HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-21-EDAC-min (DRAFT).docxTown of Lexington
April 21, 2026, Economic Development Advisory Committee Remote Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Rick DeAngelis, Charlie Minasian, Justin Fleming, Sam Ang, Mitch Tyson, Adrienne
Ortyl, Steven Kaufman
Members Absent: David Pronchick, Jingshi Hu
Town Staff: Sandhya Iyer
Select Board Liaisons: Doug Lucente, Vineeta Kumar
Vote on EDAC March 26, 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Committee voted unanimously to approve the March 26 meeting minutes without any
corrections.
Discussion: Lexington Center Vacancies
The Committee focused on several major vacancies in the Center including Via Lago,
Signature Stationers, and further discussion over the impending closure of Wales Copy Shop
on April 30th. Economic Development and Tourism Director Sandhya Iyer provided context
on how Via Lago and Signature Stationers faced infrastructure deficits, including a lack of
ADA compliance and insufficient electrical capacity. Director Iyer also noted that the issues
would require significant capital investment to fix, impacting the ability to lease the space.
Further discussion centered on property owner dynamics and building conditions. Select
Board liaison Doug Lucente noted that the Town holds quarterly landlord/business
roundtables, and mentioned that there was no one key reason for vacancies, or one single
solution. He also discussed the impact of higher taxes in Lexington Center contributed to the
competitiveness issue. Mr. Lucente discussed the idea of having a summit to bring people
together. Mr. Tyson asked whether the Town could provide tax abatements to property
owners to ease the financial repairs. Mr. Tyson followed up about the longevity of the Venue
Movie Theater. Director Iyer informed the committee that the property owners have
informed her that the rent they are paying is from the 1970s. She also discussed the Red
Building, and the realities of that space's zone not being frozen for a mixed -used
development. Director Iyer mentioned the pros and cons of redeveloping the parcel rather
than investing money in multiple repairs. Discussion turned to EDAC involvement in
Property Owner/Small business roundtables. Director Iyer spoke about how these spaces
provide a space for property owners and businesses to speak their mind without being
placed in a negative light by the public. She mentioned that property owners have come to
her and raised concerns about being framed in a negative light due to public sentiment.
Director Iyer focused on progress with filling vacancies including new spaces coming in to
where the former Webster Bank location and Lexington Liquors used to be. Mr. Minasian,
discussed his own experience of being a landlord and what he does with his tenants. He
discussed that landlords need to invest in tenant improvement allowances, rather than
expect the burden of building out a space to fall on the tenant. Additional discussion
included having brokers come speak to EDAC, Center Committee, and Small Business
Roundtables, having more affordable dining in the Center, especially in the evening, and
recruiting popular brand names into the Center. Mr. Tyson raised the idea of bringing food
trucks to Lexington Center. Ms. Ortyl asked whether Lexington could do food festivals,
similar to Discovery Day. Chair DeAngelis inquired about whether Lexington has a fund to
subsidize a food day. Mr. Lucente said no. Discussion ended and moved onto MBTA Housing.
Senior Housing and MBTA Communities Update
Director Iyer provided an update about the following multifamily housing parcels:
475 Bedford —Just approved by the Planning Board for multifamily housing
17 Hartwell — Construction in progress
16 Clarke — coming up to the Planning Board, and will be looked at. Director Iyer said she
could provide plans
Mr. Minasian asked about Karma and why they have not opened in Lexington. Director Iyer
mentioned that after going through Historic District Commission and permitting authorities,
they have gone radio silent. Mr. Minasian noted that he knew the owner and offered to
reach out to him directly.
Business Toolkit Discussion
Chair DeAngelis lauded Planning Director Abby McCabe and staff for their work and efforts
to those seeking permits for development. He discussed how some regulations are bound
by timeframes within the bylaws and cannot be overwritten. Mr. Tyson discussed seeing
how some permitting can be expedited. Mr. DeAngelis mentioned looking at differences
between major and minor site plan review. Mr. Tyson asked about progress from Director
Iyer. Director Iyer spoke about a delay as staff capacity was tied up with Patriots' Day
Celebrations. Further discussion ensued about Mitch Tyson and Sam Ang meeting with
Economic Development staff to set up a meeting on the Toolkit. Chair DeAngelis remarked
about the need to switch out the photo of Jim Malloy, the previous Town Manager with
current Town Manager Steve Bartha, and asked for a meeting to be set up to work on the
Toolkit.
Economic Development Office Updates:
Director lyer highlighted that neighboring towns including Bedford and Burlington are
offering Tax increment Financing to attract commercial tenants, while Lexington does not.
She invited EDAC to weigh in on whether Lexington should consider similar tools, noting the
commercial real estate market appears to be recovering more broadly.
Select Board Liaison Vineeta Kumar commented on meeting Chair DeAngelis to learn more
about EDAC and pushed the Committee to present to the Select Board as an advisory group
with actionable items and proposals. Chair DeAngelis agreed and said that they should
discuss as a committee to discuss key agenda goals. Liaison Lucente mentioned that he
posted the Select Board goals for FY26-FY27 and mentioned Liaison Kumar is the champion
of the Economic Vitality goals. Ms. Kumar mentioned that Mr. Lucente's financial goals are
directly tied to economic vitality.
Chair DeAngelis asked Director lyer for the next meeting time. She responded that the third
Tuesday of the month for May 19th at 8:30am. Chair DeAngelis moved to adjourn and Mr.
Tyson seconded. Motion was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 10:02 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jay Abdella, Scribe