2004-07-28-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JULY 28, 2004 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Acting Chairman Harden with members Davies, Galaitsis, Manz and planning staff Garber, McCall- Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Kastorf joined the meeting at 9:10 p.m. for the executive session. He recused himself at 9:45 when the Hazel Road public hearing was reconvened, as he is an abutter to the development. * * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * ** SUBDIVISION OF LAND Olde Smith Farm Cluster Subdivision Request by Homeowner to Add Dormers to Dwelling: Mr. Mark Siemiesz of Stabile Home Remodeling, Inc. was present to ask the Board to approve a request to add dormers to Unit 4 at 10 Smith Farm Lane, Olde Smith Farm cluster subdivision. His client would like to make the space above the garage more livable. He explained that while the living area in this unit exceeds the limit on living area spelled out in the subdivision special permit, the development as a whole contains slightly less living area than the special permit allowed. Mr. Galaitsis stated his firm opposition, saying that allowing the dormers would set a very undesirable precedent. The square feet of living area would exceed the limit defined in the Board's decision on the subject unit and the value of the dwelling would increase making it less affordable, affordability being one of the intended benefits of the cluster provisions. Mr. Harden agreed that the precedent would be unfortunate. Mr. Harden indicated to Mr. Siemiesz that at least four planning board members must vote to approve a change to a special permit and it appears that not four members are in favor of his request. Mr. Siemiesz asked the Board to table his request and thanked the Board for their time. Hazel Road Definitive Special Residential Development Plan Mr. Ronald Lopez, PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Harden opened the public hearing on Mr. Lopez's definitive subdivision plan for land on Hazel Road at 7:55 p.m. Present were Mr. Lopez, the applicant; Mr. Harrington, his attorney; Mr. Dryden and Mr. James of Meridian Engineering; Mrs. Sharkey, owner of part of the property to be developed, and her attorney Mr. Brian McMahon; and Ms. Weiss, another owner of the property involved. (Mr. Kastorf was not present, as he had recused himself from deliberations on this project.) Mr. Harrington briefly identified key aspects of the Hazel Road Definitive Plan, dated May 26, 2004, which is the subject of tonight's public hearing. He indicated that it addresses Board concerns voiced at the preliminary stage. The submission includes attorney Wheeler's opinion letter, dated - - -, showing that Mr. Lopez would have the rights to incorporate the land shown as the paper street right of way into the development tract. He also informed the board that a title insurance company was willing to give insurance for the development. One of the dwelling units will be deeded to the Town for a moderate - income family, with an estimated value of $400,000. Mr. Dryden presented a subdivision plan with six structures containing nine dwelling units three duplexes and three single - family houses —on the 3.7 -acre site, which comprises five combined parcels. He pointed out that this would be only a net increase of seven units or four structures as there are two structures on the property that will be demolished. The plan showed: – the proposed structures result in 10 percent less impervious surface than in the previous plan --- the limit -of -work boundary more tightly drawn by 40 feet – a turnaround 80 feet in diameter at the end of Hazel Road – a road and drive with an overall length of 500 feet (a maximum of four feet of fill would be used to mitigate the grade of the road). Assistant Town Engineer Carbonneau had no comment on the