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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12-TAC-min.pdf May 12, 2026 Minutes Transportation Advisory Committee Town of Lexington, Massachusetts Location: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, the meeting was held remotely by Zoom teleconferencing session open to the public following updated guidance posted by the Office of the Attorney General in April 2025. Agenda: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-3935 Scheduled time: 7:30 pm Members Present: Kunal Botla (chair), Pamela Lyons (vice-chair), Sally Castleman, Keshav Krishna, Jay Luker, and Lance Bradley. A quorum was present throughout the meeting. All votes were taken by a roll call vote. Members Absent: Jeremy Bowman. Others Present: Mel Novner (Human Services & Transportation Department Assistant), Dana Bickelman (Human Services Director), Adi Nochur (Metropolitan Area Planning Council), Sudhir Jain (Council on Aging liaison). Kunal Botla called the meeting to order at 7:33 pm and read the remote meeting authorization statement. Mr. Botla confirmed attendance by roll call; all attending remotely. Call to Order & Public Comment No public comments were received by email or through the town website form. No members of the public offered comment. Mr. Botla noted the committee would move directly into the first substantive agenda item. Meeting Minutes This item was deferred. Parking and Transportation Requirements with Adi Nochur from MAPC Adi Nochur, Senior Transportation Planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), presented on parking utilization research and transportation demand management (TDM). Mr. Nochur noted that MAPC serves 101 cities and towns in the Greater Boston region and has conducted five phases of its "Perfect Fit Parking" research, studying overnight residential parking supply, demand, and utilization at more than 250 multifamily buildings across more than 22 municipalities. The full research, reports, datasets, and interactive tools are available at perfectfitparking.mapc.org. Mr. Nochur summarized the core finding across all five phases: parking supply consistently outpaces demand, meaning parking is overbuilt and underutilized throughout the region — including in more suburban communities. A statistical model developed by MAPC found that increased parking supply was the dominant factor associated with increased parking demand, with secondary factors including job accessibility by transit and the percentage of affordable units on site. Mr. Nochur described Phase 4 of the research, conducted with the West Metro Home Consortium, of which Lexington is a member. A small number of Lexington sites were surveyed; while data quality issues prevented their inclusion in the final analysis, the preliminary findings were consistent with the broader research, showing supply outpacing demand and utilization under two-thirds. He described Phase 5, a deep-dive collaboration with the City of Salem. Salem's previous parking minimum was 1.5 spaces per unit, yet surveyed sites were providing an average of 1.18 spaces per unit — and actual demand was lower still, at 0.85 spaces per unit. This work culminated in a 10-1 supermajority City Council vote eliminating parking minimums for new multifamily housing in Salem. The package also included a modest increase to Salem's inclusionary housing requirements and a new requirement for TDM plans as part of site plan review for multifamily developments. Salem was the first municipality to directly apply the Perfect Fit Parking methodology to inform zoning changes, with MAPC participating through ordinance drafting and community engagement. Mr. Nochur outlined MAPC's policy recommendations: shifting from parking minimums to parking maximums; reducing or eliminating parking minimums; unbundling parking costs from housing costs; and exploring shared parking and TDM strategies. He cited nearby peer examples, including Acton (which has implemented parking maximums and reduced minimums in certain zoning districts), Bedford (whose MBTA Communities district has no parking minimums), and Norwood (which reduced its parking requirement to just over one space per unit). He also noted that Lexington has been on the leading edge of TDM, having adopted a TDM policy in 1997 and a transportation management overlay district for the Hartwell Lab area in 2009. Mr. Nochur noted that MAPC is currently beginning a Phase 6 collaboration with Chelsea and is developing case studies for Salem, Acton, Everett, and Somerville. He offered to share follow-up resources including the Perfect Fit Parking reports, a lab and life sciences parking utilization study (which included some Lexington sites), a technical appendix on the statistical modeling, a TDM policy compilation, and a more detailed affordability breakdown of the Salem sites. He shared his email address in the meeting chat. Members asked questions and discussed the following: Ms. Castleman asked about the types of housing surveyed and the affordability breakdown of Salem sites. Mr. Nochur confirmed the sites were primarily privately developed rental or condominium buildings, and offered to provide a detailed breakdown as a follow-up. He noted that more than 50% of Salem households own one car or fewer, yet the prior parking requirement was 1.5 spaces per unit. Mr. Luker asked about parking maximums, noting that some Lexington developments are building more parking than the minimum requirement and expressing interest in both discouraging excess parking and potentially capturing a fee on spaces built in excess of a defined maximum. Mr. Nochur confirmed that Acton, Boston, and Somerville have all implemented parking maximums in certain contexts. He also noted that in Salem, the working group ultimately chose full elimination rather than a partial reduction, reasoning that any reduced minimum would be just as arbitrary as the original. Mr. Luker expressed support for that reasoning. Mr. Luker asked whether MAPC has studied parking utilization for non-multifamily