2005-01-26-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 26, 200 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Estabrook Hall, Cary Hall, was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Chairman Kastorf with members Davies, Galaitsis, Harden, Manz and planning staff McCall-Taylor and Tap present. The Board acknowledged Ms. McCall-Taylor appointment as Planning Director and expressed their pleasure that she was chosen. The support of Acting Town Manager Linda Crew Vine and Kerry Evans in the Manager's office throughout the recruitment process was also acknowledged. ************************************* MINUTES ************************************** Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of December 15, 2004. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes as amended. There was some discussion relative to using the term 'attainable' to describe affordable and moderate- priced housing in the minutes just approved, and in discussions around Lexington's housing needs. The Board asked staff to put the subject on a future agenda for further discussion. Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes for the Executive Session of December 15, 2004. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes as written. ************************ ARTICLES FOR 2005 TOWN MEETING ************************ Article 4, Battle Green Inn Rezoning, Eric Shapiro: The development team for the proposed rezoning of the Battle Green Inn property were present, as follows: Mr. Eric Shapiro, owner of the Inn; Mr. John Farrington, attorney; Mr. Arthur Klipfel and Ms. Gwen Noyes, of Oaktree Development; and Mr. Erik Rhodin, Architect, of the Line Company. They came to show the Board some updates to the plans that they submitted on December 28 when the Town Meeting Warrant closed. Mr. Shapiro listed the changes to the plans: reformatted elevation drawings for more clarity; Vinebrook Road was added to the traffic study factors; the potential number of school-age children in the proposed development is 14, using AvalonBay Communities, Inc.'s methodology; they will reduce the amount of retail space from the current 6,500 square feet in order to allow more parking spaces for residents of the condominiums, and the square footage to be used for a library/reading room for the residents; the building's size was reduced and the structure moved back from the property lines; the range of unit sizes was widened and the fourth floor set back so it is not visible from the street. The project remains revenue neutral to the town. He expressed the team's commitment to the Center Committee's program to improve connectivity in the central business district. He asked for timely feedback from the Board on the issue of affordable units. As the traffic consultant was not able to attend tonight, Mr. Shapiro read a summary of his traffic study. He also reported that the Historical Commission expressed no desire to save the Inn building. Board Comments and Questions : Financial Impact Report: Mr. Kastorf said that they used AvalonBay's methodology, which is familiar to Town Meeting, so no one would argue over the methodology . The Board wants to see a chart with the information in tabular form. Mr. Shapiro agreed to email a chart to the Board. When asked, he responded that whichever methodology was used, it still shows a positive tax revenue. Mr. Galaitsis asked if this was a net gain and Mr. Shapiro said yes. Potential Redevelopment of Abutting Properties: Mr. Galaitsis expressed his concern about the potential redevelopment of abutting properties, particularly zero-lot line zoning in the center and fire safety issues. He indicated that he could not support the proposal in its present form. Mr. Farrington pointed out that Cohoes would not be facing a CB district property and could not build to its lot line. Mrs. Manz