HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-28-EDAC-minTown of Lexington
Economic Development Advisory Committee
July 28, 2011
Public Services Building Training Room, 201 Bedford Street
Lexington, MA
8:00am- 9:30am
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair John McWeeney, Vice Chair Narain Bhatia, Larry Smith, Bruce Embry, Sigmar
Tullmann
Present, guests- State Representative Jay Kaufman, State Senator Susan Fargo, State Senator Kenneth J.
Donnelly, Colonel Thomas Schluckebier USAF Ret. Chief Civil Engineer Hanscom
Liaison, non - voting: George Burnell (Selectmen), Peter C.J. Kelley (Selectmen), Greg Zurlo (Planning)
Staff present: Carl Valente, Aaron Henry, and Michelle Stevens Bill Hadley, Town Engineer
Meeting was called to order at 8:00am.
Discussion regarding _ infrastructure needs for continuing economic development on Hartwell Avenue:
Greg Zurlo stated the Town of Lexington recently changed the zoning requirements on Hartwell Avenue,
permitting more intensive development estimated at an additional 650,000 sf and 3,000 jobs on the
commercial corridor. Aaron Henry stated the Town has preliminarily estimated infrastructure needs for
Hartwell Avenue area to range between $26 and $30 million. In regards to necessary infrastructure
improvements, Bill Hadley said the bridge over wetlands on Hartwell Avenue does not meet current -
MassDOT weight requirements and needs approximately $300,000 in road improvements. He also said
that it is critical to have the bridge functioning. Larry Smith said it was important that a representative
from the Hanscom Air Force Base is involved in the Hartwell Avenue discussions because Hanscom is the
largest employer along this corridor and an important driver of economic development in the region.
Colonel Tom Schluckebier updated the Committee that Hanscom has experienced a reduction in staffing
but the population at Hanscom was likely to remain flat. State Representative Jay Kaufman stated
infrastructure improvements along the corridor are key to further economic development. Representative
Kaufman also stated that finding funding for the infrastructure improvements could be difficult and that
the Town should not expect Federal funding. State Senator Ken Donnelly stated some funding is available
for infrastructure improvements relating to economic development, especially in the high -tech belt.
Representative Kaufman suggested a couple of next steps, including putting together an economic
development plan for the corridor and proposed a possible meeting with Greg Balecki, Massachusetts
Secretary of Housing & Economic Develo ment. Senator Susan Faro also suggested meeting with the
128 Business Council. Finally, Carl Valente suggested meeting with the property owners on Hartwell
Avenue. John McWeeney said there was a serious vacancy concern last year on Hartwell Avenue but the
corridor has seen improvements and it is important to continue these economic development efforts.
The Committee approved Minutes from June 23, 2011.
Receive update on new zoning _ c ode: The Committee received an update from Senior Planner Aaron Henry
regarding the new zoning code. Mr. Henry stated that there is a new format that makes it more reader
friendly. But updated in conformity to recent legal decisions. Narian Bhatia stated this was a fantastic
proposed change. However, Mr. Bhatia stated he had concerns that the general public would have difficult
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understanding the document. Mr. Henry stated that he agreed and part of process is reaching out to the
community. Mr. Henry also stated there is a soft deadline of taking the zoning changes to the spring 2012
Town Meeting.
Receive update on Economic Development Director Search: Mr. Zurlo asked about the status of the
Economic Development Director search. Mr. McWeeney stated that the Town had to go through the hiring
process and that it was still scheduled for after Labor Day.
The following were not addressed at the meeting but are items for future discussion:
Discuss needed homework for BIO- Boston 2012
Review draft of Lexington Economic Development release
Meeting adjourned at 10:00am.
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