2004-10-26-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2004 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G -15, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Acting Chairman Harden, with members Davies, Galaitsis, Manz and planning staff McCall - Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Kastorf arrived at 7:50 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ARTICLES FOR 2005 TOWN MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** POTENTIAL ZONING AMENDMENTS - CITIZEN PETITIONS Redevelopment of the Battle Green Inn The owner of the Battle Green hin, Mr. Eric Shapiro and his development team, Ms. Gwen Noyes and Mr. Arthur Katz of Oak Tree Development and Mr. Erik Rhodin, architect, of The Line Company, Waltham and Mr. John Farrington, attorney, were present to introduce conceptual plans for reuse of the Battle Green inn in Lexington Center, Mr. Shapiro, who bought the inn in early 2001, said he has tried to make a go of the hotel use since the events of 9111, but the hospitality industry has not really recovered. He and his investors believe that they must use the property differently to remain viable. They envision demolition of the building down to the slab of the underground parking garage and the construction of a structure with 32 luxury condominium residences and increased retail space at street level. As this would require a CD rezoning, they realize that they need the support of all the major Town boards and committees in order to receive a two /thirds favorable vote by Town Meeting. Tonight they are seeking the Planning Board's input. They described the proposed mixed -use project as having number of desirable impacts embodying "smart growth" principles: potential enhancement of the central business district's vitality; anti- sprawl; residents of the condos would be pedestrian shoppers; parking for residents would be underground. Two affordable units would be provided as the public benefit. Mr. Rhodin presented plans and elevation drawings showing a three -story structure, plus a fourth story set back from the building's outer walls so it is not visible from the street. Main entry would be from Waltham Street with secondary pedestrian access from Massachusetts Avenue, an improvement to the Mass. Avenue strectscape. Each unit would have about 1,650 square feet of living space. Empty nesters and young professionals are their target market. The Planning Board indicated that the proposal has real possibilities, but unanimously advised the development team to ensure that all visual materials (which should include a 3 -D model at Town Meeting) communicate accurately how the project will actually appear in the streetscape. As for the zoning issues involved —the proposed mix of residential and commercial uses in the CBD, and the height limit of 30 feet (the proposed building would be close to 50 feet in height at the highest point)— they could be very controversial. Though the Board itself favors having residential units in the center, Oaktree's proposal is "just ahead of the wave" of planning board initiatives in this regard. Likewise, center parking is a sensitive subject which may be the subject of a 2005 zoning amendment sponsored by the Center Committee. Ms. Noyes noted that they have invited Mr. David Dixon, of Goody, Clancy, to present a slides /lecture on the new urbanism at the National Heritage Museum in November to which the community will be invited. The Board suggested that, in addition, they ask the League of Women Voters or another local group to co- sponsor the lecture, and make contact with the associations of neighborhoods adjacent to the CBD, as the CBD is their "back yard ". The more outreach the proponents do, the better. Mr. Kastorf asked them to plan on continuing to meet with the Planning Board in the time leading up to Town Meeting