Planning Board minutes 1989-10-23

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Minutes for the Meeting of October 23, 1989 3 The Board agreed to consider later whether they will wish to testify or make recommendations for adjustments to the new regulations at the November 16, 1989 public hearing in Boston. ********************* 1990 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ******************************* 260. Planning Board Sponsored Articles for 1990 Town Meeting: Mrs. Wood reported that she talked to Carla Fortmann about an ad hoc group that is meeting to work for a revision to the Sign Section of the Zoning By-Law allowing banners or wind actuated signs for advertising. She noted that, at this time, they are not allowed, even with a special permit. Mrs. Wood added the group will ask to meet with the Board within the next month, and she suggested they contact the Design Advisory Committee, who have been studying the section in the Zoning By-Law dealing with signs. The Board also discussed whether there would be any recommendations on signage in the Dixon Report. Other articles considered and discussed by the Board, were the usual technical corrections article and tightening up the parking regulations for institution- al uses. Mr. Williams suggested there be standards and regulations covering "Bed and Breakfast" establishments since they are not permitted, yet exist in town. There is nothing in the Zoning By-Law or any other Town regulations governing them. All members agreed they should be allowed to exist legally, ' ) by special permit, and should be licensed. Mrs. Uhrig and Mr. Williams agreed to begin work on preparation of legislation to accomplish this. Mr. Williams suggested operators of bed and breakfast establishments be invited to participate in the preparation. Mr. Bowyer said he will request the APA Ordinance Search Service send examples of how other communities have handled bed & breakfast operations. 261. Proposed Revisions to Lighting Provisions of the Zoning By-Law: Residents Myla Kabat-Zinn and Peter Kovner joined the Board for a discussion of to deal with what they see as lighting problems in town. Mrs. Wood read a letter from Elaine Adler, 3 Sunny Knoll Terrace, complaining of the "bright, ugly and invasive" sodium vapor lighting in the Department of Public Works Yard, across Bedford Street from their residence. She added she hoped the Town will agree to put a halt to the "further oranging" of Lex- ington, and that if the DPW yard lights and other sodium vapor lights were changed back to regular lighting, that provide security, are more pleasing and less glaring, all would be better off. Mrs. Wood also read a letter from Mrs. Joy Buchfirer, president of the South Lexington Civic Association, who reported that the association voted unani- mously to support the resolution proposed by the East Lexington Community Association, previously sent to the Selectmen, regarding the use of flood lights on businesses, schools, parking lots and driveways. Ms. Kabat-Zinn hoped they could discuss steps that could be taken short of proposing by-law revisions that would make lighting regulations more access- able, understandable and enforceable. Mr. Kovner spoke on the brightness of both street lights and security light-