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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-18-EDAC-min Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) Minutes of Meeting May 18, 2016 A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 8:07 a.m. in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building at 1625 Mass Ave. Members Present: John McWeeney, David Pronchick, Rick DeAngelis George Burnell, Kevin McGuire Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Sig Tullman, Liaisons Present: Charles Hornig (Planning Board) Staff Present: Carl Valente, Aaron Henry, Robert Lent, Melisa Tintocalis, Megan Zammuto, Members Absent: Lelani Foster, Bob Richards, Tom Dusel BSC Site Proposal: Melisa Tintocalis discussed the potential future development of the current Boston Sports Club site. The lease will expire in three years and the owners are considering options for redevelopment. The zoning is currently RO residential. One concept for redevelopment focuses on residential units, 60% studio apartments and 20,000 sq. foot area for retail. A second concept includes offices with a 12,000 sq. foot area for retail. The committee discussed both concepts. Primary concerns for development of this area include traffic, parking spaces, and what would best fit in the Gateway to Hartwell. Members discussed their interest in a third option that would increase retail and provide a real mixed use development. The committee ultimately decided to support redevelopment of the site, although they are not ready to focus on one program. The committee would recommend that the developers explore all options for the site. Planning Board Update: Aaron Henry, Lexington Planning Director, discussed the highlights of zoning changes at Town Meeting. Adopted articles include Neighborhood Conservation District, Flood Insurance District, Governmental Civic Use District, Maximum Height of Structures, Accessory Apartments, Residential Gross Floor Area, Banking & Real Estate Service use in the CB and Planned Development Districts. The committee asked questions about the flood insurance district as well as the change that effected maximum height of structures. Tax Assessment: Rob Lent, Lexington Director of Assessing discussed commercial, lab/office and residential tax assessments. Many times office or office/retail will bring in the most tax dollars for the community. Rob Lent discussed the differences between lab/office, office, medical, retail around town, retail in the center and residential. The committee was interested in what types of businesses they should pursue when considering the differences in tax assessment. Brookhaven: The committee discussed the payment in lieu of taxes agreement that has been in place at Brookhaven. Recent court cases defining charitable organizations have changed in recent years. The Assessor is currently studying all tax exempt properties in Lexington to make a determination regarding tax exempt status. Belmont Country Club: The current plan to redevelop this site is to create residential units, possibly 55 plus. The committee discussed pros and cons to 55 plus communities. Larry discussed recent cases where value had decreased in developments when age restrictions were enforced. Other Business: Melisa Tintocalis discussed the new project being developed at 1775 Massachusetts Avenue. The plan includes 16 residential units and a mechanized parking structure, and open windows to enhance the restaurant experience. The committee requested that staff invite the developers to attend the next EDAC meeting. John McWeeney proposed a motion to support the redevelopment of 1775 Massachusetts Avenue as it will be an attractive contribution to the center which will improve the economic vibrancy of the community. The motion was seconded by Rick DeAngelis. The motion was approved, George Burnell abstained from the vote. Melisa also discussed the redevelopment at Ledgemont 1. Related Beal is working to convert unused storage space below a parking garage to incubator space for life science companies. This project is in line with the EDAC goals for the area. Melisa briefly updated the committee on the Visitors Center project. The item will be discussed in more detail at the next meeting. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:08 a.m. th Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 15 8:00 a.m. Approved on: June 15, 2016