Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-21-EDAC-min.docxEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes July, 21, 2026 Members present: Rick DeAngelis, Sam Ang, Charlie Minasian, David Pronchick, Mitch Tyson, Justin Fleming, Adrienne Ortyl Members absent: Steve Kaufman, Jingshi Li Staff Present: Jay Abdella, Interim Economic Development Director Cynthia Nelson, Planning Coordinator Liaisons: Doug Lucente, Select Board Liaison Lin Jensen, Planning Board Liaison Quorum Chair DeAngelis announced quorum at 8:31am. Justin Fleming arrived at 8:33am, Adrienne Ortyl arrived at 8:35am and Lin Jensen arrived at 8:46am. Vote on June Minutes June minutes were approved unanimously by roll call. Town Annual Report: EDAC Section Interim Economic Development Director Jay Abdella discussed the approaching deadline for the Annual Town Report which is due on September 14'x'. Mr. Abdella gave an overview of the report, explaining that each Committee provides a section about the work they did in the past fiscal year, and any highlights of the Committee. He asked that for the next meeting, that it will be in person so the group can take a committee photo. Mr. Abdella said he will talk to Chair DeAngelis offline about formatting. Mr. DeAngelis offered the group to take the picture in front of the 250 arch by the Town Office Building at the next scheduled date of Tuesday, August 1811. Mr. Abdella said he would book the Parker Room as a backup location. Discussion: Future Committee Trips The committee discussed locations of where members would want to visit, including MBTA housing sites on 17 and 7 Hartwell Ave and MIT Lincoln Labs. Committee member Dave Pronchick volunteered to coordinate dates with Lincoln Labs. The committee also discussed taking a walking tour through Lexington Center to view outstanding vacancies. Mr. Tyson asked Mr. Abdella to see if he can list the current outstanding vacancies in the Center for the Committee. Chair DeAngelis said he would pay for coffee for the group. Mr. Ortyl mentioned that the Economic Development Advisory Committee should include the Center Committee on the walkthrough. Mr. Abdella said he would reach out to the Center Committee to coordinate a meeting. Economic Development Office Update: Mr. Abdella went through a list of current updates of Lexington Center including: • Gallery House space: property owner close to signing a lease • Via Lago building: Eversource permit granted to boost electrical capacity, resolving a prior roadblock for new restaurant tenants; work should start soon. • 1720 Massachusetts Avenue (former Wales/stationery space): new ownership (Somerville -based, one owner is a Lexington resident) planning renovations, not demolition; also pursuing Eversource utility consolidation. • Former salon space (Paul Mamola's, now sold): approximately 1,550 sq ft on two levels, fully renovated, first -floor accessible bathroom; the town has already referred prospective tenants to Concord Property Management. • 7 Depot Square (former Lexington Liquors/toy store): being converted into "Commune," an all -day cafe/restaurant; going through Historic District Commission permitting in August. • Merritt Rd./Waltham St. (former Dunkin' Donuts): renovation underway for a new Dunkin' + Jimmy John's; currently in the ZBA process. • Staffing changes: Sandhya (Economic Development) is leaving after 6 years for a nonprofit executive director role in Cambridge; her position has been posted. Assistant Town Manager for Development Carol Kowalski is also retiring in September. Chair DeAngelis and Mr. Tyson both asked Mr. Abdella if he was interested in the Economic Development Director position. Mr. Abdella stated that he will see if he applies. Chair DeAngelis discusses having potential speakers come in for fall including Representative Michelle Ciccolo for an update about economic development at the state level. He also mentions Mike Kennealy as a person to join for a meeting in the fall. Further discussion included broader collaboration with MIT Lincoln Labs, which has dated back since the 1980s. Chair DeAngelis asked Mr. Lucente for an update from the Select Board. Mr. Lucente echoed the departures of Sandhya Iyer and Carol Kowalski and reaffirmed the importance of economic development in Lexington. He also discussed the recent conversations about trash, and encouraged residents to attend one of five trash meetings to speak about their opinions. Mr. Lucente agreed about doing a joint meeting with the Center Committee, and said that doing two committees at once would be good. He also mentioned that budget session was starting and that the fall would be busy. Chair DeAngelis reaffirmed that the joint meeting was a good idea. Mr. Lucente mentioned the next meeting for the Center Committee is Thursday, August 13. Discussion occurred regarding whether Center and EDAC can do it on Tuesday the 18'x'. Mr. Abdella said he would reach out to Chair Michelson. Mr. Tyson asked whether former Economic Development Director Sandhya Iyer would be interested in coming back to speak to the Committee from her experiences. The committee asked Mr. Abdella to reach out to her for a timeline. Chair DeAngelis asked Mr. Abdella if he had any other updates. Mr. Abdella mentioned the success of the Lexington Soccer Celebration and gave a shoutout to committee member Sam Ang for his assistance and Lexington United Soccer Club. Other partners including Grace Chapel and Olivia Kelley from the Chamber of Commerce to create more opportunities and partnerships. He mentioned that small businesses benefited immensely from the foot traffic in the Center including Spirit of India, Liberty Sweets and Rancatores. Discussion occurred around cost of equipment, financial analysis of jumbotron usage, economic return from visitors to Lexington. Other event ideas included: • Movie nights on the Visitor Center lawn • Outdoor concerts • Family game night with tables and games • Bringing in high school performance groups • Possible future events: Women's World Cup, Olympics, Red Sox World Series, Patriots games Adj oumment Chair DeAngelis asked for a motion to adjourn. Sam Ang motioned and Adrienne Ortyl seconded it. Motion was passed unanimously. The next meeting is expected to be August 18, pending final coordination with the Center Committee's schedule.