HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-12-LCC-min Town of Lexington
Lexington Center Committee
Draft minutes for the meeting of November 12, 2020.
Committee Members: Michael Boudett, Katherine Huang, Frederic
Johnson, Howard Levin, Pamela Lyons, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson
(chair), Pamela Shadley
Liaisons: Frank Smith, Capital Expenditures Committee, Casey Hagerty,
Economic Development Department, Sandra Shaw, Council on Aging,
Dawn McKenna, Tourism Committee, Joe Pato (informally) Select Board,
Guests: Erin Sandler-Rathe, Chamber of Commerce, Chief Mark Corr,
Lexington Police Department, Upasna Chalabra, Artwalk Committee,
Melanie Tanionos
The meeting began at 8:35 am and was held remotely pursuant to
Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 order suspending certain provisions of
G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and subsequent relevant orders.
Jerry Michelson gave the DPW update: Some lights in Depot Square have
been replaced, still waiting on others. The Center Streetscape going out for
bid this winter. Construction should begin right after Patriot's Day, 2021.
The holiday lights are going up soon.
Casey Hagerty gave the Economic Development update: Stretch-Med,
which literally stretches you, is going into the Goodfeet space. They are
advertising for a Lexington franchise owner. Not fully done with
permitting. Sanyo might be returning to the Center — it's sort of hibernating
right now. A bread bakery might be coming in. Outdoor dining permits
have been extended to the end of the year. The skating rink is not coming
to Fletcher Park this winter.
Innessa Manning and Jerry gave a post-mortem on Artwalk. Much of the
art is being stored in the Visitors Center. Arlington used only one color for
the barriers (Lexington used two colors) and this seemed better visually.
The initiative was generally well-received. Dawn McKenna mentioned
feedback that while the function was good, the actual barriers were
"ugly." Somerville used pallets. Erin Sandler-Bathe said that some
pedestrians found the barriers difficult to navigate and there were some
accessibility issues. In response to Mike Boudett's question as to whose job
it is to coordinate feedback it turns out that the Economic Development
Department would work with DPW and the Police Department and then
get approval from the Select Board for next spring.
More EDD news: Omar's has pulled a permit for the entire space in
Vinebrook Tavern. They will be serving food and expanding their business.
Omar's hopes to open in their new space in spring, 2020.
The secretary experienced technical difficulties in accessing the meeting
from 8:59 to 9:11 and was unable to let anyone know so there's a bit of a
notetaking gap here.
Chief Corr told us that the parking meter heads on Mass Ave need an
upgrade within the next year because the software (?) currently used will
no longer be supported. Jerry urged us to stay with meters along Mass
Ave. Dawn noted how it is very difficult to get round the Center in a
wheelchair.
The Center Committee voted 8 to 0 to recommend to the Select Board that
the parking meters on Mass Ave be upgraded and defer action on the
parking lots to a future date.
Jerry reminded us that "Small Business Saturday" is coming up. Casey
noted that they were in the process of revamping the Economic
Development website for the holidays — noting especially what is, and isn't,
open.
Dawn noted that, most unfortunately, the Visitors Center closed at 2 on
Veterans Day. The weather was good and Dawn observed people trying to
get in. (No reason was given for the closing at 2.) (Secretary frozen out of
meeting again for 2 minutes.)
Sandra Shaw described a COA initiative where businesses would offer an
assortment of services including curbside pickups; touchless payments;
telephone shopping assistance; senior shopping house and discounts.
These services would be advertised in the Sage with the intention that
seniors would feel more comfortable shopping in the Center.
Dawn discussed "cultural tourism" marketing to people who are Town
residents.
Joe mentioned Vision Zero.
Jerry reminded us to be careful and vigilant. And with that the meeting
adjourned at 9:44 am.
Our next meeting will be held on December 101h