residential (i.e., single-family or two-family homes). Mr. Nochur said this has not been a focus of MAPC's research to date, though Salem is beginning to consider it as a next step. Mr. Bradley asked how MAPC measured the statistical correlation between parking supply and demand. Mr. Nochur explained that MAPC's data services team developed a multivariate statistical model and offered to confirm whether a technical appendix explaining the methodology is available on the Perfect Fit Parking website. Mr. Bradley asked about the walkability context of the studied sites and whether parking policy recommendations account for whether residents can realistically access daily needs on foot. Mr. Nochur said MAPC's recommendations are broad in principle, and that cities and towns tend to tailor them to local contexts — including zoning district, density, and transit access. Ms. Castleman asked whether MAPC has studied parking at lab and life sciences facilities, which are prevalent in Lexington. Mr. Nochur confirmed that MAPC and the Boston Region MPO conducted such a study, finding similar trends — required parking far exceeded actual utilization — and that some Lexington sites may have been included. He offered to share the report. He noted that pressure from lenders and investors remains a significant barrier to parking reduction, as financiers often require developers to demonstrate adequate parking as a condition of loans. Ms. Castleman asked how TDM is defined. Mr. Nochur described it as a broad umbrella term for measures that reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and provide more multimodal transportation options. Mr. Botla asked whether communities have pursued TDM and parking reform together. Mr. Nochur said yes, citing Everett's TDM point system and Boston's mobility score system as examples of linking parking requirements to developer transportation commitments. Mr. Botla thanked Mr. Nochur and indicated the committee would be in touch as the conversation continues. Mr. Nochur's slides will be shared with committee members. Lexpress Route Changes Mel Novner, Transportation Coordinator, presented proposed route changes for Lexpress, with Dana Bickelman, Human Services Director, also present. The stated goals of the changes are to serve more riders, improve connectivity to MBTA and LRTA services, avoid congested areas with low ridership, and update schedules to reflect current traffic conditions. The last major schedule revision was in 2021. Mx. Novner summarized the proposed changes by route: Route A — No routing changes; minor schedule timing adjustments only. Route B — Stops added, with no loss of existing service. The proposed change formalizes existing deviations already made 3 to 5 times daily, serving the Third Avenue area near Wegmans and other office complexes. This area is also served by the MBTA Route 350, which was recently improved, and the formalization will improve connectivity. Going in front of H Mart on the inbound trip is also proposed, which would additionally serve the Staybridge Hotel area. Formalizing the route will add these stops to the Google Transit feed, making them visible for trip planning. Route C — The largest changes. Two options are presented: ● Option 1 (preferred): Using the Arlington Heights busway for turnaround, then routing via Lillian Road and Bow Street (restoring service to that corridor) rather than the current path through the congested Lowell Street/Park Street/Park Avenue extension area. The route would return via Liberty Heights, Peacock Farm Road, and Mason Street rather than Pleasant Street, avoiding heavy traffic at the Pleasant/Mass Ave intersection. Wilson Farm would no longer be served by Lexpress, as the stop there is no longer accessible and the area retains MBTA service. Option 1 requires a signed lease agreement with the private leasing agent for the Arlington Heights busway. The MBTA has verbally approved use, but the contract has not yet been executed despite months of follow-up. ● Option 2 (contingency): Identical to Option 1 except using Paul Revere Road for turnaround instead of the Arlington Heights busway, if the contract cannot be executed in time. Mx. Novner noted that Route C currently has the lowest ridership and that several former regular riders in the Lillian/Bow Street area stopped riding when that service was removed; they have already been in contact with some of those individuals. The communication plan for the changes includes onboard signs, automated announcements, app notifications, email campaigns to past passholders, outreach to frequent user groups such as Indian Americans of Lexington, social media (Facebook and Instagram), physical mailings, flyers at sales locations, and a sandwich board at Depot Square. The projected timeline is: publicity launch following Select Board approval, pass renewals beginning in June, and new schedules effective July 6. In response to questions: Mr. Botla asked about a previously discussed option to route Route C via Marrett Road to serve the high school and community center. Mx. Novner said they had evaluated the timing and found it adds 3 minutes at best and 8 minutes at other times; they recommended deferring that change and evaluating it in a future year. Mr. Botla asked about the continued use of the A1/A2 route designation. Mx. Novner explained that the A2 segment does not originate at Depot Square, so the combined designation helps explain to riders that both are sections of the same route. They acknowledged this is something that could be revisited in future years. Mr. Botla asked whether the 128 Business Council's design resources could be used for new route maps and materials. Mx. Novner confirmed that is their plan, pending route finalization. Ms. Castleman asked whether anyone losing service had been contacted. Mx. Novner noted that in practice very few active riders are losing service; the most significant change affects Liberty Heights riders connecting to Arlington Heights directly. They have spoken with the most frequently affected