Planning Board Minutes, 1999-08-12

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 1999 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room 111,Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Davies with members Colman, Galaitsis, Merrill,Planning Director Bowyer, and Assistant Planner Garber present. Ms. Bridge-Denzak was absent. ************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ************* SUBDIVISION OF LAND 121 Old Spring Street 7 4.5 Subdivision.Ronald Lopez.Release of Surety Mr Garber reported that he received a memorandum from the Engineering Division dated July 30, 1999 indicating that the improvements to Old Spring Street are acceptable to them and comply with town standards. After a brief discussion, on the motion of Mr. Galaitsis, seconded by Mr. Colman,the Board voted unanimously, 4-0,to: 1 Release the applicant/developer from and remove the covenant encumbering the land at the Old Spring Street subdivision; and 2. Release passbook#2201005881, in the amount of$8855,plus interest, and return to Ronald Lopez of North Shore Construction Company,Medford, MA. 122. Connersmvth Way Harry Wight.Request to Install Fencing: Mr Garber reported that Harry Wight, developer of the Coppersmyth Way cluster subdivision on Marrett Road,has requested a minor field change in the form of adding a three-foot high ornate wooden fence along the front property line.After a brief discussion,the Board agreed to authorize the staff to approve the field change. *************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT ************************** 123 Recent Activity a. Met. State Hospital Reuse Committee: Mr Bowyer reported that there will be a tri-community task force meeting on Thursday,August 26. The reuse process has been declared at an impasse due to the Trapelo Road access issue. b. Citizen Planner Training Collaborative.Historic Preservation Incentives: Mr Bowyer reported on his participation on panels at a recent CPTC session. ************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ************* 124. Old Smith Farm Cluster Subdivision. 160/170 Wood Street.James Gaklis. Continuance of Public Hearing: Mr Davies opened the hearing at approximately 8:00 p.m.Messrs. Davies, Colman, Galaitsis and Merrill were present. Ms. Bridge-Denzak was absent. Mr James Gaklis represented the development team.Mr Davies complimented the applicant's team on a highly responsive submission.Mr. Gaklis reiterated that die extensive discussions with the planning staff and Conservation Commission made it clear that the frequently debated alternative of filling the Isolated Land Subject To Flooding--the old irrigation pond--and redesigning cluster'A'was simply not feasible and that the stormwater could not be accommodated without use of the area occupied by the required access easement. This constraint dictated that the design for cluster'A'would remain as submitted. He also clarified that the public benefit would be for the two affordable housing units,the one going to LexHAB and the one attached to it on Lots 14 and 15 (as per his August 10, 1999 letter to the Board), and that the anticipated sales price was currently estimated at under$275,000. Mr. Gaklis went on to state that he would continue to work with the Lexington Historical Commission on the restoration of the Schumacher Barn and that he would place conservation restrictions on the open space on the site. Marshall Derby, chair of LexHAB, asked for a number of clarifications on the affordable housing benefit. Mr. Gaklis replied that the units would have 1297 SF of living area each and that they would be two