HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-18-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2004
The 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 Chairman Kastorf with members Davies, Galaitsis,
Manz and planning staff Garber, McCall - Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Harden was absent. Lexington
Center Committee member Howard Levin arrived at 7:55 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** TRAFFIC MITIGATION IMPLEMENTATION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Intersection of Marrett /Sprin /Bridge(MSB) Strategy The Board reviewed a draft memo to the Board of
Selectmen relative to traffic mitigation funds. Patriot Partners contributed $100,000 to the Town for
mitigation measures at intersections impacted by Lexington Technology Park on Spring Street. The
money could be used toward improvements at the intersection of Marrett Road, Spring Street and Bridge
Street, which has long been a difficult traffic point. But an additional $200,000 would be needed to solve
problems there and agreement would have to be reached by all of the stakeholders.
It was noted that past traffic mitigations at various intersections were not all implemented due to lack of
consensus, practical difficulties and the like. The funds were used for police officers and some traffic
island construction. Who controls the mitigation funds is not clear and the Board expressed a reluctance
to push for traffic mitigation if the Town does not have the capacity to implement improvements. Mr.
Kastorf indicated that the group should go to the Board of Selectmen to request expenditure of these
funds and at the same time inform the Selectmen that the Planning Board is reluctant to negotiate future
transportation mitigations if the town cannot do better with implementation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** LEXINGTON CENTER INITIATIVE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Mr. Howard Levin was the only member of the Lexington Center Committee {LCC) to attend what was
supposed to have been a joint meeting, so the Board postponed the full downtown agenda. Mr. Levin
briefly addressed the Board on the latest LCC priorities.
1) Board and LCC need to reach agreement on downtown standards: lighting, signs, materials,
sidewalks and the like.
2) Pursue the position that the Town and its department of public works will adhere to guidelines
3) Agree on some easily achieved actions to improve connectivity, such as enforcing lighting in
back lots and definition of walkways.
4) Business recruitment/business retention
5) Other initiatives involve removing pedestrian and vehicular access barriers. Much of this is
private property, but not all.
Mr. Davies suggested involving the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Mr. Kastorf requested staff to send a
notice to the LCC urging them to read the packet material and to find a convenient date in September on
which to meet.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** REGIONAL, INTERTOWN ISSUES * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Middlesex County Hospital Land Disposition Mr. Garber reported that DCAM seems to have decided to
move more quickly on the marketing of Parcel I of the Middlesex County Hospital property than earlier
indicated to town officials. He said that he and Selectman Krieger would meet later in the weeks with
DCAM and try to win some concessions in the process.
Minutes for the Meeting of August 18, 2004
REPORTS
Planning Director's Resignation Mr. Kastorf remarked on Mr. Garber's resignation as Planning Director,
effective September 17, 2004.
Affordable Housing Support Mr. Garber summarized the staffs recent efforts in support of the Housing
Partnership, the HOME consortium and the Zoning subcommittee.
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
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Wendy Manz; Clerk i