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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-13-HATS-min Hanscom Area Towns Committee Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018 HATS Selectmen: Suzie Barry, chair, Lexington; Jonathan Dwyer, Lincoln; Michael Lawson, Concord, Mike Rosenberg, Bedford Others in attendance Scott Anderson, deputy director, Lincoln Laboratory, Anthony Gallagher, Massachusetts Port Authority; Phil Lupsiewicz,National Park Service Lincoln Laboratory Lincoln Laboratory is a Department of Defense federally-funded research and development center Mr Anderson said employees include 3,500 from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 500 subcontractors. Contracts total $1 billion annually, and 99 percent are U.S. Air Force prime contracts. The mission is to advance technology in support of national security, including work for the FAA,NOAA and NASA The 10 mission areas include air and missile defense, cyber security, air traffic control, and space control. Mr. Anderson also outlined a range of advanced technology programs and system prototypes. He explained that prototyping is a proven way to reduce technical risk For example, laser radar proved to have a military benefit for geographic imagery, including high-altitude three-dimensional urban resolution, in Afghanistan. The technology also can be deployed in response to natural disasters, offering three-dimensional mapping, damage assessment and debris depth measurement Mr Anderson said that in fiscal 2017, Lincoln Laboratory contracts totaled$522 million, including $200 million in Massachusetts. 330 employees live in the four HATS towns. Lincoln Lab is vertically integrated, he explained, as components from one facility fit into a related division Part of the Lincoln Laboratory facility is deteriorated and obsolete, Mr Anderson said In 2014 replacement and repair totaling some $2 billion over a 30-year period was authorized. First to be addressed, through fiscal year 2022, is the West Laboratory. It is a stabilization project addressing immediate concerns Two replacement buildings are being designed, construction is scheduled to begin in October 2019. Further modernization, renovation and replacement of 1950s-era buildings are scheduled to continue through 2040. The semiconductor laboratory and engineering and prototyping facility In answer to a question from Selectman Rosenberg, Mr Anderson said modifications to the entrance of Wood Street in Lexington are being considered. The 30-year Lincoln Laboratory master plan projects challenges with parking and traffic flow during construction. That's why operations will be moved to new facilities before demolition Over the next 13 years, 13 new buildings are planned in addition to the West Laboratory. Vacant land owned by MIT could help accommodate traffic configuration, Mr. Anderson said. Selectman Rosenberg asked how construction would affect contiguous towns. Mr. Anderson noted that all deliveries will arrive at the Vandenberg Gate on the Concord side of Hanscom Air Force Base. Base personnel are working on a schedule that will minimize disruption. Selectman Lawton noted that planned reconstruction of Cambridge Turnpike in Concord will result in increased traffic on Route 2A through 2019 Mr Lupsiewicz inquired about state plans to resurface Route 2A. In answer to a question from Selectman Dwyer, Mr. Anderson said the laboratory's mission is not going to grow, thanks to a Congressional cap and MIT policy. But within that mission there will be a lot of movement, he added Hanscom Air Force Base and Hanscom Airport Hanscom Field and Hanscom Air Force Base: Mr. Gallagher said the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Council annual meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18. Mr. Rosenberg noted that there has been poor attendance at Hanscom Field Advisory Commission meetings from Concord and Lexington delegates. He noted that an upcoming hangar construction will impact Concord Transportation Projects Transportation projects: Selectman Barry said traffic signals at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in Lexington are operational and signals at Mass. Ave. and Pleasant Street will soon follow Selectman Lawton noted construction current in West Concord to accommodate the Bruce Freeman Bike Trail. Municipal Hi2hlidhts Selectman Rosenberg said the federal General Services Administration continues to receive bids for the former Navy hangar parcel that the town has rezoned residential. Selectman Barry said James Malloy, formerly Westborough town manager, will begin work as Lexington's fifth town manager on Oct, 1 Selectman Dwyer said a special town meeting warrant in Lincoln on Oct 20 will include a proposed moratorium or ban on retail marijuana sales There was 65 percent opposition to retail sales on the ballot. Concord town meeting will deal with the topic of marijuana as well, Selectman Lawton said. The town has started its town manager search. A special town meeting on Oct 1 will have an opportunity to accept the donation of White Pond to the town. Selectman Barry said Lexington's special town meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 and is expected to last three nights. Articles include zoning of land contiguous to the Belmont Country Club for apartments andassisted living The selectmen agreed to schedule a HATS meeting for February 2019 focusing on how local public safety agencies work with their counterparts at Hanscom Field and Hanscom Air Force Base.Minutes were approved for the 2018 meetings of April 26 as read, May 24 as read and July 12 as amended. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.