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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-27-HATS-min Hanscom Area Towns Committee DRAFT minutes April 27, 2017 HATS selectmen attending: Susan Barry, Lexington; Jonathan Dwyer, Lincoln; Mike Rosenberg, chair, Bedford. Other HATS members. Peter Braun, Lincoln, Richard Canale, Lexington, Margaret Coppe, Lexington, Maggie Dbbie, Bedford, Otthers attending: John Beatty, Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force; Jessica Casserly, Hanscom Air Force Base; Gary Davis, Lincoln; BJ Dunn, Minute Man National Historical Park; Ed Freni, Massport; Andy Friedlich, Lexington Town Meeting Members Association; Anne Frymer, Lexington, Anthony Gallagher, Massport, Amber Goodspeed, Hanscom Field, Thomas Glynn, Massport, Jane Bradley Herlacher, Lincoln, Eliza Rosenberry, Bedford Citizen, Todd Smith, Massport, Tosha Szabo, Signature Flight Support, Sharon Williams, Hanscom Field, Kati Wmchell, Lincoln, Save Our Heritage Mr. Rosenberg called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The agenda began with a conversation with Thomas Glynn, chief executive officer, Massachusetts Port Authority Mr. Glynn said he has been in his position for four-and-a-half years. He said his report is based on the Massport strategic plan issued in the fall of 2014: Logan Airport is responsible for some 85 percent off the authority's $680 million budget, with almost 1,300 employees Mr Frem oversees about 17,000 personnel as part of airport operations Efforts to increase international flights have been successful, they now number 54, including the first South American destination, to Bogota. There has been a positive reaction from a range of employers. There also has been significant passenger growth, including 6.5 percent this year. But the number of flights is down, because now they operate at an average of 80 percent capacity. The growth has produced the challenges Terminal E is too small, there are plans to add seven gates through renovations The other is parking,which has the same capacity as in 1990 On a typical day the airport handles some 100,000 passengers. The goal is to reduce the number of trips, through higher vehicular occupancy. The authority has also executed a new contract for concessions, covering 160 storefronts. Worcester Airport is the alternative to Logan for commercial traffic Jet Blue flights in and out of Worcester have realized growth of over 80 percent, approaching 400,000 passengers, and there are plans for service to Kennedy Airport in New York. Massport continued to make a big investment in Worcester, amounting do $100 million over 10 years. The relationship between Hanscom Field and the four contiguous towns remains positive. There are no plans for a change in mission and nothing to affect local sensitivities Massport also has some 7,000 workers in the Port of Boston. Thanks to the dredging of the harbor, the container terminal is growing. Activity at the cruise terminal is growing from 115 to 150 ships over one year. This also is a boost to the regional economy. The auto port in Charlestown imports new cars and exports used cars. The seafood processing industry is also growing, with a worldwide market. Property that Massport acquired when it was created in 1956 now in managed in the Seaport district, including land for which there are plans for a 1,054-room hotel near the convention center. The sale of real estate helps subsidize the maritime business In answer to a question from Mr. Dwyer, Mr. Glynn said commercial air travel growth will not affect Hanscom. There is a regional approach, including Providence and Manchester as well as rail travel and the Worcester Airport. He noted that volume projections are unpredictable, with variables including fuel prices, economy and specific events. Mr. Freni added that the Hanscom Master Plan prohibits aircraft of more than 60 seats, Ms. Barry suggested that Massport provide more notice on opportunities for interns. In answer to her question, Mr. Glynn said that business development is not part of the mission at Hanscom. The authority is trying to preserve what it has there, he said. Ms. Williams said the mission is general aviation, and Hanscom is upgrading its facilities and its infrastructure to accommodate future business aviation. In answer to Mr Braun's question, Mr Frem said two additional mayor airlines are considering service in Worcester. Mr. Glynn said the new Massport Community Advisory Commission has begun searching for an executive director. In answer to Mr. Canale's question, Mr. Glynn said rail movement of container freight is limited by low bridges, Mr. Freni added that shipment of domestic cargo is down. There is still some capacity for increased international shipping. In answer to a question from Mrs. Cowles, Ms. Williams said the Environmental Protection Agency has a program to eliminated leaded gasoline from general aviation aircraft Ms Coppe said she would like to see more regional applications to Massport for contributions. Jessica Casserly reported that on the recent visit to Hanscom Air Force Base by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfine. Hanscom officials briefed him on the mission and community partnerships. She said the general endorsed the work being done on the base Mr. Rosenberg announced that the improvements to the Minuteman Bikeway extension in Bedford have been included on the 2022 state Transportation Improvement Plan. Mr. Canale noted that the improvements are being supported by the Battle Road Byway Commission. He added that the resurfacing of Route 2AA uin Lexington, Lincoln and Concord is planned for 2019, and the state Transportation Department is interested in views on striping and bicycle accommodations Replacement of the Route 2A bridge over Route 128 has been delayed indefinitely because of a loss of federal funds, Mr Canale said, adding that the Concord Rotary is also off the improvement list. Improvements to Routes 4/225 west of Route 128 in Lexington are expected to be funded between 2021 and 2025, he said. Ms. Barry added that the Lexington selectmen has approved improvements to the intersection of Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road, including a traffic signal. Mr Rosenberg said the executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, Paul Regan, has been scheduled for the June 22 HATS meeting. Lt. Gov. Kathryn Polito is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 28. The chairman suggested recruiting local legislators for May and July meetings. Mr. Braun suggested topics for round-table discussions at future meetings: bicycle safety, status of plastic bottles and bags, recreational marijuana, Complete Streets program, sanctuary towns Mr Rosenberg said he would like to discuss ways to better involve the associate HATS members. It was suggested that the Planning Board representatives could converse. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.