Planning Board minutes 1989-10-02

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Minutes for the Meeting of October 2, 1989 3 fl Middlesex Mall, 675 Lowell Street. 26 Vinebrook Road, Janis Gogan, SP, to add a second floor bedroom over the nonconforming portion of a garage of a single family dwelling. 36 Colony Road, James & Judith McDevitt, variance, from the side yard setback to add a family room and study. At 8:02 p.m. , Mrs. Wood recessed the meeting so the Board could join the Selectmen in their meeting room to hear an interim report on recommendations for re-use of the 68-acre Middlesex County Hospital parcel on the Lexington- Waltham line. 242. Middlesex County Hospital Land Use Report: Selectman Leo McSweeney, a member of the Middlesex County Land Use Advisory Committee, introduced Paul McGinley of McGinley, Hart & Associates, who described their study of develop- ment options for the parcel. He gave a slide presentation showing the general area along Trapelo Road, including a site analysis of the parcels in both municipalities. He added they were looking for ideas and information from the audience. Carol Bratley, real estate and marketing consultant, described market condi- 1 tions and presented an overview of the demographics in the region around the site. She thought the parcel did not appear to be suitable for industrial use, J but had some potential for office use, although the site lacked the good access and visibility found in the Route 128 office developments. She said the best possibility appeared to be for development of some sort of housing. She added that the report should be completed in approximately three months. In response to questions, Mr. McSweeney said private sector uses were under the control of the County Commissioners, and thus far, only leased uses were permitted. He also said it was very difficult to remove land from the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission or Recreation Department, but it could be done. Marian Reilly, 25 Walnut Street, noted the area needed more affordable housing and hoped the County Commissioners would keep this in mind. Joy Buchfirer, president of the South Lexington Civic Association, asked that they be kept informed of future events relating to the Hospital land. Mr. McGinley said the next step in the process would be to hold a similar meeting for Waltham officials and residents, and then begin formulation of recommendations on various options. He added they would be glad to meet with any interested groups, for further discussion. At 9:30 p.m. , Mrs. Wood reconvened the Planning Board meeting in Room G-15, Town Office Building, with all members present. ************************ COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING **************************** 243. David Dixon Report. Town Center: The Board reviewed a preliminary "working draft" of recommendations for improvement of the public environment in Lexington's commercial areas, prepared by David Dixon & Associates, who