Laserfiche WebLink
November 8,2021 Special Town Meeting#1(2021-1),cont. <br /> 7:42 p.m. The Moderator stated that after the vote,a quorum in excess of 100 members(175) <br /> had been obtained. <br /> 7:44 p.m. The Moderator noted that Town Meeting would now observe a Memorial for Town <br /> Meeting Member George Burnell. <br /> Mr.Burnell had passed away on November 3d at the age of 92. George grew up in <br /> Lexington,received a degree Lexington High School and received degrees from <br /> Boston University and the University of Akron. After serving in the Air Force, <br /> George had a long,distinguished career in manufacturing and business,and a <br /> consulting career that was active until his time of passing. The Moderator noted that <br /> Mr.Burnell loved Lexington and he brought his great intelligence and kindness to a <br /> lifetime of service that included 9 years on the Appropriation Committee,6 years on <br /> the Capital Expenditures Committee,two terms as a Select Board Member and more <br /> than 40 years as Town Meeting Member and had been active until his death. The <br /> Moderator mentioned benefiting from his wise and thoughtful counsel,and that <br /> Lexington owed him a great debt for his efforts in LexMedia,speaking eloquently for <br /> senior services,or working with the Commission on Disability to address wheelchair <br /> obstacles in Town—and perhaps most notably,showing absolute advocacy for <br /> maintaining Lexington's capital assets,including the Schools,Town Buildings,and <br /> roadway infrastructure. <br /> The Moderator noted that while preparing for the Memorial,she found a quote <br /> attributed to George,which stated,"Within the common geographical location that we <br /> call Lexington,there are smaller communities that together comprise a whole. Each a <br /> fundamental part of our Town,and when woven together they become the fabric of <br /> our society—rich in color and fiber—vibrant in personality." <br /> The Moderator extended deepest sympathies to Mr.Burnell's wife,Mary,an active <br /> Town Meeting Member,and to his extended family. She thanked them for sharing <br /> him and said that he would be missed. <br /> The Moderator asked that Meeting Members observe a Moment of Silence. <br /> 7:48 p.m. The Moderator then asked Ms.Hai for a procedural motion to take up Article 15 and <br /> 16. <br /> Ms.Hai moved that Town Meeting take up Articles 15 and 16. <br /> As there were no objections,the Moderator declared Special Town Meeting#1 open <br /> under Article 15. <br /> ARTICLE 15:AMEND ZONING BYLAW OPEN SPACE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS <br /> To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to permit open space residential developments; <br /> allow increased gross floor area in multi-family housing;or act in any other manner in relation thereto. <br /> (Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board) <br /> DESCRIPTION: This article would update the Zoning Bylaw to permit open space residential <br /> developments, as defined under the state Housing Choice law as codified at Massachusetts General <br /> Laws Chapter 40A, Section IA. Open space residential developments would be subject to limits on <br /> gross floor area and require the preservation of open land in its natural state and the provision of <br /> affordable dwelling units. This amendment to the Zoning Bylaw would also provide incentives to <br /> preserve historic buildings and require site plan review by the Planning Board. <br />