2004-12-15-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Meeting of December 15, 2004 2 Mr. Richard Canale, 29 Shade Street — Based on his experience as the town's MAPC representative he felt that the proposal was in line with Smart Growth principles but needs to be part of a vision for the Center. Mixed use is being embraced in many municipalities. Defeat of this proposal would set an unfortunate precedent for future change in the center. Mr. Arthur Katz, 18 Barberry — Mixed use is the way to go and we should find a way to keep mixed use alive. Board members reiterated their concern about the height and massing of the building. They thanked the proponents for their flexibility thus far and urged them to move ahead in the same spirit. * * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * ** SUBDWISION OF LAND Piper Rid Cluster Sketch Subdivision Plans Homes Development Co oration Joseph Marino: Attending to present plans for a Local Initiative Program proposal for affordable housing units on land in south Lexington bounded by Waltham Street, Piper Road and Route 2, were Mr. John Esserian and Mr. Joseph Marino of Homes Development Corporation, of Burlington. The Selectmen had asked the Planning Board to evaluate the proposal using its permitting process and to advise the Selectmen as to its appropriateness and worth to the town. The proposal shows eight dwelling units in three buildings: two attached single - family dwellings, and a four -unit townhouse. The developer has had a meeting with abutters and other community members, including the Housing Partnership Board. Soil tests showed adequate percolation for a septic system. The Selectmen expressed their strong preference for connecting the units to town sewer, 650 feet away in Waltham Street, but this would necessitate blasting, which Mr. Esserian would like to avoid. The units would be right for a variety of household sizes and six would be priced at about $600,000. Two would be affordable. Board member comments had to do with highway noise levels, the inadequate roadway turnaround, the potential for personal health and traffic safety issues, and the effects of any blasting work. They saw the number of units as creating serious site layout problems and asked the developer to consider fewer. Homes attainable to first -time buyers would be an important public benefit. A sewer connection is most desirable. Mr. Kastorf summarized a letter from LexHAB chair Marshall Derby expressing the Housing Assistance Board's reaction to the proposal, saying that it did not find the offer of two affordable ownership units to be outstandingly generous, preferring rental in perpetuity and that a development of this size should not be on a septic system. Mr. Robert Lusier, 1 Piper Road, expressed his strong opposition to the plan, especially the potential for blasting damage. He fears that he would lose his artesian well and that his home's foundation would be cracked. Mr. Richard Canale, Shade Street, suggested getting an independent review of noise measurements as a health precaution. A majority of the Board agreed that the applicant could move to the preliminary plan stage, as more details about the sewer system, roadway design and noise abatement measures would be included.