HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-24-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
April 24,2009
Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz
Liaison: Hank Manz (Selectmen)
Staff: Gail Wagner
Guest: Dawn McKenna
Article 2 Report
➢ Sara provided a draft of a Power Point presentation and corresponding narrative
➢ Wording and graphics discussed. Edits to be sent to Sara by end of business 4/24.
Article 48 TDM Lexpress Contributions
➢ Pros and Cons were discussed.
➢ Pros: positive source of funding, non-tax levy funding; TAC goal to limit tax levy
dependence; establishes stream of revenue.
➢ Cons: assessment not tied to impact of proposed development; each development
must be looked at as a separate entity; obligates Town to provide transportation
assistance, creates new obligation; 50 years too long a period if annual payment
selected; addresses only one of TAC's three TDM principles; could limit TDM
negotiations between Town and developers; legal review of this funding could
jeopardize current TDM agreements as happened with Lexpress and parking
meter funding; Town Meeting is facing multiple TDM issues this year which puts
Article 48 at a disadvantage, posturing Lexpress as a stand alone issue.
Dawn's Response to Article 48 Discussion
➢ Article 48 has focused attention on TDM obligations of developers; substantive
facts not fears should dictate support; State is to explore legalizing development
negotiations; Town Counsel has said Article 48 is legal; 50 years length is short
compared to perpetuity or length of special zoning permits; Planning Board would
not commit to a designated% for Lexpress under TDM when asked by Dawn to
explore level of support; Lexpress budget battles will be harder in the future
without Article 48.
TAC's Vote
➢ Of the 4 voting members present, 3 voted against Article 48 and 1 supported it.
The pro vote illustrated the pull to support Article 48. While supporting the
concept of securing non-tax levying funding, the method is not supported for the
concerns listed above under Cons.
➢ Gratitude to Dawn for championing the effort was expressed. The conflict in
coming to a decision was emphasized.
Article Patriot Partner Re-zoning
➢ Carl Valente would like to meet with TAC to discuss Patriot Partners' TDM
proposal. This meeting will take place April 28, 5pm, Room 1111
Prepared by Gail Wagner, Transportation Services Office, April 27, 2009.
Next TAC meeting April 28, 5 pm, Room 111.