2008-01-30-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of January 30, 2008 Mr. Todd Cataldo, developer, asked if there was an effective date on this? Mr. Hornig said the Board did not discuss a date yet. Mr. Cataldo said an offshoot of this would be people putting their houses lower in the water table and affecting the hydrology of the neighborhood. The four corners of the lot was instituted for lots flat at the street and then sloped, allowing houses to have a positive pitch and not be built in holes. The enforcement of this was only started in the last year and we are seeing lower houses. Ms. Jeanne Zerhoffer, who spoke on behalf of her parents Mr. & Mrs. Derban who could not attend, asked what is the purpose of the height restriction and what general service to the public does it offer? Mr. Hornig responded that it would help to control the impacts of construction on neighborhoods. Ms. Zerhoffer said the only thing it affects is the value of the potential teardowns. Mr. Ed Cain, a builder from Bedford who builds in town, asked about a phase-in date and is opposed to the changes. He said it limits the flexibility, which allows builders to do a good job. It will limit the ability to fix water problems. There will be unintended changes such as larger footprints since they would lose a whole story. Mr. Canale, Planning Board Member, said he wished to make a statement. He may be developing his own land and had recused himself from the discussion of the Special Permit Residential Development discussion but had thought this article would not be a problem, but is now recusing himself from the consideration of this article. Ms. Karen Addelson, 16 Winchester Drive, said this would limit what landowners can do with their land and lower the value of the land. Who would pay the landowners for their losses? Mr. Patrick Mehr, 31 Woodcliffe Road, asked how are the measurements made? Look at 11 Marlboro Road. Mr. Canale, Shade Street, said he is speaking as a resident and he felt 35 feet is more then generous. Ms. Edith Sandy, 353 N. Emerson Road, said she heard about the loss of property values if you can’t do 40 feet in height, yet there are neighbors who lose the enjoyment of their properties when they lose their views. Mr. Bill Herring, 20 Ward Street, said there was a recent change and questioned why is it not enforced.