2005-01-05-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 2005 A meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held jointly with the Board of Selectmen in Commons II at Lexington High School was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Harden with members Davies, Galaitsis, Manz and planning staff McCall-Taylor and Tap present. Mr. Kastorf was absent due to illness. ******************* JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF SELECTMEN ********************* Selectmen's Goals Related to Planning Issues: Selectmen Chair McKenna asked for feedback from the Planning Board on the goals the Selectmen had identified for themselves in the fall of 2004. These included sidewalk policy, DPW operations facility options (renovate or build new), center parking and facility planning, FAR for commercial development, center vitality, housing in the center, traffic mitigation fund process and review accessory apartment bylaw. Sidewalk Policy: The Selectmen are in the process of forming a Sidewalk Committee. The Planning Board, referring to goals identified in its 2000 Comprehensive Plan, reiterated its support of an initiative to create a system of sidewalks to ensure safe walking routes to schools and commercial destinations. Construction of sidewalks can be specified during the permitting process for subdivision, though some abutters testify against installing them, wanting to retain a less structured neighborhood character. It was agreed that a member of the Planning Board would be included on the committee. Move or Recondition DPW Operations Building: Mrs. McKenna said that the Selectmen will decide on the land use aspects of the future of the DPW operations building—whether to remodel the building at 201 Bedford Street or to build a new facility on land at the former landfill on Hartwell Avenue—at their February 7 meeting. Background material is being put together for Board and Committees so they can offer their views on the issue. Mr. Harden responded that this seemed very sudden and that the Planning Board wants to be involved in this important issue and looks forward to seeing the information. Lexington Center: The Board expressed its support for the Selectmen and Center Committee in their recent moves toward improving the Center business district. Ms. Manz, Board liaison to the center committee, indicated to them that the Board looks forward to working on center issues. It will be challenging, as there are many groups that have different responsibilities for different accepts. The Planning Board can make zoning changes but where and for how long people can park is under the Selectmen’s control. FAR Review: Mrs. McKenna said she was under the impression that FAR was under review by the Planning Board. She would like to increase the FAR to encourage development and enhance the tax base. Mr. Harden said he could support the goal of increasing the commercial base within other planning constraints. The recent proposal for expansion of the Ledgemont property was rejected and FAR was part of the discussion. Mrs. Krieger said FAR in isolation makes no sense. Housing in the Center: The redevelopment proposal for Battle Green In will bring this issue forward. Process around TDM funds: Mr. Harden said that there was certainly a need for a better process. In the near future there is $250,000 in traffic mitigation money expected and there is a need to define the process better. Goals one through 18 and 22 are the only ones the Board of Selectmen will be pursuing. Mr. Harden said that the Planning Board would be working on accessory apartments, goal 21, as it has evolved from work with the Housing Partnership Board and Phil Herr. It will be an incremental change to the existing bylaw. Discussion with the Selectmen ended and the Planning Board recessed at 9:15 p.m. At 9:20 p.m., the meeting was reconvened in Room 164 at the high school. ************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ************* SUBDIVISION OF LAND Cutler Farm Sketch Cluster Subdivision Plan, Concord Avenue, Presentation by the Applicant: Present for this item were Mr. Martin Callahan and Mr. Tim Callahan, property owners and applicants; Mr. Gary Larson and Mr. Ti Johnson, landscape architects, Larson Associates. Mr. Larson presented locus, site