2015-05-14-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

BOA Meeting May 14, 2015 10 Gary Larson presented to the Board a blown-up handout of the plans they submitted with the application as Attorney Farrington described the 3 requests. Mr. Larson then explained the details of the 1988 plans and the proposed new plans for the parking. The chairperson asked for clarification of boxes shown on the plans. Mr. Larson explained they are dumpsters. Attorney Farrington explained the requested modification of the service department service hours. The Chairwoman asked for the status of the landscaping condition from the Zoning Board of Appeals decision from last November which has not been completed. Mr. Larson explained there had been some confusion as to what was to be included in the planting and what was not. It has been rectified and they now have a contract in place with a landscaper but due to the bad winter the landscaper is about a month behind on finishing. They should be done by end of June or mid-July. The Chairwoman asked if the town has a copy of the MBTA lease contract on file. The Zoning Administrator, David George, told the chairwoman we have a copy on file from previous filings. The Chairman requested that they discuss each of the three requests separately. 1) Regarding the parking plan: A Board member stated it was not clear to her when people come for service what parking spaces they use. Mr. Larson explained the majority of the parking spaces when you come into the parking lot to the left of the building are for customers. The Board member also had a comment regarding the chain link fence along the bike park needs to be fixed and cleaned up. George Gray, owner of the property, said the fence was put up to help the sound; he wasn’t aware it was in bad shape. They will take a look at the fence from the bike path side and repair whatever needs to be done. A Board member commented that there is a residential neighborhood on the other side of the bike path that is also affected by the parking. (Correct) He also questioned the Zoning of the area. The MBTA area is in a residential zone, does the law allow you to bypass the zoning and have a commercial zone without Town Meeting approval. Attorney Harrington said they have gone through this with the town’s legal counsel; the state is allowed to bypass zoning and have commercial zoning in a residential zone. The Planning Board has been going through Lexington and rezoning areas. Attorney Farrington expects that this particular piece of property will be rezoned commercial.