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.
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