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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-11-EDAC-min Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Committee February 11, 2011 Legion Room, Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 8:00am-9:30am MINUTES Present: Chair John McWeeney, Vice Chair Narain Bhatia, Frederick DeAngelis, Jerold Michelson, David Pronchick, Lawrence Smith, Greg Zurlo (Planning), Charles Hornig (Planning) Staff: Aaron Henry, Brianna Olson, Carl Valente, Susan Yanofsky Meeting was called to order at 8:06am Updates were provided on the activity on Hartwell Avenue by Charles Hornig. 12-18 Hartwell Avenue was before the Planning Board on February 10, for the second hearing on their application. The hearing was continued. C. Hornig reported that some members do not like the strip mall and that the applicant has eliminated the office portion of the project. The Planning Board has two items on the Warrant removing the “renovation” language around the traffic bylaw and rezoning the residential parcel on Hartwell Avenue. The applicants to the TMOD are presently using the 128 Business Council memberships as their transportation management association. A. Henry provided an update on the zoning re-codification and reminded the committee that this initial scope is narrow; the scope will reformat our zoning and bring the language up to current legal standards. Larry Smith provided an update on Hanscom AFB. The base is reorienting the awarding of contracts. They are going to be controlled by small businesses rather than the large firms that have the current advisory/procurement contracts. L. Smith added that with this policy we may see more multi-tenant buildings on Hartwell. D. Pronchick stated that with the move of the Air Force Research Lab completed by the end of September there will be approximately 30 buildings vacant on base. Again, it was suggested that we look at where we are on the promised improvement in the BRAC. C. Valente briefly described the Town’s RFP process for allowing an anaerobic digestion at the compost facility on Hartwell. There were questions as to the truck traffic, smells and any potential tax revenue. S. Yanofsky asked the members advice on creating a expedited permit program for Hartwell development projects which are in harmony with Town goals, such as sustainable building. R. DeAngelis stated that a policy is a great thing but bringing all the heads together and getting that commitment is vital. R. DeAngelis also stressed the importance of “perception” and a spirit of cooperation. C. Valente stated that there are road blocks and competing interests. For example in roadway design, fire and conservation have different approaches. N. Bhatia stated that it would be useful create a fast track. G. Zurlo asked whether the Development Review Team doesn’t affect the process. C. Valente stated that it does not because the boards are independent. R. DeAngelis stated that it would be very helpful to have permanent agenda item whereby Town staff, such as the building commissioner, come to our meetings. Meeting adjourned at 9:30am Next meeting will be March 14 at 8am. C:\Documents and Settings\dhooper\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK102\Minutes 2-11-11.doc