HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-17-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
March 17,2009
Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz
Staff: Gail Wagner
Guest: Dawn McKenna
Article 48- TDM agreements mandating Lexpress contribution
➢ Dawn presented a number of points that support Article 48 that she is proposing as a
citizen's initiative at Town Meeting.
➢ Selectmen when asked to respond to enforcement procedures to ensure developers
ongoing TDM compliance offered no specifics.
➢ Beal's 2008 mitigation terms exceed 2009 negotiated by the Town.
➢ Maryann McCall Taylor of the Planning Department is concerned with the Article's
legality and possible impact on proposed Article 45, Hartwell TDM Overlay District.
➢ Dawn reported that State Representative Jay Kauffman plans to introduce legislation to
establish TDM guidelines.
➢ Article 48 is based on a formula of 80 per gross square foot plus an assessed parking fee
per space valid for 50 years with annual CPI adjustments.
➢ If town budgets are being reduced, Lexpress will be required to do so through reduced
service. Town override vote to restore full Lexpress service in 2004 will not exclude
service reductions.
➢ Funds can be used to support a town wide transportation system to transport residents in
town and to connect to the regional transportation system. Funds apply to multi-route
bus, van, on-call service, and taxi vouchers.
Article 48 Concerns
➢ Dawn responded to a series of questions.
➢ What is the level of support for Article 48? Unclear as final motion has not been issued.
Dawn continues to revise. Planning Board has voted against it. According to Dawn,
Article 48 would not impact Planning Board's Hartwell Ave TDM Overlay. Article 45
and Article 48 address two distinct requirements.
➢ Since Lexpress has no service to Hartwell Ave, can developers be asked to fund? Article
states "serving town wide transportation." It is legal to contribute to transportation.
➢ Could defeat create long-term harm to Lexpress? Dawn felt debate would focus on
funding. TAC fears debate could give Lexpress detractors an opportunity to vent.
➢ If TAC is excluded from Beal negotiations, can they expect to be part of future
negotiations? Dawn reported that Patriot Partner's negotiations have commenced and
that an additional $12,000 annual payment to Lexpress has been offered. TAC has not
been consulted.
➢ Should State TDM legislation be in place prior to presenting Article 48? Towns continue
to set mitigation terms without State legislation. Article 48 supports what TAC has
advocated.
➢ Dawn would like TAC's support, but will introduce Article to Town Meeting without it.
Prepared by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Office, March 24, 2009