1970-02-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MEETING February 9, 1970 The meeting was called to order in the office of the Planning Board at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Lund with members Graham, Clarke and Worrell and Planning Director Zaleski present. The Board met with Messrs. Scanlon, Melbye and Hruby of the Lexington TAX TITLE LAND Housing Authority, Messrs. Gallagher and Bertini of the Recreation Com- OFF WINTHROP RD. mittee and Messrs. Brown, Sussman and Mazerall of the Conservation Commission to discuss the tax land off Winthrop Rd. Mr. Scanlon stated that the Housing Authority would use the land, if it is found to be suitable for building for 50 units. Assuming groups of 8 two-story units of 500 sq. ft. each, 600 ft. x 110 ft. would be needed, exclusive of street. Five hundred feet of street may be required. The Conservation Commission members Brown and Sussman pointed to the existing drainage problems and the water in cellars of adjacent houses. Mr. Gallagher for the Recreation Committee expressed interest in an area 200 x 200 ft. for a neighborhood playground. Mr. Sussman suggested a drainage systems approach as a pre -requisite for the determination of land uses. The question of obtaining sufficient funds for a suitability study was discussed next. Mr. Scanlon explained the requirements of preliminary soil studies which must be undertaken before any construction is permitted by the Dept. of Community Affairs. It was suggested that once the land is made available to the Housing Authority by vote of the Town Meeting, studies may be undertaken for the Housing Authority. The chairman suggested that the Authority submit within 2 weeks a letter elaborating on its require- ments, and that a similar letter be submitted by the Recreation Committee. It was also tentatively agreed that a reversion clause may be incorporated in the conveyance of this land by the Town. Lexington Housing Autbrity, Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee withdrew. Attorney Patricia Hagedorn, with representatives of the Cerel-Roberts Trust, met with the Board to discuss the proposed rezoning to CR of land between Cambridge Water Lands and Waltham line. Mrs. Hagedorn advised the Board P. HAGEDORN, ATTY that the Chief of Police recommends electronic connection to his head- HOBBS BROOK AREA quarters and would send a cruiser when needed. The Fire Chief believes PROPOSAL TO CR the proposed use, particularly with sprinkler system installed, would not be a problem and could be adequately protected through mutual assistance from Waltham. There is a possibility that the State DPW may permit direct emergency access for fire trucks from Rte. 128. The Board suggested that some comments from Waltham officials would be desirable, especially as regards traffic. Mr. Roberts commented that, as a result of previous comments by the Planning Board, they may build 2 large buildings (90,000 sq. ft. each) instead of 5 smaller ones. Mrs. Hagedorn introduced Robert Foster, civil engineer of Schofield Bros. to discuss the availability of sewer. According to Mr. Foster, the existing 12" sewer in Tracer La. in Waltham would be adequate and Messrs. Delaney, Howe and Walsh of Waltham DPW do not anticipate any problems; a pumping station may, however, be necessary on the land to be rezoned due to grade difference. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into executive EXEC. SESSION session to discuss matters which, if disclosed, could adversely affect the F. MICHELMAN financial interests of the town or the reputation of any person. Following SUBSIDIZED a discussion with Mr. Frank I. Michelman, regarding the proposed legislation HOUSING for subsidized housing, the Board voted to resume open meeting.