2008-08-06-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OFAUGUST 6, 2008 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Hornig with members Manz, Galaitsis and Canale and planning staff Henry, Kaufman and McCall-Taylor present. Mr. Zurlo was absent. *************************HARTWELL AVENUE AREA STUDY************************** Mr. Buzz Constable from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) gave a presentation on the best practices for local streamlined expedited permitting. He stated that funding of technical support grants to communities adopting 43D was currently at $100,000 a community. Electronic permit tracking software was available but not great and expensive. Some of the best practices mentioned were to improve communication with applicants; standardize the process; figure out what local governments need to do to make the process better; link plans to the regulations; and develop flow charts and checklists for developers. The Town needs to address streamlined permitting in order to be considered for certain grants and funding. Mr. Hornig said the Board is working on plans to rejuvenate Hartwell Avenue, a major commercial area, and increase tax revenue and economic development. The current process is decidedly not streamlined. Mr. Canale said the challenge is the perception that Lexington is not development friendly. Mr. Constable said in order to be successful with the expedited permitting of 180 days there must be clear guidance as to what would be expected from the applicants and what the Town would be looking for. The Town should be able to recoup some of the increased value accruing from an increase in allowed intensity of use to pay for infrastructure improvements. Developers don’t mind impact fees as long as their financial commitment is known and determined before hand. The Town needs to be very clear as to what it required; give and take makes it less workable. Mr. Hornig said the Board has fallen into the habit of saying give us a plan and we’ll tell you what we like and dislike about the plan. How do you get to guidelines that are complete enough? Mr. Constable said to have staff discuss the plans with the applicant and then come to the Board with the issues. Mr. Galaitsis said he felt the Board gave the applicants a good list of comments/instructions regarding the plans presented. The zoning bylaws are clear and he was frequently amazed by the developers’ liberal