesting pricing, and new revenue identification. She shared that the Economic Development Bill approved $75K for converting lawn equipment to electric power which was new information. Mr. Hornig asked about status of Home Rule surcharges which she stressed were still being considered. Mr. Pato brought up pilots on electrification and that all of the state should ‘pilot’ so that everyone can learn and push forward with this important initiative. Next the Committee heard from Abby McCabe regarding the MBTA multi-family housing plan and zoning changes. Mr. McGaw asked about the timing and energy of the town would be directed on this and when the zoning would need to be implemented. Ms. McCabe noted the implementation was expected to need to be completed by end of 2023. Ms. McCabe also provided and update on the status of the plan and responded to Mr. McGaw’s request for specifically where EDAC comments could be helpful the effort in reviewing the draft plan. She stressed providing comments in the next 2 weeks (By August 3) would be ideal by the end of month would work. Ms. McCabe also requested formal comments on the Economic Vitality or other parts of the Comprehensive Plan draft. Mr. Hornig would love to hear can the EDAC advise The Planning Board on the mixed housing approach and what advice would it offer on value and positive impact for where it could be located. He was also interested in our thoughts around changing uses of Commercial to Mixed use housing and where should the mixed-use housing ideally be located and supported. Separately, Mr. Pato shared that the Select Board would like input from the committee regarding the 25% design plans for Hartwell Avenue including should we allow charging for parking, adding a ramp from 128 to McGuire, and the addition of mixed-use housing to the corridor. FOR ACTION: A formal briefing was requested from Town Staff after which the EDAC will provide some analysis on the 25% design for Bedford Street/Hartwell study. Ms. Iyer added that the Select Board was interested in if the MIT Lincoln Labs and USAF had been engaged about these projects. Mr. Pronceck stated that new buildings are 7-10 years away. Traffic still feels normal at this point which is not a good thing. Agrees that the land at Hartwell is really under- utilized for development. The group continued to discuss that multiple uses will be needed in Hartwell to support Housing and Commercial development. Mr. Hornig stressed that a lot of residents feel that housing and life science don’t mix. Mr. Pato stressed that this is actually about changing use of a residential zone to a commercial zone, not that creating a new space – where the two could co-exist. The Chair noted that there are hundreds of examples of where life science and residential space are being built and it is not a new thing. Ms. Ortyl stressed that Hartwell Ave. doesn’t have the road access, nor does it have the density of housing to support a retail area – like the 5 condo buildings in Burlington’s 3rd Avenue development. Ms. Ortyl pointed out that density in Lexington Center is more supportive and may be easier to be successful as a retail/housing development area. Ms. Iyer is happy to talk to King Street about their recent successes of housing/commercial/lab mixed construction. Mr. McGaw asked that all of EDAC members could identify projects that could help Mr. Pato and Mr. Hornig’s question about informing Select Board and residents. FOR ACTION: The Chair affirmed that all EDAC members should do research to identify better examples of mixed life science/housing/ light manufacturing so as to better contextualize the future for residents. There was no discussion on the TMOD as presented to Planning Board and Ms. Iyer planned to schedule a briefing for the EDAC with the consultants. Ms. Iyer provided an update on new Commercial Development in Lexington. “The Rev” (shuttle bus) is adding 3 new headways starting in August. Ms. Iyer asked for the topline budget of the Rev. She stressed that she needs to get more details from her colleagues on how this is funded and what specific sources the town pays for. The Chair noted the importance of addressing the amount of money developers pay to fund buses that no one rides. Mr. McGaw agreed that this is counter to our climate and economic development work and should be looked into further. Ms. Iyer provided an oral briefing of new developments in Lexington including: i. 4 MaGuire Ave. the tenant is moving from Cambridge to Lexington. ii. 95-99 Hayden is scheduled for Planning Board for 8/17 Public Hearing on their plans. iii. 1707 Mass Ave has now opened. iv. Economic Development providing funding for free advertising in town paper and $150K for hosting events leading up to Discovery Day in October. Planning is still underway and expect to hear more at. The EDAC also expressed its interest in the importance of investigating and understanding the opportunity to rezone Lexington Center for our future housing needs. This Committee has raised the importance of having a more strategic conversation quickly about how the municipal land in Lexington Center could be used. Much like the Belmont Cushing Square effort or Waltham Street 3 story units there is opportunity to better develop an approach to housing to meeting the needs of Lexington and our business sector. The Chair Moved adjournment and seconded by Mr. McGaw. The motion to adjourn was unanimously approved.