HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-21-COD-minCommission on Disability
January 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz,
Nancy Wong, John Rossi, Leonard Morse -Fortier
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Stephanie Hsu, HRC
Guests: Ron Lopez, Developer, North Shore Residential Development; Mark Vaughan, lawyer;
Scott Melching, architect; Jeff Thoma, landscape architect
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open
Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor's March 15, 2020 and subsequent Orders
imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting
of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via remote participation to the
greatest extent possible.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain State of
Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the
provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid meeting
provisions that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extends pandemic -related
authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 as follows:
Allowing remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025
Therefore, this Commission on Disability meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online
meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged.
Announcements
• Stephanie shared her positive experience at the MLK day events and her son's progress
in reading, emphasizing the importance of believing in children's abilities.
• Victoria then led the meeting, confirming the presence of a quorum and reading the
charge.
• Victoria welcomed Kelly Axtell back to the Commission.
• The meeting also included a roll call and the approval of the minutes from October,
November, and December.
• A discussion about changing the date of the next meeting to February 11th was
initiated, but John's court appearance in Springfield on that date was noted as a
potential issue.
• In the meeting, Kelly, Francine and Victoria discussed the use of closed captions and the
Al meeting summary feature in their system. There are a variety of methods to assist
with hearing loss.
217-241 Massachusetts Avenue Mixed -Use Proposal by Ron Lopez, Developer, North Shore
Residential Development; Mark Vaughan, lawyer; Scott Melching, architect; Jeff Thoma,
landscape architect
• Mark, Scott, Ron, and Jeff presented a mixed-use proposal for a residential condo building with
commercial space, located on Massachusetts Avenue. The project, which consists of 44
residential units and commercial space, is situated between 217 to 241 Massachusetts
Avenue. The site is zoned for mixed-use development and is part of the MBTA overlay district.
The team discussed the project's design, including a 5 -story building with a 6 -story expression
at the rear, and the incorporation of a retail component. They also highlighted the site's
accessibility, compliance with ADA guidelines, and the proposed landscape mitigation plan for
work within the Bike Path area. The team expressed their appreciation for the input and
feedback already received from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission.
In the meeting, Scott presented the floor plans of a residential project, highlighting various
features such as a 4,500 square foot retail space, a game room, a gym, and a community
common roof terrace. Shaun raised a question about the adaptability of the units for people
with disabilities, to which Scott confirmed that all door swings and bathrooms would be
planned to accommodate necessary features. John expressed concerns about the future
needs of aging populations and the potential for increased demand for accessible parking
spaces with electric vehicle charging capability. The commission members appreciated the
detailed presentation and the opportunity to understand the project better.
• The meeting focused on the parking arrangements for the new development. It was
clarified that the parking spots would be deeded to the units as part of the sale, with
visitor spaces and commercial spaces being separate. The discussion also covered the
criteria for handicapped parking spots, with the understanding that these spots would be
made available to those who qualify. The outdoor parking spaces were also discussed,
with six of them being deeded. The meeting also touched on the slope of the site and the
need for EV -ready parking spaces, with two chargers located on an island between spaces.
New Town Manager and Commissioners
• Victoria Buckley, the chair, introduced the new town manager, Steve Bartha, to the
commissioners. The commissioners, including John Rossi, Shaun Grady, Len Morse -Fortier,
Sue Cusack, Francine Stieglitz and Janet Perry, introduced themselves and shared their
backgrounds and experiences. Steve Bartha, Town Manager, shared his background and
expressed his excitement about being in Lexington. He also mentioned his experience as a
town manager in Danvers and Avon, Connecticut. The commissioners discussed their
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concerns about the difficulty of translating AI -generated materials and the possibility of
having a town person responsible for minutes.
New Business
• Jim will send the variance request details for 17 Hartwell Ave to all committee members. This
variance involves relief from the requirements concerning the depth of sinks.
• Jim will follow up on the issue at Santander Bank on Muzzey Street to correct the slope of the
accessible walkway to the entrance with the building owner, tenant, and state.
• Jim will visit Enterprise Bank and discuss potential visual markers on glass surfaces with the
manager.
• Victoria confirmed the next meeting date of February 11th with all committee members.
• Steve Bartha (Town Manager) will consider the request for town staff support in taking meeting
minutes for the Commission on Disability.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Victoria Buckley, using Al summary
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