HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-13-LCC-min Lexington Center Committee
Draft minutes for meeting of July 13, 2017
Members. Michael Boudett, Frederic Johnson, Howard Levin, Pamela Lyons, Jerold Michelson
(Chair), Pamela Shadley
Liaisons. Joe Pato, Melisa Tintocalis, EDD, MeganZamuto, EDC
Guests. Jennifer Voss, Elaine Ashton
1 Jerry gave an update on the gas company project, emphasizing the need for better
communication between utilities/contractors when infrastructure projects go through
the center. Trees, a perennial topic, also came up, as there are dead trees on the
Michelson's side of Mass Ave
2. Megan Zamuto gave the update on Grain Mill Alley With the summer well underway
very little of the furniture has been set up Megan will follow up on this. Sadly, the
checkerboard has run its useful life. The Bikeshare program is in the decision making
phase It should be up and going this fall.
3 More on GMA. Fred and Melisa have met with Paul Mammola and will meet again
today They hope to come to an agreement on the public use of the alley
4. There was a lively discussion of the bike node The Historic Society owns a key piece of
the space Different views as to how to address this were brought forth. Pam Shadley
urged a contingent redesign in the even the property issue could not be resolved. Some
thought was given to using the Parking Meter fund or perhaps the Lexington Center
condo stash to simply buy the property
5 Motion. That the LCC recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the Town acquire the
land and that funding sources with the least impact to the taxpayers be investigated.
Motion passed 4-0-2. The two abstentions were due to conflicts.
6 Motion. That the LCC recommend to the BOS that Katherine Huang be appointed to
the LCC. Motion passed 6-0
7 Discussion of center retail vacancies. Melisa noted that there is a similar rate of
vacancies in Arlington and Wellesley Arlington has a new vacancy penalty by-law We
want to keep track of how this plays out. Some surprise that this got past the AG's
office
8 The HDC is open to a conversation with the Center Committee We are interested in
what their perception is of their role in promoting center vitality, especially in
competition with other commercial centers
The LCC is concerned with the experience of applicants before the HDC. It would be
helpful if there were a written set of standards for signs that would be automatically
approved. Some discussion of the extent of HDC's authority over the center's retail
area. Joe explained the history of the HDC and the advantage and process of adopting
the state law on HDC stuff. Arduous but not impossible
9 Melisa discussed how to promote sidewalk vitality—especially in the summer. Again,
there are numerous hurdles and it would be helpful to work with HDC on this.
10 Motion. Approve the June, 2017 minutes Passed 6-0
11 Pam Shadley urged the committee to advocate for improvements to the CVS lot. Pam
developed a super great design years ago The lot looks terrible and is literally falling
apart. A reconstructed lot would provide a safe, accessible place to park while the
Streetscape project is underway
12. The next meeting is Thursday,August 24th Enjoy summer!