HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-12-EDAC-min
Town of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
May 12, 2011
Legion Room, Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA
8:00am-9:30am
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair: John McWeeney, Vice Chair: Narain Bhatia, David Pronchick, Lawrence Smith, Sigmar Tullmann and Joe
Zink, George Burnell (Selectmen), Peter C.J. Kelley (Selectmen), Greg Zurlo (Planning), Bruce Embry
Staff present: Maryann McCall-Taylor, Carl Valente and Susan Yanofsky
8:15am meeting called to order. Members engaged in a discussion of the EDAC goals for the coming
years. J. McWeeney suggested that we should publicize that things have changed and what our permitting
process is. J. McWeeney suggested that we look at areas where we might be able to get more revenue and
development such as the landfill. P. Kelley stated that the landfill is on a good track in evaluating the
potential for an anaerobic compost-energy facility. J. McWeeney suggested that the Town look at broader
uses for that property and evaluate what would be a desirable use for the area. L. Smith said this
(anaerobic facility) is not going to help the tenants.
J. McWeeney suggested we look at the relationship with the airbase and the contribution they might be
able to make and he suggested that the EDAC become a “watchdog” on permitting. Smith suggested the
EDAC look for specific big projects and considers partnerships with some tenants. L. Smith stated that the
town will need half a million in space in order not to back fill. J. Zink noted that larger projects allow you
to leverage the state monies. N. Bhatia suggested we look at ways to attract smaller companies.
The discussions lead to the following suggested goals:
Identify larger commercial sites that have the capacity for growth
o
Look at permitting transparency and consider an expedited permitting process for bio-tech
o
businesses
Communicate with the Hanscom AFB
o
Communicate with the townspeople the successes, and economic development programs
o
Communicate internally within the Town functions about economic development
o
The meeting adjourned at 9:30am.
Respectively submitted by Susan Yanofsky
C:\Documents and Settings\dhooper\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK102\Minutes 5-12-11.doc