HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-15-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: March 15, 2006
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz, Hank Manz,
Richard Canale, Gail Wagner
Starwood Development Proposal
The current Sheraton Hotel site located on Marrett Road at Mass Ave has been sold and new
owners hope to tear down the old building and construct two buildings in its place; one for short-
term business travelers and the other for long-term business travelers. Five persons representing
Starwood including the current manger, lawyer, corporate developer, engineer and traffic
consultant made a presentation on land development and transportation issues. Special zoning
permits are required for the proposed renovations, which necessitate a Transportation Demand
Management(TDM) plan.
Currently, the manager explained that a hotel van is used to shuttle guests and staff and will
continue under the new format. Efforts to work cooperatively with adjacent businesses
especially Cranberry Hill office building have not been productive. The one established
Lexington Transportation Management Association(TMA) emphasizes travel to and from The
MBTA Alewife station and does not fit the need of the hotel staff or guests.
The Starwood team presented Lexpress as a desirable service to the site through the extension of
Route 4. Monetary support of Lexpress was raised, but deferred to the newly formed Traffic
Mitigation Group (TMG) of which Elaine and Gail are members.
TAC will recommend to the TMG an annual contribution of$70,000, cost of running Route 4
minus fares, with an annual CPI adjustment in perpetuity. It will also be recommended that
bicycle racks be installed on site, pedestrian/bicycle access on Mass Avenue be developed, and
participation in a future TMA that may develop in the Marrett Road/Mass Ave area.
Next TAC Meeting: April 3, 8am, Town Hall, Room 111
Prepared by Gail Wagner