HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-15-CPAC-min COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
May 15, 2019
The meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC), held in the
Hudson Room, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, was called to order at
7:32pm, by Co-Chair Sarah Felton. CPAC members: Deepak Amenani, Stacy Beuttell,
Matthew Daggett, Sarah Felton, Hema Bhatt, Carol Sue Hai, Leonard Morse-Fortier were
present. The CPAC meeting was also attended by members of the public, Planning
Board Liaison, Richard Canale, and members of the staff, Carol Kowalski, Molly
Belanger, Julie Mercier, and Jeff Dietrich.
*********************Timeline/Process & Deliverables
Schedule discussion
Website LexingtonNext has been launched but not promoted yet. Live launch next week
during Discovery Day. Website review. Possible head shots of CPAC members sometime
this spring.
Friday: Bus Walk Bike Week. Julie to hand out postcards promoting participation in
LexingtonNext process at Commuter Breakfast at the Depot
Discovery Day: Magnets to hand out; Banner. Goal is to socialize and get the word out
about LexingtonNext and to engage with people. Activities: child/parent activity—where
do you live? What would you prioritize/what is most important issue to you in comp plan
update? Hoping to get some feedback, but not anticipated as a big data grab. Email sign
up for more information. Volunteers needed between 10 am to 3 pm.
Economic Development Trends presentation at 7:30 pm at the DPW cafeteria on
Thursday, May 16. Melissa Tintocalis —Town Economic Development Director to speak
********************Review of Lexington Housing Trends
Demolition—requires a permit. Historic commission, asbestos/lead abatement certificate
before demolition can occur.
House prices —most housing built post WWII through 1960s. Inflection point— 1980s.
Vacant property vs. demolished homes
Homes built 1900 and earlier are also being torn down; unless in historic district. Wait a
year and then owner can tear down the house.
Homes are getting bigger; number of occupants is getting smaller
Need to be sensitive when imposing regulations because affects property values —
"someone's retirement savings"
Private deals —keeps houses off the market
Developers —proposed cost below market value
Realtors as "matchmakers": give names of developers; get to list the new house after
demolition; realtor makes much higher commission
Robust private sales of properties: how do we address this issue in the comprehensive
plan?
Assessor value: private vs. public sales
Market is deciding inventory. Big houses; high taxes; transitory population
Need to be careful with language as we describe housing
*****************Review of Lexington Transportation Trends
Discussion of private shuttles —could there be synergies between public/private
partnerships
***********************Approval of Minutes***********************
There was a vote to approve the minutes for the April 2 and April 30 meetings.
ACTION: on a motion duly made and seconded the committee voted to adjourn at
9:07pm. All approved.
Prepared by Stacey Beuttell