HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-27-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
January 27,2009
Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Danny Moraff, Francine Stieglitz,
Staff: Gail Wagner.
Liaison: Richard Canale
Guest: Dawn McKenna
Planning Board Warrant Article creating Traffic Mitigation Overlay (TMO) District
➢ Support of public transit is stated, but does not address contributions to Lexpress. The
legality of support of public transit through this mechanism is unknown. State Attorney
General staff must approve document.
➢ Article 11 and 12 are referenced, but not the town's exiting TDM bylaw.
➢ It is unclear if overlay area includes adjacent neighborhoods impacted.
➢ Town Meting will be asked to vote on the skeleton of a TMO policy. It was likened to
the Town Meeting vote last year giving authorization for the Planning Board to develop a
subdivision policy.
Citizen Warrant Article requiring Lexpress TDM Contributions
➢ Dawn McKenna is sponsoring this article. As a Selectmen, Ms. McKenna was very
supportive of Lexpress. An added incentive is her mother in law, a Lexington resident
who does not drive. Prior to restructuring of Route 4, this relative was a Lexpress rider.
Warrant Article filing documents were signed exclusively by members of the McKenna
family.
➢ Lexington has supported Lexpress as seen in the 2004 override vote to restore service
after the failed override of 2003 which eliminated Lexpress from tax levy revenue.
➢ Despite support, a stable funding mechanism is not in place making Lexpress vulnerable
in each budget cycle. This is an attempt to codify financial support from developers that
increase traffic.
➢ Issue to be clarified: the basis of a fair payment formula(trip generation, floor area ratio,
percentage of mitigation money, etc).
➢ TDM contributions have increased significantly in recent years though annual corporate
contributions established through the Zoning Appeal process. The FY10 Lexpress budget
reflects $72,000 in TDM funds.
➢ Ms. McKenna is conducting research as she develops a Warrant Article draft and will
seek TAC input.
➢ Lexpress funding Article is seen as a supplement to Planning Board's TMO Article and
not as a conflict. It serves as a compliment.
➢ Richard Canale, Planning Board member, encouraged Ms. McKenna in her efforts. He
expressed the importance of a public dialogue as to TDM legality and adequate public
funding of public transit.
Transportation Planning Principles
➢ Richard Canale is concerned that town actions in terms of transportation issues are pro
automobiles at the expense of other travel modes. Example: pedestrian crossing cycles
proposed for the traffic signal at Marrett Road at Spring Street exceeds MA Highway
recommended standards.
➢ Richard developed a list of principles and asked for TAC's input.
Prepared by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Office, February 9.
Next meeting, February 18, 2009.