HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-08-LCC-min Town of Lexington
Lexington Center Committee
Center Committee members in attendance: Michael Boudett, Katherine
Huang (arriving at 9:12 am), Frederic Johnson, Howard Levin, Pamela
Lyons, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson (Chair), Pamela Shadley
Liaisons: Jill Hai, Select Board, Bob Creech, Planning Board, Frank Smith,
Capital Expenditures Committee, Casey Hagerty, Economic Development
Coordinator, Dave Pinsonneault, Department of Public Works, Sandra
Shaw, Council on Aging, Erin Sandler, Chamber of Commerce
This meeting of October 8, 2020, beginning about 8:30 am was held
pursuant to Governor Baker's executive order of March 12, 2020,
suspending certain provisions of G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and subsequent
related orders.
Dave Pinsonneault gave the DPW update: The street barriers and parklet
will come down the week of November 1. More cleaning is underway due
to leaves and there was enhanced sidewalk washing to address bird peep
ro pin s over the summer. Holiday lights are going up the week before
Thanksgiving. About 160 households were still without power due to last
night's brief but intense storm. Phase One of the Streetscape Project,
encompassing the area from the Police Station to Merriam Street, is due to
begin next spring. One or two dedicated construction ' ana ers
will be hired to ensure that construction specifications are met and the
needs of the retail community are addressed. The design is almost 100%
complete. Construction will take place April-November 2021 and 2022.
There will be as much nightwork as possible to minimize disruption to
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businesses. Dave noted his outreach to the Chamber of Commerce,
Tourism and Disability Commissions. The project emphasizes safety for
vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. There will be new lighting - glare and
blind spots will be corrected.
Dave revealed that the long-settled agreed upon location of a center MBTA
bus stop had been moved. Members of the committee expressed concern
about the rationale, whether there was adequate vVit.hout notice of the
VLQposed chap e, and Offle wwhether anyone with-relevant bus
-
experience or knowledge was involved in the decision. T'*,T reas.-H+-was
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The new location is in front of Panera
which does provide an alcove for shelter.
Dave noted that the bike node is, finally, owned by the Town. DPW
intends to bid this out over the winter with construction to take place in
2021. The node will contain bike parking, new landscaping, seating and
eventually a kiosk.
Jerry inquired about the wash from the Grant Street path to Edison Way.
Pam Shadley and Dave will discuss this tricky location.
Casey informed us that Zagster was out of business and she was engaged
in outreach for another bike rental provider. Revolve is gone and Firefly
Moon is closing„ and Sanyo might be closing as well. A dry cleaner might
be going into the Revolve space. Omar's has a building permit to do work
in the old Vinebrook Tavern location. AThe committee expressed concern
whether a bank or real estate office could move into Omar's current space
due to the spot zoning for the Lexington Place condo building and its
storefronts.
Howard noted that now (and always) would be a good time to really look
at zoning in the Center and we would need to work with Planning. Jill
noted that lots of work is going on in Planning and that the SPRD
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Committee has some mixed use ideas for the Center. She urged
coordination between the Center Committee and SPRD.
Casey inquired as to when we should restart enforcing the parking meters.
Pam Shadley suggested having parking remain unenforced through
January 151h. The Center Committee voted 8 to 0 to support continuing
non-enforcement of parking fees through January 151h.
Fred told us that he is on a zoning working group to make public spaces
more welcoming. By way of example he noted the fences at Fletcher Park
make that space unwelcoming. Fred also discussed the long-term plans for
Hartwell Avenue and encouraged us not to fear development there. The
Center has been successful in the face of other developments in Town.
The Center Committee voted 7 to 0 to approve the minutes of the
September 3, 2020 meeting.
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