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Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
Minutes of Meeting November 16, 2016
A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. in the Parker Room of
the Town Office Building at 1625 Mass Ave.
Members Present:
Narain Bhatia, George Burnell, Kevin McGuire, John McWeeney, Sig Tullmann
Staff Present:
Melisa Tintocalis, Megan Zammuto
Guests Present:
Charles Hornig, Joe Pato
Members Absent:
Rick DeAngelis, Tom Dusel, Lelani Foster, David Pronchick, Bob Richards, Larry
Smith
Approval of Minutes:
The committee members voted to approve minutes from the October 2016 meeting.
MIT Incubator Space:
Narain Bhatia discussed the MIT program called The Engin, which was announced in October. The Engin
is a new accelerator program with a planned $150 million venture fund to support startups innovating in
the science and technology spaces, providing them with funding, space and a network of expertise. The
headquarters in Central Square are expected to open this spring, and will assist local startups in securing
capital and getting their products to market. Representatives from MIT would like to come speak to the
EDAC at a future meeting. The committee discussed Lincoln Laboratory and the potential to create a
prototype facility along the Hartwell corridor. Committee members sited other successful research and
development facilities.
Commercial Zoning Expansion Discussion:
Charles Hornig updated the committee on the Planning Boards reaction to the proposed commercial
changes. The Planning Board did not express a lot of enthusiasm or opposition. The proposed changes
will not result in a significant increase in development. The committee discussed the Towns appetite for
more commercial development, and considered ways the committee could help educate citizens about the
benefits of making small zoning changes to increase quality development.
General Economic Development Updates
The committee discussed sites prime for economic development, including the BSC location and the
Belmont Country Club. Members spoke about trying to diversify the economic development strategy by
thinking about smaller parcels in East Lexington.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
Next Meeting:
December 21, 2016
Approved on:
December 21, 2016