HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-07-LCC-minTown of Lexington
Lexington Center Committee
Draft Minutes for the meeting of Friday, August 7, 2020, 9:08 am.
The meeting was held remotely pursuant to Governor Baker’s executive order dated
March 12, 2020 suspending certain provisions of G.L. c. 30A, section 20.
Center Committee members: Michael Boudett, Frederic Johnson, Howard Levin,
Pamela Lyons, Innessa Manning, Jerold Michelson, chair, Pamela Shadley
Liaisons: Jill Hai, Select Board, Frank Smith, Capital Expenditures Committee, Casey
Hagerty, Economic Development Office, Sandra Shaw, Council on Aging, Sandhya Iyer,
Economic Development Director
Jerry Michelson gave the Department of Public Works update: there’s an assortment of
maintenance items that needed to be addressed in the Center. However, Jill Hai noted
that Hurricane Isaias had created a lot of tree work so DPW is busy catching up with
that work first.
Vacancies in the Center include the Bulpan, Goodfeet and Hair Cuttery locations.
Revolve went out recently. The Chamber of Commerce had an exit interview with
Revolve and Casey will inquire as to that. Revolve has a number of locations in other
Towns. Convisor, which handles commercial real estate is going into the Compass
space. Jerry will be in touch with the owner and invite him to meet with the Center
Committee. Vinebrook Tavern was bought by the owners of Omars. They are looking
into having virtual gaming and snacks on the first floor and housing on the second
floor.
The Select Board endorsed the 20 mph speed zone in the Center. This will go into effect
after “some government activity.”
Sandhya summarized the EDO plans for implementing the Shared Streets grant. Jersey
barriers and signs will go up creating more space for outdoor dining. EDO has
coordinated the DPW regarding appropriate locations on Mass. Ave. Is any of this space
available for retail? Via Lago would prefer to keep the parking spaces as they are using
tables on the sidewalk. However, Royal India Bistro and Abbott’s would like more
outdoor seating. Howard inquired as to the benefits of the time and effort devoted to
this given that we are approaching fall. Innessa let us know about high school students
who are interested in displaying or creating art on the barriers.
Pam Shadley pointed out that the parklet is not much used this summer , perhaps due
to excessive number of chairs present where there are only two tables(due to removal of
tables for social distancing.) Jerry noted that Grain Mill Alley gets more use when there
are fewer chairs. Casey noted that additional tables and chairs at the Visitors Center
were getting a lot of use. Fred asked if Dabin is seeking additional outdoor space for
seating. Sandhya is rolling out this program is phases and will look into demand at
Muzzey Street and East Lexington. Dave Pinsonnealt (DPW) had some concerns in East
Lexington (not our purview anyway) about placing Town equipment on private
property.
We digressed a bit into an overview into businesses using outdoor areas in other parts
of town. Sandhya noted that the goal is to provide space quickly on an equitable basis
and use the current permitting structure. Given its maintenance needs Emory Park is
not a suitable location. Hastings Park (not under out jurisdiction) and Fletcher Park
(yes, ours) are permitted through the Town Manager’s Office. Jill asked Casey to draft a
request to the TM for use of these locations. There is some concern that the TM’s office
does not now have the administrative capability to handle this.
Howard asked us to consider having Mass Ave go down to two lanes, just one in each
direction, and allow all Center businesses to use the opened up space.
Jerry alerted us to the Special Town Meeting beginning in October where the Financial
Services article (brought by Charles Hornig) would be brought forward. Mike said that
he and Howard had discussed this with Charles who accepted some of their
suggestions and urged us to follow and support this article.
The Center Committee voted seven to zero by roll call vote to approve the minutes of
the March and June, 2020 meetings.
Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 3, 2020 at 9 am.
Sandra Shaw mentioned the COA’s request for a free two hour Centerparking sticker
for seniors. (This issue belongs to the Parking Management Group.)
There will not be a Center Halloween event this year. It is hoped that Discovery Day
will be back next years.