HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-11-LCC-min Lexington Center Committee
Minutes for the meeting of May 11, 2017
Parker Room, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington
Center Committee members. Richard Brown, Frederic Johnson, Howard Levin, Pamela Lyons,
Jerold Michelson (Chair), Pamela Shadley, Michael Boudett, Stacy Sheehan.
Liaisons. Joe Pato (BOS), Wendy Manz (CEC), Melisa Tintocalis (EDD) Megan Zammuto
(staff)
Guests. Paul Mammola,Avram Baskin, Katherine Huang, Elaine Ashton, Jesse Collings
(Lexington Minuteman.)
1 DPW update with Dave Pinsonneault: Parklett will be completed on May 12th DPW
crews are out fixing potholes and drainage issues Some center trash units need
batteries which are on order, as are some new receptacles. There will be replanting of
some dead trees in May and June New trees can be moved elsewhere when
streetscape project moves forward. Weekend center trash pickup begins next weekend.
2. Avram Baskin spoke on behalf of Lexington Local First. Seeking letter of support from
LCC. Purpose of LLF is to encourage Lexington businesses that do not have storefronts
and to drive consumer traffic into the center. Fred Johnson noted that LLF might
participate in the Farmers Market, the Crafts Fair and Discovery Day and inquired as
to the longer-term intent of LLF LLF wants to run on a regular basis, the businesses
have "products" and are "at-home"businesses. Would not include businesses that
would compete with anything already in the center and serve as an incubator. Howard
noted the existence of food preparation regulations. Melisa suggested a curated mix of
vendors. Fred asked if we could see a list of vendors and also suggested that LLF have
a one-time event before committing to a series of events. Fred articulated a
generalized support for the trial run. Mike Boudett moved that the committee
"support LLF on a pilot basis " Passed 7 in favor, one abstention.
3 Dave Pinsonneault noted that DPW was waiting for the BOS to vote on the streetscape
project after which they would move forward with the architect.
4. Jerry and Pam Shadley urged that the Ad Hoc committee be continued in some form to
work with the consultant team to keep the project moving
5 The BOS approved a temporary installation on the public right of way in Grain Mill
Alley Paul Mammola, part-owner of the abutting building and alleyway noted that
the other owners did not care for the 2015 installation. Tenants objected to the noise It
became a hangout for kids after school, there was an impromptu band, and buskers.
PM liked the atmosphere in the morning but not as the day progressed. Was most
concerned about addressing noise issues that bothered the tenants. Melisa discussed
the installation of tables, chairs and the checkerboard in the public right of way Melisa
is going to recirculate the original Grain Mill Alley plan. Noted that the Bike Node
was funded by Town Meeting Motion to "revitalize the 2015 Grain Mill Alley
initiative Passed 8 to 0
6 There was a discussion of current vacancies in the center. B-Tone may move to Orange
Leaf location. A nail salon might go into the Petra location. Nothing in sight yet for
Candy Castle Noted the sudden closing of Vine Brook Tavern. Assorted theories were
offered as to why Howard noted the variety of obstacles facing businesses in the center
including rent, the commercial tax rate, town rules and regulations. Need to work with
HDC to encourage flexibility and open mindedness Also some issues of building
maintenance Melisa suggested that we revisit the regulatory side- remove parking as
an issue, use table needs to be updated, and use zoning to go where we want to go
Howard suggested we move forward with zoning amendments. Stacy suggested we
bring in CAC (CAL) and consider shopping directed toward young people Richard
mentioned "defining the pedestrian ring " Melisa talked about canopy lights at GMA
and a very lively discussion of "how-to" followed. Mike moved that we explore
lighting options. Passed 8-0