HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-19-EDAC-min Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)
Minutes of Meeting June 19, 2019
A meeting of the EDAC was held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. in the Parker Room of the
Town Office Building.
Members Present: John McWeeney, Chair; Narain Bhatia, Vice Chair; Sig Tullman; George Burnell;
Charlie Minasian; Rick DeAngelis; Jill Hai, BOS liaison; Charles Hornig, Planning Board liaison
Staff Present: Melisa Tintocalis and Casey Hagerty
MEETING MINUTES
1. Minutes
a. The committee moved to approve minutes of the May 15, 2019 meeting
2. Commercial Solar Panel Ordinance Discussion
a. Tom Wu and Sven Amirian joined the EDAC meeting via a conference call to discuss applications and
mechanics of solar. Tom and Sven work for Invaleon Solar Technologies a solar company
recommended as a resource by EDAC member, Charlie Minasian.The goal of the conference call was
for the committee members to gather information that would inform a possible zoning amendment
that would require new commercial buildings in Lexington to include solar in their developments.
b. The members discussed the location of solar panels and the advantages and disadvantages on roof
tops, parking structures, and/or surface parking lots.
c. Casey Hagerty reported that Conservation Commission had concerns with solar canopy impact on
wetlands and storm water runoff. Rick DeAngelis recommended that the committee engage with
Karen Mullins,the Town's Conservation Director for her perspective.
d. Tom and Sven discussed the options for solar financing including purchasing the solar equipment
directly to own or through a lease agreement.They reported the tax incentives and return on
investment as it related to ownership. Mark Sandeen stated that there's a federal tax credit of 30%
on the cost of solar installation and accelerated depreciation schedule on a solar asset. Rick stated
that REITs do not benefit from tax credits.
e. Charles Hornig recommended removing impediments that exist within the current zoning for solar
installation.
f. Jill Hai suggested forming a working group to advance a proposal, however,the members generally
agreed more information would be necessary. EDO staff added that Ben Myers from Boston
Properties would be able to participate at the next EDAC meeting as an additional resource.
3. Planning Board Discussion
a. Charles Hornig reported on the status of a few projects:
i. 7 Hartwell—the Russian School of Math is seeking to amend the zoning of their property
and to request a change from the current CD zoning to a CSX zoning designation
ii. 186 Bedford—the Planning Board had an informal hearing scheduled with the proponents
iii. 55-56 Watertown Street
iv. 91 Hartwell Street—a solar installation project was moving forward
v. 3 Maguire—the food hall project has received its building permit
b. Mark Sandeen added that the owner of the Quality Inn is considering the redevelopment of the
existing hotel and is in concept stage for redevelopment of the site
c. Casey Hagerty reported that the Center Committee is exploring limiting ATMs as a use in the Center
Business district and that Bank of America's project to abandon their underground parking was
moving forward.
d. Jill Hai reported that the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen would be planning for a joint
meeting to discuss process and projects.
4. Review next steps regarding Hartwell Ave Project
a. Melisa Tintocalis reported that she and Ted Brovitz, the contracted zoning consultant, had
scheduled a series of Hartwell stakeholder meetings for the end of June. In addition, she reported
that the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Mike Kennealy was scheduled to meet
with property owners Hartwell on September 5, 2019 from 9am-11am; location was yet unknown.
5. Status of Comprehensive Plan
a. Melisa reported that the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee would be reviewing the data
presented at the Economic Development Trends report on June 25th