Planning Board Minutes, 1991-03-11

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1991 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7 30 by the Clerk Mr Williams, with members Domnitz, Grant, Davison, Planning Director Bowyer, and Acting Assistant Planner Marino present. Mrs. Wood was absent. 61. Article 31 Parking Factors Members of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the Lexington Center Committee, and other interested parties and citizens were present to discuss the proposed parking amendments. Mr. Williams summarized each of the 4 sections of the proposed amendment Those present then had the opportunity to question, comment, and discuss the proposed amendments Section A Mr. Domnitz stated that this amendment is based on the assumption that the number of barber shops and hairdressers in town have stabilized and the Board does not expect a significant number of new establishments. In response to a question from Selectmen, Leo McSweeney, Mr Domnitz stated that he did not think the amendment would prohibit an existing shop from relocating in town. Sections B and C Sections B and C were discussed simultaneously. The majority of the discussion focussed on the so-called "substitution provision" of the Zoning By-Law In cases where there is not sufficient off-street parking, uses that have a lower parking requirement cannot be replaced by those uses that have a higher parking requirement. The Board explained that until 1984 there were no off-street parking provisions for the CB district. In general, the parking standards for the CB district are less stringent than for other districts. The proposed Section B will change the By-Law so the same number of parking spaces are required for restaurants and fast-food establishments The proposed amendment will also change the method by which the number of parking spaces is calculated -- from counter space and employees -- to floor area and seats. The Board explained that existing uses are grandfathered, new uses would need to comply with the Zoning By-Law, and the proposed amendment would remove the difficulties in administering the existing parking factors. Mr Grant stated that he felt that this amendment would remove some of the flexibility inherent in the current method of calculating the number of parking spaces. In response to comments from Josephine Williams, from The Food Emporium, and Louis Bongiorno, from Craft Cleaners, the Board said it would be sure that the Building Commissioner is informed that the underground parking garage in the Salter Building at 1709-1727 Mass Ave , is now being leased in a way incon- sistent with the Lexington Zoning By-Law Bob Domnitz explained the off-street parking policy adopted by the Town in 1984. The responsibility for providing any additional parking spaces in the center, attributable to new growth, would have to be accepted by the business