1965-12-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

1 i 1 Pine Crest character of the neighborhood. -3- "2. Aside from size, there remains the question of the type of*structure suitable for such permitted uses in R-1 districts. We now can see the type of structure this proponent has built. Far from conforming to the scale and style of a residential area, it greatly accentuates its institutional aspect by a facade with exaggerated vertical scale., bright floodlighting at night, and a complete lack of screening, especially on the eastern boundarylto keep it from being an obtrusive landmark. Like many com- munities in Lexington, we have tried to preserve the natural beauty of our area, but such efforts are in vain if non-residential structures of this scale are permitted to dominate the landscape. "3. We well understand the need for permitted uses such as those listed in paragraph 7.c. of Section 5 of the zoning by-laws of Lexington, but we wish also to point out the needs of the communities in which such struc- tures are permitted by your Board. The needs are to have structures which are appropriately scaled to a residential neighborhood, styled so that they are not sharply at variance with other structures in the com- mjnity, and adequately screened so that they are not visually intrusive. We feel the structure at 30 Watertown Street fails to meet these needs, and until we feel some assurance they will be met, we will oppose any petitions to enlarge it." Cataldo: We don't have any floodlights. As to street lights, there is a street up there. There are four street lights up there - same as all street lights. We have to have these for safety. There are no flood lights. Nickerson: Why raise the point of the size and structure of the build- ing? I was called by a friend of mine on the Board of Appeals of Arling- ton and they are considering a petition for a 225 -bed nursing home which is going to be built off Summer St. where there is a community athletic field, and they have a serious problem down there because the terrain goes right up into a high hill. Medicare is furthering these nursing homes and is going to be responsible for their successor other- wise.- White: ther- wise. White: I am not objecting to the size as such. Think with proper de- sign'and screening and better visual dimensions it could be. satisfactory. I have seen no effort on the part of the owner to do this. Nickerson: I am surprised to get this comment because in my several trips up there it seemd to me they have bent over backwards to make this place attractive. I know the trouble they had to get off the road, and then they had to build a road with no more than 10% grade so it made quite a circular thing - quite a bit more expensive than going straight up (To Mr. Cataldo) Have you had comments from your neighbors as to light and lack of screening? Cataldo: The only ones I talked to were on Watertown St. and I got all favorable comments. I don't know anyone in Peacock Farm. I have just spoken to people on Watertown St.