rider. They also noted that Transportation Manager Susan Barrett had conducted public outreach meetings and rider surveys as part of the process. Ms. Castleman suggested that State Representative Michelle Ciccolo or another member of the legislative delegation might be able to help move the Arlington Heights busway lease agreement forward, given that the private leasing agent has been unresponsive. Mr. Botla said he would reach out to the full delegation. Mr. Bradley asked what ridership increase is expected from the changes. Mx. Novner said they do not have a specific number, as Lexpress lacks automated passenger counting; the changes are based on observation, driver reports, and known rider patterns. Members discussed the potential for a fourth bus, noting that the current contract allows for it. Mr. Botla expressed a desire to continue that conversation. Mx. Novner said they and town staff have thought about what a fourth vehicle could enable — including potential on-demand service — but deferred detailed planning to whoever steps into the Transportation Manager role, which is currently being recruited. Vote: Mr. Botla moved to recommend the proposed Lexpress route changes as presented to the Select Board, with a strong preference for Option 1 of Route C. Ms. Lyons seconded. The motion passed 6–0 by roll-call vote (Ms. Lyons, Ms. Castleman, Mr. Luker, Mr. Krishna, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Botla in favor). Planning Board/Zoning Board Applications and Policies Mr. Botla presented a proposed development at 439 Marrett Road — 13 ownership units with 24 parking spaces — which is adjacent to a previously reviewed development at 419 Marrett Road. The development is approximately 0.3 miles from the Lexpress Route A and is located on MBTA Route 76. The structure features open under-building parking on the ground floor, with additional surface spaces to the north. Mr. Botla proposed making the same recommendations to the Planning Board as were made for 419 Marrett Road: ask the developer to install or fund a bus shelter along Route 76 on town property where possible; encourage MBTA and Lexpress use and provide informational materials and a Lexpress pass to residents; make an annual contribution to the TDM Fund; reconsider the number of surface parking spaces; include unbundled parking deeds; and reference the Perfect Fit Parking methodology in evaluating the appropriate amount of parking. Members briefly discussed the TDM Fund contribution structure. Mr. Botla noted that because these are ownership units, the contribution would likely be negotiated as a one-time or multi-year schedule rather than a strictly annual commitment, and that the Planning Board and planning staff manage the specific negotiation. He also noted that specifying a dollar amount in the committee's comments risks anchoring the negotiation below what the developer might otherwise offer. Vote: Mr. Botla moved to approve the committee's comments on the 439 Marrett Road application as presented. Ms. Castleman seconded. The motion passed 5–0 by roll-call vote (Ms. Castleman, Mr. Krishna, Mr. Luker, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Botla in favor; Ms. Lyons was temporarily away from her computer). Liaison Reports Council on Aging Sudhir Jain reported the following: ● A meet-and-greet with the COA Board is scheduled for June 3, 1:30–2:30 pm, to share current initiatives and priorities supporting older adults. ● COA Board members are visiting senior villages as part of an "on the road" outreach effort. A recurring theme from seniors is a need for improved on-demand transportation, with interest in services similar to Uber and Lyft. ● Lexington has been officially designated a Housing Choice Community, a designation valid for five years that confers eligibility for the Housing Choice Grant Program and priority points for MassWorks, MassDOT Capital Programs, MassDOT Complete Streets, PARC, and Lend Grant programs. ● The COA is exploring a Home Modification Program. Two members met with Wendy Menz and Affordable Housing Trust Chair Ellen Tung to discuss a state grant program offering 0% interest deferred payment loans of $1,000–$50,000 for home modifications improving accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly residents. Littleton has previously received this grant. ● A senior dance event is planned for Sunday, October 4, 2:00–5:00 pm at Revolution Hall (capacity 100), with a $25 admission fee, sponsored by the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and others. Transportation Manager / Town Staff Ms. Bickelman reported that interviews for the Transportation Manager position are underway, with four interviews scheduled for Thursday, May 14. She expressed satisfaction with the number and quality of applicants, crediting committee members' outreach to their networks. Mx. Novner announced that May is Bike Walk and Bus Month. Events are listed at LexBikeWalkBus.org. Highlights include a breakfast on the bikeway, a Fix-a-Flat clinic, and an Intro to Bike Maintenance session. A bike rodeo the prior Saturday was cancelled due to rain; a fall rescheduling is being considered. No reports were received from the Select Board, Planning Board, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Transportation Safety Group, Greenway Corridors, or Student Liaison. Chair's Update and Next Meeting Date Mr. Botla announced the next regular meeting will be June 9, the second Tuesday in June. Adjournment Mr. Botla moved to adjourn at 9:07 pm. Ms. Castleman seconded. The motion to adjourn passed 6–0 by roll-call vote (Ms. Lyons, Ms. Castleman, Mr. Luker, Mr. Krishna, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Botla in favor). Documents Referenced 1. Agenda, Transportation Advisory Committee, Town of Lexington 2. MAPC Perfect Fit Parking presentation (Adi Nochur, MAPC) — to be circulated by Mr. Botla 3. Proposed Lexpress Route Change maps (Mel Novner, Town of Lexington) 4. 439 Marrett Road development documents, on file with the Town Respectfully submitted, Kunal Botla, Chair