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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-08-LCC-min Town of Lexington Lexington Center Committee Minutes for the meeting held on August 8t", 2024, beginning at 8:37 am in the Parker Room, Town Office Building, Lexington, Massachusetts Members present: Richard Brown, Upasna Chhabra, Frederic Johnson, Jeffery Lyon, Pamela Lyons, Kat MacDonald, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson (Chair) Liaisons present: Jay Abdella, Economic Development Coordinator Guests: Michael Harris, Katie Luczai, Arlington Economic Development Director We began with the DPW update: There was some discussion concerning the parklet (located in front of Avenue Deli and Wales Copy) regarding shade, location, lights, elimination of sidewalk/parklett height differential; history of parklet in Lexington Center (different location) prior to Covid; understanding usage of public spaces. Brief discussion of perhaps moving the "Walk your Bike" sign (in Grain Mill Alley) closer to the bike node. Tatte Bakery is at the end of the permitting process and will be opening very soon. Jerry told us that DPW is considering using the two small backless benches located in the old bus stop in front of Conte Bikes for the "new" bumpout bus stop or one larger backless bench. Pam, of course, objected to this, and urged using a bench of the type found throughout the Center (gray weathered, with back and armrests.) The consensus of the committee was that there should be a bench with armrests and back for the bumpout bus stop as the vast majority of people using the bench will face Mass Ave so there is no advantage to a backless bench in this location as was suggested by DPW. Jay Abdella gave the economic development update: Dragonfly Boutique is coming into the Robin Gannon space soon; Liberty Sweets is coming into the Fancy Flea space; due to a merger Eastern Bank is consolidating into the Cambridge Trust location; there is talk that another bank is going into the Eastern Bank space; discussion of Fiorella's as a space where the grandfathering of a use was timed out; Sandhya Iyer is working on getting a brew pub into the Sanyo space; there is potential for either a pet grooming facility or a wine store moving into the old Bulpan space. Hipstitch is held up because they need to install an ADA compliant bathroom because a change in use or occupancy triggers current ADA requirements. Katie Luczai gave an overview of economic development related by-laws in Arlington especially as they relate to vacant storefronts. The commercial tax rate in Arlington is % of that in Lexington. Commercial spaces (eateries and retain) tend to be smaller and older than in Lexington. Arlington's vacant storefront by-law tries to dissuade storefront vacancies — after 90 days town can charge a $400 annual fee, can also remove non-conforming signs and fire marshall can check for violations of fire/safety laws and regulations. Fee was set in 2028 — property owners can request an exemption for financial hardship or major construction nearby— there is also a public art waiver. There were some problems with this — mainly badly maintained art. Katie got the public art waiver removed at 2024 Town Meeting. Katie prefers Cambridge's vacant storefront which uses an annual public art contest and business owners pick one of three options. Katie noted how hard it is to streamline the permitting process. Rents in Arlington are below that of Lexington. There was some discussion of parking in Arlington. Arlington has almost no parking meters and relies on vigorous enforcement. Jay discussed an Arlington/Lexington/Bedford initiative along the Minuteman Bikeway— kiosk installations, clear invasive species, 3 directional double sign posts in East Lexington (no lights, no digital display per HDC.) E-ink might be an option for the Center. Fred suggested getting approval for E-ink from HDC before going to the Select Board. Jerry suggested we think about what would go on that sign — sign should look pretty much the same as the East Lexington signs. Content = rules/directions/what's in Lexington Center. Jerry also suggested that we bring together all stakeholders to get a consensus for content. Fred (and Jerry) will attend a Bike Committee meeting to discuss this. E-Ink sign will cost $25-$30k. The Center Committee voted 7 to 0 to approve the minutes for the July 11tH, 2024 meeting.