HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-02-TAC-min DRAFT--Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
March 2, 2020
5:00 p.m. Town Office Building, Parker Room
Members Present: Sally Castleman, Co-Chair; Sara Arnold; Pamela Lyons, Vinita Verma
Members Absent: Hank Manz, Co-Chair; Elaine Dratch
Liaisons: Sudhir Jain, COA
Staff: Susan Barrett
Guests: Kevin Johnson, Town Meeting Member, South Lexington Association, Richard Canale,
Planning Board; and Member of Sustainable Lexington Committee
Public Comment: There were no public comments other than those associated with items
included on the agenda.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and 1050 Waltham Street: Ms. Castleman
reviewed the letter that she had shared with the Select Board (SB) on February 24th regarding
the TDM proposal that the Town is negotiating with Greatland, developers at 1050 Waltham St.
She wanted to update the SB at their meeting tonight, providing additional TAC input.
Using the most recent draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town and
Greatland, there was discussion about the measures identified in the draft MOU. It was noted
that the developer needs to have a transportation coordinator, who manages implementation of
the MOU, and transportation amenities, such as designated parking for those who carpool,
bicycle racks, and sidewalks. Regarding a lump-sum payment that is being negotiated for
traffic/transportation, it was noted that the developer would not control whether the funds go into
the Transportation Demand Management Fund or the Traffic Mitigation Fund. This would be
determined by the Town Manager and the SB.
After input from Mr. Canale and Mr. Johnson and considerable discussion about other TDM
agreements and the need for measures to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles (SOVs),
a motion was made and seconded asking Ms. Castleman to urge the SB to support the
following:
• Shuttle service between Alewife Station and the development site with a provision that,
at least on a trial basis, it would serve Lexington residents on the reverse commute for a
nominal fee;
• Tenants be required to provide, or 100% reimburse employees for, MBTA passes or
comparable non-automobile transportation passes/fees;
• A written measurable plan to reduce SOV use by at least 15% to be submitted as part of
the MOU;
• An annual contribution of more than $5,000, with an annual CPI adjustment, to be
specified for the operational costs of Lexpress or a comparable transportation service.
VOTE: 4-0
FY2021 Lexpress Routes: While Ms. Castleman attended the SB meeting for about 15
minutes, Ms. Barrett provided information on potential routes for the coming school year. When
Ms. Castleman returned, these were reviewed and discussed.
Next Meeting: it was agreed to meet on March 12 at 5 p.m., with an agenda focusing on
Lexpress routes.
Transportation Update: Ms. Barrett reported on her efforts to work with the schools on the
potential for collaboratively addressing transportation issues. She has received copies of the
school department bus contracts. She is meeting with the 128 Business Council on Wednesday
and is meeting with Town staff to document all past TDM agreements.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted, Sara Arnold
Approved
Materials presented at the meeting:
Agenda for meeting
Draft MOU between Greatland and the Town, Date?
Letter from TAC to the SB regarding potential MOU with Greatlands, developers of 1050
Waltham Street, February 24, 2020
1050 Waltham Street Development & South Lexington commercial development:
mitigation and transportation; Richard Canale, March 2, 2020
Emailed Memo from Steve Heinrick to SB, Planning, Transportation, James Malloy,
Carol Kowalski; Subject: Employee transit subsidies were reduced for 1050 Waltham
Street; March 2, 2020