1933-09-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

PL"KING BOARD MEETING September 29, 1933 IA meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held on Friday evening, September 29, 1933, in the Conference Room of the Town Office Building; these membbrs being present: Messrs. Dytffy, Glynn, Milne, also Town Counsel Wrightington and Chairman Trask of the Board of Selectmen. The secretary was also in attendance. OVERNIGHT HOUSES Messrs. Trask and Wrightington were meeting with the Board for the purpose of discussing the status of overnight -houses and tea-rooms. Mr. Duffy cited the case of Mr. Edward Tyler of Maple Street, who acco- modates tourists overnight, maintains an illuminated sign advertising such accomodations, and appears to be carrying on a business that is improper in a Residence District. Mr. Wrightington stated his opinion that such business carried on as a "side -issue" in one's home is legal; but if one had no other occupation and was making an exclusive business i of entertaining tourists, it ought to be prohibited. Mr. Duffy claimed that Mr. Tyler has no other business, and hires a housekeeper. With reference to the advertising sign, Mr. Wrightington said that a court decision has established that advertising -signs and billboards are sub- ject to regulation by the Sate Department of Public Works. Mr. Trask informed the Board that whenever a matter of this sort comes before the Selectmen, the petitioner is required to take out a Victualler's License; and these licenses cannot be issued in a Res- idence District. If no meals are served, this license does not apply. It was Mr. Wrightington's opinion that the only sure method of ddoiding the legality of a matter of this sort, is to bring a case to court, be- cause, to date, there has been no decision upon it. One case would probably be sufficient, as the knowledge that a conviction could be ob- tained would deter others from undertaking or continuing the business.