Planning Board Minutes, 1993-02-22

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( PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 22, 1993 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7 05 p.m. by Chairman Williams, with members Grant, Wood, Planning Director Bowyer, and Secretary Tap present. Mrs. Davison and Mr. Domnitz arrived during Item 20. 20. Review of Minutes The Board reviewed the minutes for the meetings of January 11, January 25 and February 1, 1993 On the motion of Mrs. Wood, seconded by Mr. Grant, it was voted 3-0 to approve the minutes, as written. The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of February 8, 1993. On the motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mrs. Wood, it was voted 3-0 to approve the minutes, as amended. Mr Domnitz will attend the Moderator's meeting about Town Meeting articles on March 24. Mrs. Battin will want to know who is presenting the articles, what kind of view graphs will be used, how long the presentation will be, etc. *********************** ARTICLES FOR 1993 TOWN MEETING *********************** 21. Article 27 Disabled Persons Mr. Grant would like the Board to consider withdrawing Article 27 in light of the reactions received at the public hearing on February 8 The Building Commissioner has said the Town is complying already and he does not anticipate many situations that would present a problem. He thought it could be handled without amending the Zoning By-Law. Mr. Bowyer pointed out that federal law would supersede anyway. Karsten Sorenson commented on possible implications of the open-ended definition of disabled in the Americans with Disabilities Act. On the motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mrs. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to withdraw the article. 22 Article 25. Jumbo Houses Mr. Domnitz asked the Board to also consider withdrawing Article 25 He believes that policy arguments should be firmly in place before presenting the article to Town Meeting and that a number of objections raised at the public hearing were valid. He believes it would be wise to wait for the build-out analysis to see how many lots would be affected. The issues of nonconforming and grandfathered lots have wide implications. The amendment needs a very firm foundation and it is not workable in its current form. He moved that the article be withdrawn. Mrs. Davison objected. Jumbo houses are being built now and it is the Planning Board's responsibility to address this problem. Neighborhoods deserve protection. Mr. Williams said that perhaps there should be differentiation based on zoning district because jumbo houses in the center of town do not overshadow neighboring buildings. However, in an area such as Woodhaven they would.