2019-06-13-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room June 13, 2019 Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford Jeanne K. Krieger, Martha C. Wood, David G. Williams, and Norman P. Cohen Alternate Sitting: William P. Kennedy Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey, Administrative Clerk Address: 62 Farmcrest Avenue The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) sections 135-9.4 and 135-6.7.7 to allow an accessory structure apartment. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and justification, plans, plot plan, and elevations. Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning Administrator and Engineering Department. Presenter: William Cates and Heather Hartshorn The hearing opened at 7:00 PM Ms. Hartshorn stated they have improved their plan. In the previous meeting the concerns fell into three areas: parking, short term rental, and screening for neighbors. The apartment is to house generations for family and the intention is not for short term rentals. The backup plan until her parents are ready to move in would be renters with a one year lease for people who cannot afford to live in town. The apartment will be pre-fabricated in Maine to make the least amount of disruption in the neighborhood. The new design accommodates three cars in the driveway and they added additional screening to the closest neighbor. They also moved the apartment so it is further away from the closest neighbor. It will have a mini-split HVAC unit. The location of the air conditioner was discussed. A Board Member, Martha C. Wood, asked about windows and doors on the basement level (Ms. Hartshorn responded they would like a French door on that level to move things in and out). Ms. Wood asked if they have shown this new plan to the neighbors (Ms. Hartshorn responded yes). A Board Member, David G. Williams, voiced his concern for the parking situation (Mr. Cates responded that they do have space for three cars. They did draw up alternative plans for side by side parking but it did not appeal to them).